Windy City Gridiron
Kevin Warren sent a shot across the bows of the forces the team sees as delaying and opposing the Chicago Bears stadium project proposed for Arlington Heights: the Bears can build in Northwest Indiana if they can’t get something done in Illinois.
In an open letter to fans, posted both on the Chicago Bears website and emailed to fans on the team’s mailing lists, the Bears President and CEO laid out the team’s thoughts and views on the progress… or lack thereof… in moving forward with government partnership in Cook County.
“Earlier this season, we shared that Arlington Heights is the only location in Cook County that meets the requirements for a world-class NFL stadium,” Warren writes.
“We still believe it offers the best and only path forward in Cook County given there are no other viable alternatives,” he continues. “Over the past several years, we have worked in good faith with Illinois leaders and made clear our commitment and readiness to invest more than $2 billion by the Chicago Bears, one of the largest private investments in state and NFL history.”
Central to the issue is the proposed domed stadium that the Bears have been planning to build on the 326 acre property that formerly housed the Arlington International Racecourse. The Bears purchased the property, located about 25 miles northwest of Soldier Field, in February of 2023 for $197.2 million dollars. The club demolished all buildings on the grounds.
It’s those grounds, and the surrounding roads, utilities, rail assets and other public facilities that the team is hoping that taxpayers will pitch in on paying for. So far? It hasn’t happened.
“We have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park,” Warren continues in his letter. “We asked only for a commitment to essential local infrastructure (roads, utilities, and site improvements) which is more than typical for projects of this size. Additionally, we sought reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing. We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership.”
Illinois politicians have pushed back on the idea of any type of public funding surrounding new professional sports stadiums and venues.
In a statement issued by Illinois governor JB Pritzger’s spokesperson, the governor’s office said “Suggesting the Bears would move to Indiana is a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during this strong season. The Governor’s a Bears fan who has always wanted them to stay in Chicago. He has also said that ultimately they are a private business that makes their own decisions, but the Governor has also been clear that the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers.”
The Bears’ plans call for a modern fixed-roof stadium and a mixed-use development district.
“The stakes for Illinois are significant: thousands of union jobs, year-round attractions and global events...
