Chicago Bears Propose Enclosed Stadium on Lakefront with Public Funding

The Chicago Bears are planning to announce their proposal for a new enclosed stadium on the lakefront, but face significant skepticism from various stakeholders. The stadium would require significant public funding, and the team must address legal challenges related to building on the lakefront and concerns about the city’s financial obligations. The Bears have proposed $2 billion in private spending for the stadium, leaving the remaining costs to be covered by public funds. They have suggested extending the city’s hotel tax to help finance the project, but the tax has fallen short of covering past renovations. The Bears must also overcome opposition from groups like Friends of the Parks, which advocates for public use of the lakefront, and skeptics like Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has expressed concerns about prioritizing public funding for sports stadiums.

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