White Sox release statement as owner Jerry Reinsdorf meets with state leaders over new stadium plans originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Amid the news that the White Sox and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf visited Springfield to request $1 billion in public funding for a new stadium at “The 78,” the team released a statement in conjunction with the meeting they will have on Tuesday.
“We recognize discussions about The 78 serving as the future home of the Chicago White Sox have generated a lot of excitement over the potential of the larger project’s positive economic impact. We wished to visit with legislative leaders in person and were aware of and respectful of the legislative process, so we traveled to Springfield. We’re excited to share our vision, and we
Another statement followed from a Related Midwest Spokesperson.
“We appreciated the time afforded to us by lawmakers in Springfield today. As we shared in the meetings, The 78 is a generational development and an investment in our hometown. It’s personal to us and we are excited about the prospect of delivering the city’s next great neighborhood, while making a historic economic investment that will bring over 10,000 construction jobs and 22,000 permanent jobs to our city and state. The long-term impact will be transformative – creating a new riverfront neighborhood anchored by a state-of-the-art ballpark for generations of fans to enjoy and help enhance Chicago’s place as a top destination.”
According to a recent, extensive report from Crain’s Chicago Business, Reinsdorf is reportedly confident in his chances of winning over the state’s approval for his complex financial plan to fulfill the goal of building an entirely new Sox stadium, in collaboration with real estate firm Related Midwest, along the Chicago River.
“The two [Reinsdorf and Related Midwest President Curt Bailey] are bullish they can win state support by arguing the stadium subsidies will bring along billions more in private investment, and the deal is structured in a way to not require new or increased taxes,” the report states.
