They Just Can't Help Themselves

An outbreak of stadium fever hit Chicago in the late 1980s. Various team owners, starting with Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn of the White Sox, let it be known they really, really wanted a new facility, with the public chipping in. And, if they didn’t get one…. The Sox got their new mall in 1991, the Bulls and Blackhawks in 1994. Only then did fans begin to realize what they had after it was gone. The only thing I’ll say in regard to the United Center is that it was built without public money. As for Guaranteed Rate Whatever, well, if you know me, you know what I think. Chicago went in for these new sports’ malls because, at the time, it seemed the thing to do. Across the United States, the economic health and future of a place got wrapped up in stadium building, often on the public dime. That seems to have changed, more or less. At least nobody is talking about public funding for a possible new Bears’ home in Arlington Heights. The question is why the media keeps acting like it’s 1989. Today, the Sun-Times ran a story on the Munsters’ hiring the same architectural firm that did Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the wandering NFL Raiders. Manica Architecture will be tasked with providing blueprints. Of what? you might ask. The Times’ story noted how, back in February, Mr. Manica talked about the need to build sports’ venues that “bring people the most joy.” Wait, there’s more. Such facilities “become icons and hallmarks for the city. There’s an incredible amount of pride and joy wrapped up in these buildings.” Fans can only hope the blueprints also address issues like concession costs; travel times; and seat licenses, which won’t be transferable from Soldier Field. But I wouldn’t hold my breath. After all, we’re talking about pride of icon and whatnot.