The writing was on the wall to many when the Chicago Bears tagged Kevin Warren as their new team president. There were plenty of reasons for George McCaskey and ownership to like him. He has over 20 years of NFL experience under his belt. His success at almost every stop in his career, from St. Louis to Minnesota and finally the Big Ten can’t be understated. However, the primary selling point was obvious. Warren had significant experience when it came to planning and executing the mission of building a new stadium.
He was instrumental to the process when the Vikings constructed U.S. Bank Stadium, one of the most widely-lauded venues in the NFL. That background led many to believe Chicago wanted him out front in their push to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. It wasn’t good news for people holding out hopes that the Bears still might reconsider staying at Soldier Field. The city has made a strong push in its renovation plans. Warren, though, crushed those dreams when asked if Arlington Heights is the only stadium plan for him.
“Yes, that’s the sole focus right now,” he said. “100%.”
He was asked to elaborate on what makes the project so appealing. He had an answer ready, stating Arlington isn’t what many would consider the typical site for a stadium for one key reason. It’s better.
“You don’t get many times to have over 300 acres close to the city,” Warren said. “So there are some unique aspects. I know our focus will be making sure that we close on the land. We will be very methodical to make sure that we get that process done first and see what happens next. But it is a very attractive, unique stadium site.”
Kevin Warren is content to leave Ryan Poles alone.
The two will stay in constant communication as the GM now reports to him, but it was made clear Poles is in full control of the football operations. That will not change. His focus will be on the stadium project and finding other ways to expand the business side of the Bears. Warren has stated he wants everybody to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to talk about winning championships. That is the primary goal for this team moving forward. No expense will be too great in pursuit of it.
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Everything is about making the Bears a first-class organization, on and off the field. That is why Kevin Warren came here. He wanted the challenge. One of his first experiences in the NFL was representing eventual Bears starter Chris Zorich as an agent in the early 1990s. He’s familiar with the history of this organization. He wants to bring it back to prominence. Everything is about making the Bears one of the best franchises in the league. One that everybody else looks on with envy.
Dam I will never see the Bears in Chicago
How can anyone consider this a stadium for white supremacists. If you are a fan that would go to the games then you’ll drive there to see the Bears play. If you could afford to go to the games in Chicago then you should be able to afford to go to the New stadium.
The new property is going to be a white supremacists theme park. Distance and high costs to attend games will eliminate all but the wealthy white folk.
US Bank Stadium was built with public money. How is this affirmative action hire going to do it with private money?
Understated? Erik? : )