The Chicago Bears and Mayor Brandon Johnson presented a plan for a new $5 billion domed stadium on the lakefront, but the proposal was met with skepticism from state officials. Governor J.B. Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, and Senate President Don Harmon expressed concerns about the lack of support for the project and the significant public financing it would require. The Bears are requesting $900 million in new state debt for the stadium, as well as an additional $1.5 billion in unspecified “infrastructure” funding for Soldier Field. The plan also includes refinancing existing debt and borrowing $150 million to cover future shortfalls in hotel tax revenue. While Mayor Johnson supports the plan, the Bears will need to convince state lawmakers and the governor of its feasibility and economic benefits.
