* Subscribers were also briefed this morning. Tribune…

The Chicago Bears are prepared to provide $2 billion in private funding for a new publicly owned enclosed stadium and park space in the city, the team confirmed Monday.

The lakefront site would replace Soldier Field and increase open space on the museum campus by 20%, and provide a prime location to host the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four and year-round community events, a source familiar with the deal said. […]

“This investment will enhance our reputation as a world-class city and tourist and convention destination,” [Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jack] said. “And it will encourage more investment.”

A city ordinance generally prohibits private development on the lakefront. The nonprofit group Friends of the Parks filed suit and defeated a previous plan by Star Wars creator George Lucas to build a museum south of Soldier Field. The team is expected to meet with the group soon to share its plans.

* ESPN…

Although the team has not released renderings of its proposed lakefront stadium, a source confirmed the location would be immediately south of the current site of Soldier Field and would maintain parking in the south lot. […]

The public component for the proposed lakefront stadium is not yet known. […]

Should the Bears succeed in their plan to build a new lakefront stadium, a source indicated the team likely will put the Arlington Park property up for sale.

* NBC 5…

The Bears plan to invest more than $2 billion of private funding into the project, which would also increase open space in the area by 20%, the source said.

That open space would include plazas, paths, landscaped areas, lakefront access and more. That effort — creating more public spaces in the redevelopment of the area — appears aimed at placating preservation group Friends of the Parks, which successfully sued to prevent George Lucas from building a museum along the lakefront and has previously voiced opposition to the team’s construction of any new stadium project on Museum Campus. […]

Complicating the ask for public funding is the money still owed on both teams’ stadiums. The Illinois Sport Facilities Authority, which issued bonds for the construction of both stadiums, owes $589 million on the 2002 renovation of Soldier Field and $50 million on Guaranteed Rate, which opened in 1991. Those bonds are paid in part through the state’s 2% hotel tax, but if those revenues can’t make the multi-million dollar payments, Chicago’s share of the state income tax picks up the shortfall. Guaranteed Rate’s bonds are slated to be paid off in 2029, while the Soldier Field deal runs through 2032.

* ABC 7…

A previously floated plan, included a partnership between the White Sox and the Bears to build two new stadiums in the city at the same time, but in this new version, sources said the Bears would go it alone. […]

Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said in a statement, “We did not receive a courtesy call from the Bears about this and have seen nothing in writing, so no comment at this time other than we know it’s a long way from a done deal at either location.”

* Mayor Brandon Johnson…

I have said all along that meaningful private investment and a strong emphasis on public benefit are my requirements for public-private partnerships in our city. The Chicago Bears plans are a welcome step in that direction and a testament to Chicago’s economic vitality.

I look forward to subsequent talks with the Bears, State leadership and community stakeholders about how we can continue to responsibly support the aspirations of the team, its fans and all residents of the City of Chicago.

* Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren…

“The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the general public to enjoy in the City of Chicago. The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region—boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue. We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.”

* After laying out the plan in quite a bit of detail, Fran Spielman has some questions…

• Where is that private money coming from, and how much of it is from the National Football League?
• Would the team sell naming rights to the new stadium? That wasn’t viable at Soldier Field, given its war memorial status.
• If bonds are issued to help fund the stadium, which public entity would issue them, and what tax would be used to pay off those bonds?
• What are the infrastructure costs at the lakefront site?
• Would public transit along the lakefront be improved to allow better access to the stadium?

The team also released a few poll results, but they didn’t include the questions asked and several other important aspects, so I’m choosing not to share the numbers they did release.

…Adding… Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights)…

“From the Bears’ first announcement to purchase Arlington Park, I’ve been open to the team’s move to Arlington Heights, but reaching a fair deal for all has always been the priority. As I’ve said before, I trust the Bears when they say they’re exploring all options in the best interest of their company. If they go forward with their lakefront plan, it’s our responsibility to make the best decision for Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and our neighboring communities as well. I look forward to the many interesting proposals to come on the future of Arlington Park like new business development, more affordable housing, or welcoming centers for new arrivals.”