Gov Calls Bears' Stadium Project 'Non-Starter' For IL: Spokesperson

CHICAGO — One week after announcing their plans to build a $4.6 publically owned stadium project near the current site of Soldier Field, representatives from the Chicago Bears met Wednesday with aides from Governor JB Pritzker's office.

"We had a productive conversation with the Governor's office," the Bears said in a statement. "We share a commitment to protecting the taxpayers of Illinois and look forward to further discussions."

Echoing statements made by Pritzker last week regarding the project, a spokesperson tells Patch the current proposal from the Bears needs some work before the Governor even considers signing off on it.

"As the Governor has said, the current proposal is a non-starter for the state. In order to subsidize a brand new stadium for a privately owned sports team, the Governor would need to see a demonstrable and tangible benefit to the taxpayers of Illinois," said Alex Gough, spokesperson for Pritzker. "The Governor's office remains open to conversations with the Bears, lawmakers, and other stakeholders with the understanding that responsible fiscal stewardship of taxpayer dollars remains the foremost priority."

The 90-minute meeting included Bears President Kevin Warren, Bears Executive Vice President Karen Murphy, along with Pritzker's chief of staff, Anne Caprara, and Deputy Governor Andy Manar.

RELATED: 'Pivotal' Moment — Bears Unveil $4.6B Domed Stadium Plan For Chicago

Saying the team is willing to privately invest more than $2 billion into the project, Bears officials have shifted focus in recent months from building a new stadium at the former Arlington International Racecourse property in Arlington Heights to keeping the team along the lakefront in Chicago.

"This marks a pivotal moment for Chicago as we introduce a visionary project prioritizing the public good," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said last week. "The Chicago Bears' proposal goes beyond mere construction: It will cultivate economic growth, job creation, and community enrichment."

Team officials said the project will garner over $8 billion in regional economic impact following its construction on the Museum Campus, while also creating more than 43,000 construction jobs and 4,200 new annual jobs to the Chicagoland region.

The Bears estimate their private investment will cover more than 70 percent of the costs expected to construct the new stadium.

The Bears are hoping the proposed facility will afford them the opportunity to host Super Bowls, NCAA championships, major concerts and "other significant events that drive tourism dollars to the city."

Overseeing the construction of the stadium is Kansas City-based Manica Architecture. The company designed the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium, which opened in Las Vegas in 2020, and is the home stadium of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders.

Soldier Field, which opened in 1924, is the NFL's oldest stadium. The Bears' lease at Solider Field expires in 2033.

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