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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