(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The developer behind a proposal to build a publicly assisted ballpark for the Chicago White Sox tells the Chicago Sun-Times he has spoken with the Chicago Bears about advancing each team’s plan to construct a new stadium.
The comments from Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest, come as policymakers are being gauged on their support for using taxpayer dollars for a White Sox stadium that would anchor a new Chicago neighborhood known as “The 78.” Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears hope to leave Soldier Field for a new home, possibly in Chicago.
“I want to partner with the Bears to create these two great environments and make our city even better. Yes, we have spoken with [the Bears] and I am very optimistic on putting together something with that great franchise,” Bailey was quoted as saying.
Gov. JB Pritzker, whose support would be necessary for any state giveaways, has so far signaled he is not interested in assisting billion-dollar sports franchises, beyond infrastructure that governments provide for some private projects.
Bailey, in his Monday interview with the Sun-Times, said proponents of the White Sox stadium are looking at revenue sources that would combine bonds backed by a hotel tax, a special sales tax district and tax increment financing.
A Bears spokesman on Monday told WBBM Newsradio the team had no response to the Sun-Times report.
The White Sox currently play at the state-owned Guaranteed Rate Field.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram