Chicago Bears Stadium Project Hits Another Sticking Point

Recently, Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren announced a plan to work with the City of Chicago to help fund a publicly owned stadium on the lakefront. The stadium would occupy land currently used as a parking lot directly south of Soldier Field.

“(The bears) will contribute over $2 Billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families and fans and the general public in the city of chicago.”

Kevin Warren, Chicago Bears President

It’s not easy to get anything done in the city of Chicago. The Bears’ ownership has been down this road before. In the early 70s, owner George Halas had no choice but to lease Soldier Field. Wrigley Field did not have the seating capacity to remain their home field. The south end zone was only nine yards deep.

Halas signed a lease to play home games in Evanston, at Northwestern’s Dyke Stadium. Things were different then. The Big 10 Commissioner voided the deal. Halas turned his focus to finding property to build a home for the team, but 54 years later, the dream is still only a dream.

Shortly after the Bears announced their plans to put 2 Billion dollars toward a joint venture with the city for a proposed domed stadium, the ugly head of the notorious “Friends of the Park” showed, to no one’s surprise.

What Is “The Friends of the Park?”

FOTP is a not-for-profit organization formed to preserve the Public Trust Doctrine. The document, established a bond whereby no private entity could own property along the lakefront.

In a recent interview on 670TheScore, FOTP spokesman Fred Bates discusses the thoughts of the organization with Mark Grote and Dan Bernstein. The entire interview is available to watch on youtube. Find it here.

This isn’t the first time Friends of the Park has stymied lakefront plans. Just a few years ago the organization almost single handedly caused the Lucas Foundation to abandon plans for their “Star Wars Museum” om the area. After banging heads with “Friends” the museum plans were scuttled. The museum is currently under construction in California.

FOTP spokesman Fred Bates suggested the Bears build the stadium on the Michael Reese hospital site. There would be no interest for the Bears to build a stadium, private or public that far south (approximately 3-4 miles) from Soldier Field.

As Long as the Bears Own the Arlington Site The Possibilty of Building There Still Exists

Kevin Warren still has options in Arlington Heights. After the Bears’ bombshell announcement regarding plans for a proposed 2 billion dollar investment toward a lakefront stadium, the Mayor of Arlinton Heights reacted:

“We have all experienced the many twists and turns that this project has taken over the past three years and we find ourselves in a very similar situation today. The Village’s focus remains on finding a path forward to a successful redevelopment of the former Arlington Park site. The property remains a major asset to the community and region, and it has tremendous potential,” Mayor Tom Hayes said in a statement. “The Village has always acted in good faith and partnership with the Chicago Bears and the School Districts throughout this discussion, while protecting our community’s interests, and we will continue to do so as the process moves ahead.”

The Mayor added, Arlington Heights plans to continue to work with the team and area school districts, and while it is disappointing the two groups “have yet to resolve short-term property tax differences,” the village noted negotiations have brought the to parties close to an agreement.

Is a Resolution Coming?

The curse that is the Friends of the Park might be the breaking point. Don’t be surprised if the final home for the Bears new stadium is Arlington Heights.