Although the upgrades to Soldier Field completed in the early 2000s are not paid for yet, Mayor Lori Lightfoot released renderings of what an improved Soldier field could look like, calling it an economic engine for Chicago during a news conference Monday. Lightfoot proposed several plans that could cost an estimated $900 million to $2.2 billion in a desperate proposal to lure the Chicago Bears into staying in the crime-ridden city.

 

The Chicago Bears released a statement following Lightfoot’s press conference Monday, saying they are not discussing any upgrades to the stadium.

“As part of our mutual agreement with the seller of that property, we are not pursuing alternative stadium deals or sites, including renovations to Soldier Field, while we are under contract,” 

For several years the Bears have been discussing moving to the western suburb of Arlington Heights after a horse racing track  announced a plan to shut down. The team has already signed a purchase agreement and made a downpayment of $197.2 million for the property. The racetrack sits on a 326-acre property and is thirty miles from Soldier Field.

Kam Buckner ripped the Mayor’s presentation saying that the public does not want unfunded scenarios but rather public safety, a reliable transit system, good-paying jobs, and quality public education.

Chicago crime has been steadily rising, angering Chicago citizens who would like Lightfoot to put the funding offered for Soldier Field into crime prevention.

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