Backlash against Soldier Field renovation plans

The three ideas to renovate Soldier Field and redevelop the Museum Campus have captured the city's attention.

Why it matters: The plans, released by Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday, were created to keep the Bears and the millions in game-day revenues they generate downtown.

• But even though the city's plans are grand, concerns remain about aspects of the project and its financing.

What they're saying: "The mayor took the Bears for granted and waited too long," mayoral candidate Willie Wilson tells Axios.

• "Now she wants to give away the whole kitchen sink."

Other issues facing the redevelopment include:

💰 Naming rights: The city floated naming rights as a way to offset the hefty price tag, but former Governor Pat Quinn is circulating petitions for a ballot measure that would preemptively keep the city from renaming Soldier Field, which was named as a war memorial.

• If successful, the city would have to turn to other revenue sources, like tax dollars.

🌊 Lakefront parkland: As we saw with the Lucas Museum, nothing new is built on the lakefront without a fight. Friends of the Parks says it was not consulted on the redevelopment plans and told WTTW it is "studying legal options."

• A drawn-out legal fight could scare the Bears away.

🏗 Competing interests: Bob Dunn and Landmark Development are leading the stadium redesign team, but they are also trying to develop the One Central project across the street from Soldier Field.

• One Central wants the state to pay for a new train station. A redeveloped Museum Campus may help convince it to do so.

What's next: The Bears are on the clock, but they remain under lease at Soldier Field through 2033.