Everything appeared on course for the Chicago Bears a few months ago. They’d officially closed on the sale for Arlington Racecourse International, securing 326 acres of real estate to do with as they please. It was an obvious indication the franchise aimed to finally build a new stadium they could own and operate themselves, no longer beholden to the Chicago Park District. Things were coming together well. Until they weren’t. News soon came out that negotiations had reached an impasse with Cook County politicians. It reached such a deadlock that team president Kevin Warren decided to receive pitches from other townships in the Chicagoland area, such as Naperville and Waukegan.
Most people felt this was nothing more than a negotiating tactic. Warren was trying to scare Arlington Heights into acquiescing on several sticking points, specifically property taxes. However, time has proven that might not be the case. Jeff Arnold of Patch.com was present for public questioning about the situation. He didn’t hold anything back in his honesty. A few things became clear right away.
- The Bears are 100% committed to building a domed stadium.
- He feels the franchise offered Arlington Heights schools a generous tax package.
- His talking to other towns about a stadium development is not a bluff.
- Lake Forest has also entered the chat.
- Many of the issues stem from a lack of clarity in talks.
Kevin Warren is showing his experience and leadership.
This is the biggest reason the Bears hired him. He is familiar with making big negotiations like this. He did that for the Minnesota Vikings when they laid the groundwork for U.S. Bank Stadium. Then he worked out massive TV deals as Big Ten commissioner. This is an environment he thrives in. Warren is determined to get the best possible outcome for his franchise. It doesn’t mean he wants to bully anybody. It is about finding an agreement that is good for all parties involved.
He doesn’t believe Arlington Heights is offering that at present. Previous Bears decision-makers might not have had the guts to shift gears away from original plans. Not Kevin Warren. He understood that owning the property in Arlington Park guaranteed nothing. It never meant they were required to build a stadium there. They can literally build anything they want. The Bears are free to keep their options open. If somebody else comes along with a better offer, he won’t hesitate to take it.
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So, Ted Phillips screwed up another decision? Big surprise.
Many feel that Mr. Warren is attempting to impose his will on the citizens of Arlington Heights. First, no public funds should be use as the public never directly benefits from the stadium. This applies to a place like Arlington Heights. Few citizens of the community will gain anything. Again, the Bears actually have few choices, and will just have to step up to the plate. People are tired of paying more for everything while giving a pro sports team a free ride. His pitch regarding jobs simply won’t bring money directly to AH either. Warren appears to be a… Read more »
Respectfully disagree with ya, Tonkaman. If Cook County doesn’t come back to the reality zone from it’s greedy insane position, Warren WILL find something else in another County. Cook County can’t be trusted to lie, cheat and go back on it’s word, now or any time in the future. The Bears have more than enough time to make a deal elsewhere and build the new stadium.
If I were a being man I would still put my money on Arlington Heights. This is text book negotiating a big deal at it’s finest. Warren saying that looking at other properties isn’t a bluff is something he has to say. He’s holding his ground as he rightfully should do and they will come to an agreement. We all know they want the AH location and so does AH. Both sides are standing there ground but both sides want to be part of that agreement 100%. Too bad we didn’t have Warren when BeetleJuice was still in office. I… Read more »
Leave it to Cook County and local school boards to shoot themselves in the foot. Whatever happens the Bears will have a new stadium whether it’ll be in Cook County, Lake County or DuPage County remains to be seen. Lake Forest and Waukegan seem like very interesting locations especially with their proximity to Lake Michigan. That in itself would be a big draw especially in the summer and who knows maybe develop a beach for swimming nearby? It’s not just about the stadium as there will be dining, hotel (s), shopping and who knows what else. It’s guarantied to generate… Read more »