NEWSLETTER
OK, so the Chicago Bears haven’t yet closed on the Arlington Heights property on which they plan to build a new stadium and entertainment district. But the organization’s two highest-ranking members — Chairman George McCaskey and President/CEO Kevin Warren — made it clear that they have all eyes set on Arlington Heights project as their next stadium destination:
My apologies if you were holding out hope that the Bears would stick around at Soldier Field for the long haul.
Don’t get me wrong. I know things can change quickly when it comes to stadium projects. But Chairman McCaskey and Kevin Warren were quite firm with their words today’s introductory press conference for Warren. Warren said his focus was 100 percent on closing on Arlington Park and the stadium project. It was a sentiment that would be reiterated the afternoon at Halas Hall. Because Chairman McCaskey doubled down on that statement, saying it was the “singular focus” for the franchise in terms of future projects. In other words, the Bears aren’t going back to Soldier Field and aren’t considering any other stadium options. Again, I’m sorry if you were hoping for a different outcome.
As for the timeline for the stadium project, we didn’t get much clarity regarding that aspect. Although, Warren mentioned that the Vikings spent a year planning U.S. Bank Stadium before construction began. Moreover, Warren added that he might have a better idea regarding timing in about six months. For what it’s worth, Warren might not officially take his office until April. And while I don’t know what that could mean for news from the Arlington front, that we have a timeline for a potentially worthwhile update is helpful. Or, at a minimum, helpful-ish?
At the end of the day, the Bears left little doubt about their future plans. It’s all systems go when it comes to a move to suburban Arlington Heights.
