NEWSLETTER
As we’ve gotten closer to the start of the regular season, we’ve heard less about the Chicago Bears stadium project. That isn’t a coincidence. Because as our minds shift to football happening on the field, we tend to drift away from thinking about the stadium they’re playing in on game day. But that doesn’t mean we’re forgetting about it.
With that being said, today feels like a good day for some updates. We can start with this letter to season-ticket holders from Bears President Kevin Warren that Bill Zimmerman shared earlier today:
The letter reads:
“Over the last several months we re-engaged with the City of Chicago, and we are thankful for the vision Mayor Brandon Johnson and his leadership team have provided during our discussions regarding the Chicago Bears remaining in Chicago. We also have remained engaged with officials in Arlington Heights and other suburban locations to discuss the possibility of realizing our plan. We have emphasized to all these leaders that any stadium effort would be backed by considerable private investment that would lead to significant economic impact and job creation opportunities across Chicagoland. In each instance, we also stressed the need for stability and predictability along with an appropriate partnership commensurate with the long-term public benefits of the project. A public- private partnership will allow for regional improvements while providing a long-term investment in the community. We are encouraged by the progress so far, and we look forward to narrowing and defining our location in the near future.”
This lengthy letter vibes with some other recent public statements from Warren.
For instance, in this week’s Lunch With Larry installment at the Bears’ official website, Warren answered a question asking for a stadium update by saying: “We’re going through a very methodical process, staying actively engaged with the City of Chicago, Arlington Heights and other qualified municipalities.”
And during the Bears’ preseason game against the Colts, Warren offered this up when talking about the stadium project:
“We just have to stay disciplined. We have to be methodical. We have to be patient. We have to do what’s right and keep in mind the magnitude and power of a great gameday experience. Our fans deserve it, the NFL deserves it, and our players deserve it.
“I am excited to be here and to be able to work on it. We’ll get it done the right way at the right time. We’ve got some great partners and we just need to be very disciplined and take our time to do it the right way.”
Following this ordeal has been such a wild ride. So, fasten those seatbelts if you’re playing catchup.
In March, Warren publicly reiterated the Bears’ sole stadium focus remains in Arlington Park. But in June and Arlington was no longer the Bears’ only option with the franchise reportedly engaging with suburban Naperville. Sure, the demolition of Arlington Park is well underway. But since then, Naperville has been joined by Aurora, Waukegan, and Richton Park as municipalities that made it known that they wouldn’t mind being a host site for the future home of the Bears. And, yes, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has met with the Bears president to discuss things on that front.
MORE: Kevin Warren has had a lot to say about the Bears’ Arlington Heights project
Kevin Warren’s Bears stadium plan calls for patience
All in all, the updates are rather vague and lacking specifics. Although, there is a theme to this. And one we can’t ignore — preaching patience. If there is one thing the Bears have done consistently in my lifetime is rush things through to completion. How many team rebuilds have we lived through as fans? I’ve lost count. The Soldier Field renovation project was a large undertaking that was done quickly, but not efficiently or effectively. But it got done and that is what mattered most to the organization. Sure, it was short-sighted and cost the franchise money by shrinking the capacity, not addressing parking or transportation concerns, and by not putting a dome on it (which could’ve attracted Final Fours, Super Bowls, and year-round concerts). But it was done!
Maybe, just maybe, Kevin Warren is onto something by not plowing through a stadium deal. Perhaps the Bears president is wise in taking a slow and steady approach. This is the Bears, so I know things can still go off the rails at a moment’s notice. But there is less of a chance of it happening if the franchise plays its cards right.
