Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signaled his openness to using public funds for a Major League Baseball stadium at Related Midwest’s $7 billion South Loop development.
While the Mayor has not directly spoken to White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, who is 88, about his potential sale of the team, Johnson said he hopes it stays in the city, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Related Midwest, headed by president Curt Bailey, had planned The 78 to feature a mix of commercial, residential and academic spaces, but the project has faced setbacks. The University of Illinois recently pulled out of its planned Discovery Partners Institute at the site.
Without a White Sox stadium, Related Midwest could be forced to reconsider its long-term vision for the South Loop site, which aimed to create a vibrant community centered around sports and innovation.
The mayor’s willingness to engage in “real substantive conversations” about public funding means the idea of integrating a major league ballpark into The 78 could gain traction.
However, Johnson stressed that any deal would have to benefit the surrounding neighborhoods, similar to his support for the Chicago Bears’ stalled taxpayer-funded stadium proposal.
“I’ve seen the renderings of The 78. I don’t think there’s a disagreement between me and ownership about the value added to these particular spaces,” Johnson said. “Here’s what I’ve always said: ‘You got to put some skin in the game.’ That’s it. Come to the table ready to throw down.”
Alderman Nicole Lee of the 11th Ward, which includes the White Sox’s current home at Guaranteed Rate Field, said she wants to keep the team in Chicago, especially if it would benefit her neighborhood.
“I have known for some time in my conversations with the Sox and Jerry directly that he wants nothing more than to secure the future of the White Sox here in Chicago, and I know that he’s trying to do that while he’s still able to,” Lee said.
“The sale of the team was always going to happen at some point. If that brings us one step closer to being able to secure a future here in Chicago, in particular on 35th Street, I’m all for it.”
— Andrew Terrell
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