Thompson Comments on Plans to Finance Renovation of Wrigley Field

Gov. James Thompson, Winston & Strawn's senior chairman, was quoted in the article titled "Ricketts Want City, County to Finance Wrigley Renovation," which was featured in the November 12 edition of The Chicago Sun Times.

The proposed plan to renovate 96-year-old Wrigley Field requests that the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority issue tax-exempt bonds that carry a lower interest rate than private borrowing. To accomplish this $200 million renovation, the city and county will forfeit the amusement tax growth for 35 years. Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts states: "It's about saving the stadium and making the fan experience better."

Former Gov. Jim Thompson, chairman of the stadium authority, said he would await details before deciding whether to sign on to the Ricketts plan.