Kevin Warren: No deadline on Bears stadium solution, but we should know by early summer
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren expects to have a stadium solution finalized by late spring or early summer 2024, focusing on potential sites in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.
- Indiana has passed relevant legislation and is considered a strong partner, while Illinois is still working on legislation; Arlington Heights offers a 326-acre site with a train station and space for mixed-use development.
- The Bears aim to build a world-class, enclosed stadium with a fixed roof to enhance fan experience, enable hosting major events like the Final Four and Super Bowl, and support surrounding mixed-use development.
- Downtown Chicago near Soldier Field is no longer considered a viable option due to space limitations and lack of community support, making Arlington Heights the preferred Illinois site.
- Warren emphasized the urgency of moving forward to avoid escalating construction costs, which increase by approximately $150 million annually, and stressed the importance of ensuring the new stadium clearly represents Chicago.
