In Chicago, the Bears and White Sox are intensifying their efforts to secure public funding for new stadiums, a move that has sparked a broader conversation about the allocation of taxpayer dollars in sports infrastructure. Chicago's mayor has expressed a desire to keep the teams downtown, amid concerns about the financial feasibility of supporting multiple stadium projects. This debate has caught the attention of the Chicago Red Stars, a women's sports team, which is now seeking inclusion in any stadium funding initiatives, emphasizing that 'Women's sports need to have a seat at the table.' Governor J.B. Pritzker has voiced reservations about prioritizing sports facilities over other public projects, such as a birthing center, with a stance of 'Babies before baseball.' and is 'really reluctant' to commit state money, highlighting the need for a careful consideration of public spending priorities. The discussion also includes the possibility of public funding for Wrigley Field enhancements to host an All Star Game, further complicating the debate on the use of 'billions in taxpayer money' for sports stadiums.
Chicago Red Stars join the teams seeking public funding for a stadium: 'Women's sports need to have a seat at the table @JeremyGorner @ad_quig https://t.co/HZ2pwxkFrW
As city and state lawmakers discuss public funding for the Chicago White Sox and Bears to build new stadiums, the Chicago Red Stars are making a move to be part of the conversation. https://t.co/ntiOY7qXAE
As Chicago sports teams make pitches for public money, Governor Pritzker says he's reluctant to use taxpayer funds for a stadium and wants to know what the long-term returns would be https://t.co/rl6pGGESib
Chicago’s men’s sports teams are trying to get billions in taxpayer money for new stadiums. The city’s women’s sports teams now want in too. The Red Stars say they should be included in stadium funding discussions. https://t.co/8Qb0BAckrS
Chicago Red Stars join the teams seeking public funding for a stadium: ‘Women’s sports need to have a seat at the table’ https://t.co/AWdHEw5akt
As discussions continue about possible stadium funding, @CHGO_RedStars look to be part of the conversation. And @Cubs aim to renew pitch for public funding to help make Wrigley secure enough for an All Star Game. @M_Montemurro, @ad_quig @JeremyGorner: https://t.co/E1qwdBMnWy
As city and state lawmakers discuss public funding for the White Sox and Bears to build new stadiums, the Red Stars are making a move to be part of the conversation. Story by @M_Montemurro, @JeremyGorner and @ad_quig. https://t.co/e0yFAq4Tjq
Pritzker currently ‘really reluctant' to commit state money to White Sox South Loop ballpark https://t.co/7KbkKWqEif
Babies before baseball. Gov. J.B. Pritzker says using taxpayer dollars to subsidize a new stadium for the White Sox shouldn't have a higher prioriy than the 'building of a birthing center, just to give the example.' @TinaSfon reports. https://t.co/xePGPz78Oi
The Chicago Red Stars are meeting with state leaders with a simple message: we want to be included in any stadium funding efforts too, from @DannyEcker https://t.co/S564QwZ0FO @CrainsChicago
The Bears and White Sox are ramping up their pushes for stadium funds. Chicago's mayor wants to keep the teams downtown, but is there enough money for both? @AEricFisher's story ⬇️