Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Bears bench Kevin Warren as team president?
Kevin Warren was removed from negotiations after failing to make progress on a new stadium deal over multiple years. He demonstrated an inability to forge alliances and negotiate effectively with Illinois politicians and state officials.
What did Governor JB Pritzker say about the Bears stadium talks?
Pritzker told reporters that progress over the past few weeks has been the most positive seen in a long time and that the two sides are closer than they have ever been before. He also indicated that Arlington Heights would not be the only option on the table, opening the door for Chicago to make its own offer.
What is the South Works site and why is it considered the best Chicago option for a Bears stadium?
The South Works is a massive 440-acre site near South 85th Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive that has been vacant since 1992. It's only 10 miles south of Soldier Field and could serve as the hub of a large entertainment district, making it the most viable Chicago location to compete with Arlington Heights.
Why does Arlington Heights have an advantage over Chicago in the Bears stadium race?
The Bears already own the Arlington Heights property and have negotiated property tax deals with local townships, so all they need is the state legislation to move forward. Chicago still has to find a viable location and navigate a complex political environment filled with activist groups.
What is the Illinois Senate's public ownership stadium plan for the Bears?
The Illinois Senate's plan would allow municipalities within Cook County to form stadium authorities that would assume public ownership of a Bears-built stadium and then lease it back to the team. The only requirement is that eligible municipalities have at least 70,000 citizens, leaving five potential options: Arlington Heights, Cicero, Schaumburg, Evanston, and Chicago.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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