Illinois Governor Rejects Chicago Bears Stadium Funding Plan as Unfeasible | News, Sports, Jobs

The Chicago Bears’ ambitious plan to build a new lakefront stadium next to Soldier Field hit a roadblock as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office labeled the proposal a “non-starter.” The team’s nearly $5 billion proposal, which includes public funding, was met with skepticism from state officials.

Governor Pritzker’s press secretary, Alex Gough, stated that the current proposal would need to demonstrate tangible benefits to Illinois taxpayers in order to move forward. While the governor’s office remains open to further discussions, the Bears are facing an uphill battle to secure public funding for their project.

Despite the setback, the Bears described their meeting with the governor’s aides as “productive” and expressed a commitment to protecting Illinois taxpayers. The team’s plan includes $3.2 billion for the new stadium and an additional $1.5 billion for infrastructure improvements, with funding sources from the Bears, an NFL loan, and bonds from the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority.

While Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson endorsed the project, citing its alignment with the city’s urban planning history, state legislators remain skeptical. The Bears had previously considered building a stadium in Arlington Heights but faced challenges with property assessments.

The team’s vision for a new stadium and surrounding amenities on the Arlington International Racecourse site highlights their commitment to enhancing the fan experience. However, with the current funding proposal facing resistance from state officials, the future of the Bears’ stadium project remains uncertain.