Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has expressed skepticism over the Bears’ proposal for a new stadium, saying that he does not believe taxpayers should foot the bill. The team is seeking $2 billion in public funding for the $4.6 billion project, which includes both the stadium itself and infrastructure upgrades. Pritzker said that there are a lot of other priorities that the state has, and he is not sure that this is among the highest priorities for taxpayers. The governor also expressed skepticism of a similar proposal from the Chicago White Sox. He said that owners of these private businesses need to put a lot more forward in order to have their dreams fulfilled and not just rely on the taxpayers of Illinois.
Results for: Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have announced plans to invest $2.3 billion in a new state-of-the-art enclosed stadium adjacent to Lake Michigan. The stadium, estimated to cost around $4.7 billion, will have a retractable roof and provide a world-class destination for entertainment and sports events. The Bears hope to obtain $900 million in public funding and a $300 million NFL loan, while taxpayers will cover infrastructure improvements. The team emphasized that the stadium will not increase taxes for residents. The stadium will include 14 acres of athletic fields and recreational park space, and the iconic Soldier Field columns will be preserved at the new site.
The Chicago Bears have unveiled a grand plan to transform the city’s lakefront with a new $5 billion enclosed stadium adjacent to Soldier Field. The proposal encompasses not only the $3.2 billion stadium but also an additional $1.5 billion in infrastructure. The team, along with city officials, anticipates significant economic benefits and improved access to the Museum Campus. However, the project hinges on securing public funding, with the team requesting assistance for infrastructure costs. Despite skepticism from state leaders, Mayor Johnson has expressed support, emphasizing the plan’s alignment with Chicago’s long-standing commitment to architectural excellence and public benefit.
The 2024 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and it’s shaping up to be a wild one. While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, here’s our best guess at how the first round will play out, based on the latest rumors, speculation, and analysis.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears have reportedly narrowed their options for the ninth overall pick to two positions: wide receiver and defensive end. According to sources, the Bears are considering drafting one of the top wide receivers available, potentially to complement quarterback Caleb Williams. However, the team could also prioritize a pass rusher to take pressure off Montez Sweat. While a trade down is possible, the Bears are reportedly leaning towards selecting either Rome Odunze from Washington or Malike Nabers from LSU at wide receiver, or a pass rusher such as Dallas Turner from Alabama or Jared Verse from Florida State.
The Chicago Bears hold the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the team’s decision on what to do with it has become a hot topic. Many believe the Bears should stay at No. 9 and select Rome Odunze, a standout receiver from Washington. However, there is also speculation that the Bears could trade up to draft Marvin Harrison Jr., who is considered the best receiver in the draft. General manager Ryan Poles has shown a tendency to trade back in the draft, but he could be willing to move up if he believes a player like Harrison Jr. is worth the price. The Bears’ decision will likely depend on what happens with the top eight picks in the draft. If a quarterback-needy team moves up to draft Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, that would reduce the number of teams that could select Odunze or Nabers, opening the door for the Bears to grab one of those players. Ultimately, whether or not the Bears trade up for Harrison Jr. will depend on how they value him relative to Odunze and Nabers and how much they are willing to pay to move up in the draft.
Quarterback Caleb Williams, the projected first overall pick in the NFL Draft, has expressed interest in wide receiver Rome Odunze, who could potentially become his teammate on the Chicago Bears. Odunze, who led FCS receivers with 1,640 receiving yards last season, has been linked to the Bears with the ninth overall pick. Other potential targets for the Bears include wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State and Malik Nabers of LSU. The Bears’ offseason moves, including the acquisition of Keenan Allen and Ryan Bates, have been focused on providing Williams with a strong supporting cast. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Odunze would be an excellent choice for the Bears if he is available at No. 9. Williams himself has stated that he would be open to drafting one of the top three receivers with the Bears’ ninth pick.
Justin Fields’ days in Chicago may be numbered as the Steelers reportedly prepare to offer him a conditional sixth-round pick. With the Bears securing Bryce Young in the 2024 draft and signing Nick Foles, Fields’ role has become uncertain. Despite his impressive rushing yards in 2022, Fields has struggled with accuracy and pressure issues, limiting his effectiveness as a starter. The lack of interest from other teams suggests that Fields may not be seen as a viable starting quarterback in the NFL, raising questions about his future with the Steelers.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports believes the Chicago Bears should draft LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the first overall pick instead of USC’s Caleb Williams. Prisco praised Daniels’ mobility, arm strength, and potential, comparing him to Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson. Despite the overwhelming betting favorite being Williams, some NFL coaches and scouts have expressed preference for Daniels. Prisco argues that Williams needs to improve his mechanics and decision-making, while Daniels has more upside. However, Bears general manager Ryan Poles has expressed confidence in Williams’ personality and commitment. Meanwhile, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that the Washington Commanders may be considering Daniels with the second pick, potentially rewarding the Bears for passing on him.
The Chicago Bears, one of the National Football League’s (NFL) oldest franchises, have unveiled plans for a new stadium project on the Chicago lakefront. The proposal involves a $4.6 billion stadium with a translucent ETFE roof and clear glass windows overlooking downtown, as well as 14 acres of athletic fields and recreational park space. The project would be partly funded by a hotel tax and the remaining balance would be paid over 40 years, requiring approval from the Illinois State Legislature. The new stadium aims to replace the 100-year-old Soldier Field and provide the Bears with a state-of-the-art facility comparable to other modern NFL stadiums. However, the proposal faces skepticism from various parties, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has expressed concerns about the use of public funds. Additionally, the Bears must address legal challenges related to lakefront protection ordinances that prioritize public use of the area.