Chicago hopes to lure 2nd football team

saintz08 · 12-23-2005, 09:30 AM

Daley floats stadium plan
Mayor hopes to lure 2nd football team, Olympics to Chicago

Looking for ways to build a domed stadium to enhance a possible bid for the 2016 Olympics, Mayor Richard Daley has privately floated the idea of trying to lure a second NFL team to Chicago, sources close to the situation told the Tribune.

A new stadium that could hold at least 80,000 people is among many facilities expected to be required of an Olympics host city. A stadium that large could open the door to other high-profile sporting events, including the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament as well as the Super Bowl. The city doesn't have an indoor facility large enough to hold such events.

A stadium also would be used for opening and closing ceremonies at the Olympics, as well as track and field events. Such a facility could cost between $600 million and $1 billion to construct, observers say.

The renovated Soldier Field seats 61,500, the second-smallest capacity in the NFL.

A second NFL team would be a long shot. The league's top priority is to try to keep the New Orleans Saints in their hurricane-battered hometown. After that, Los Angeles, a city without an NFL team, is viewed as next in line for any franchise transplant or expansion.

And any team that would consider Chicago most likely would have to pay a hefty fee to the Chicago Bears to compensate for moving into their territory.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/n...ck=1&cset=true

12-23-2005, 09:30 AM	#1
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020	Chicago hopes to lure 2nd football team Daley floats stadium plan Mayor hopes to lure 2nd football team, Olympics to Chicago Looking for ways to build a domed stadium to enhance a possible bid for the 2016 Olympics, Mayor Richard Daley has privately floated the idea of trying to lure a second NFL team to Chicago, sources close to the situation told the Tribune. A new stadium that could hold at least 80,000 people is among many facilities expected to be required of an Olympics host city. A stadium that large could open the door to other high-profile sporting events, including the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament as well as the Super Bowl. The city doesn't have an indoor facility large enough to hold such events. A stadium also would be used for opening and closing ceremonies at the Olympics, as well as track and field events. Such a facility could cost between $600 million and $1 billion to construct, observers say. The renovated Soldier Field seats 61,500, the second-smallest capacity in the NFL. A second NFL team would be a long shot. The league's top priority is to try to keep the New Orleans Saints in their hurricane-battered hometown. After that, Los Angeles, a city without an NFL team, is viewed as next in line for any franchise transplant or expansion. And any team that would consider Chicago most likely would have to pay a hefty fee to the Chicago Bears to compensate for moving into their territory. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/n...ck=1&cset=true
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020	\"Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn\'t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed.\" - George S. Patton On another note, I\'ll take a bite of that crow 08. - Saintfan Brooks is a moron!! - Halo