Bears lay out controversial $5B stadium proposal
Thu Apr 25 12:06am ET
Field Level Media
The Chicago Bears are looking to build a new stadium, and they need nearly $5 billion to do so -- but not everyone is in favor of the plan.
Chicago released a proposal for a domed stadium on Wednesday, with $3.2 billion earmarked for the stadium itself and another $1.5 billion for infrastructure.
The team announced that it would put more than $2 billion toward the stadium project. According to the Chicago Tribune, to make up the rest, the Bears would seek $300 million from the NFL and would ask the state of Illinois to borrow $900 million, which would be paid back by Chicago's 2 percent hotel tax.
The plan didn't sit well with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
"I remain skeptical about this proposal, and I wonder whether it's a good deal for the taxpayers," Pritzker said. "There are a lot of priorities that the state has, and I'm not sure that this is among the highest priorities for taxpayers."
Non-profit group Friends of the Parks, which focuses on Chicago's Lakefront Protection ordinance, also criticized the plan, writing in a statement, "As is so often the case in Chicago, the powerful and wealthy are demanding that our entire city stop and fast track their plans to expand operations on the people's lakefront."
However, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the Bears' press conference announcing the proposal, which he called a "crown jewel." He added, "This project will result in no new taxes on the residents of Chicago."
The Bears' new home would be located on the edge of Lake Michigan -- just like Soldier Field, Chicago's current stadium -- and would add green and open space to the city's lakefront while also providing better access to the Museum Campus.
"This is an incredibly, incredibly special day for the Chicago Bears," Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement on Wednesday. "For the City of Chicago, for the state of Illinois, for our ownership, for our players, for our coaches, for our staff members, for the alumni and for our incredible Chicago Bear fans.
"Today is about progress, and one of the things that I am most excited about today is the fact that this shows that in this city we have the intellectual capabilities, we have the heart, we have the passion, we have the foresight, we have the wisdom, we have the vision to do big things."
In addition to 14 acres of athletic fields for youth sports programs and park space for the general public, there could also be a publicly owned hotel near the site of the new stadium.
Fans would get to experience attractions indoors and outdoors, and there would also be a plaza that features restaurants and retail stores.
"This is not an easy project, but Chicago doesn't like it easy," Warren said.
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The Paur Report
Dynasty | The Bengals are picking up the fifth year option on the contract of Ja'Marr Chase. Dynasty Analysis: Consider this a placeholder as Cincinnati now needs to prepare to make Chase the highest paid receiver in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown has set the market with a four-year, $120 million extension ($77 million guaranteed), so the Bengals are going to need to assemble a few armored cars here soon. Chase and Justin Jefferson should both be set to sign historic deals and while the option being picked up buys the Bengals one more season, dynasty managers shouldn't worry about him hitting free agency any time soon. Chase remains a bona fide candidate for the top overall selection in dynasty leagues.
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Jeff Howe thinks No. 3 to the New England Patriots in Thursday night's NFL draft feels like the spot for North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, although a couple executives made a case for Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. Maye has prototypical size, arm strength and athletic ability, but there's genuine concern about his inconsistencies in 2023, and his tape shed light on some erratic throws and tendencies. He has a reputation as a high-character person with great leadership abilities. Maye would be the more traditional pick at No. 3 to the Pats, with McCarthy being viewed as more of a surprise. If Maye is still available at No. 3, one executive thinks the Minnesota Vikings "would move heaven and Earth" to try and move up to draft him. If Maye lands in New England, he could sit and learn behind veteran Jacoby Brissett in 2024.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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Fantasy Spin: The Cowboys do not have a clear starter at running back, so Elliott probably would have a big role if he decided to return to the Cowboys. Fantasy players can monitor the situation because Elliott could be at least a flex option if he starts in 2024.
From TheHuddle
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From TheHuddle
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From TheHuddle
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From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Lions have signed wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: The contract is basically a four-year, $120 million extension with $77 million guaranteed, the most ever for a wide receiver in NFL history. It's a huge haul for St. Brown, who has quickly established himself as one of the best players in the NFL. After his 119/1,515/10 season last year, the Lions were going to either pay him or risk losing him after his rookie deal expired. They've clearly chosen to build around him and he should be firmly cemented as a WR1 in dynasty moving forward. St. Brown is an easy target for any team looking for a premier centerpiece to their dynasty team as the best could truly be yet to come.
