CEO says Bears are at a 'stalemate' with Arlington Heights regarding possible move
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (CBS) – Chicago Bears Chief Executive Officer Kevin Warren met with leaders from Arlington Heights Monday evening about the team's possible relocation that that northwest suburb.
Afterward, Warren called the team's plans to move to Arlington Heights a "stalemate."
At the beginning of the meeting at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, at 111 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights, Warren said, "I'm confident that we'll be able to work together, and that we'll be able to do something great here."
But as the evening wore on, that confidence, just like the old Arlington International Race itself, began to buckle. The property is intended to be the site of the new Bears stadium and is now under demolition.
The local business group hoping to land the Bears in Arlington Heights — operating under the banner "Touchdown Arlington" — learned in the clearest language yet that tax talk between the village and Warren's Bears have cooled significantly.
"We've had a stalemate and a lack of communication – and it sounds like it's a little more convoluted at this point in time than I thought it would be," Warren said. "Well then, we're in position to start exploring other places and other opportunities."
Since the Bears bought the old Arlington Park in February for just under $200 million, Naperville and Waukegan have entered the discussion on housing the new stadium. The Bears have met with officials from Naperville to discuss their pitch for a possible stadium. Meantime, leaders in Rockford also have thrown their hat in the ring, although there have been no formal talks.
As new Mayor Brandon Johnson has also signaled, there could be new life in keeping the Bears in Chicago.
"There could always be someone that comes with a better offer," said Arlington Heights resident Kathy Bezares.
For residents and business owners in Arlington Heights who have a vested interest, there remains a reserved confidence.
"Some hurdles to get over," said Arlington Heights resident Greg Phillips. "I think they're going to over them, though. I think it'll definitely be accomplished."
The Bears are not seeking public funding for the stadium, but they are seeking public funds for the infrastructure of a surrounding development.
The team also wants certainty on its property tax bill. Until that is cleared up, the certainty of an Arlington Heights deal remains in doubt.
"What we have to do is to figure out if Arlington Heights is legitimately a viable option, or is it not?" Warren said. "This has nothing to do with personal feelings. This is strictly kind of business."
Part of that business is applying pressure to local leaders. Warren encouraged attendees to reach out to elected officials from Village Hall to the school board.
He said there are no planned negotiations or talks, but the Bears hope they resume soon.
This story has been edited after a Bears spokesperson clarified comments from Warren regarding Lake Forest, saying he received a call from another suburb while driving from Lake Forest to the meeting in Arlington Heights, but that the call was not from Lake Forest officials to pitch that city as a potential stadium site.
