Kevin Warren was hired as the Chicago Bears’ team president to oversee their efforts to build a new stadium. Thus far, his preferred plan has not gained any traction. While Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is behind the idea of building a new lakefront stadium south of Soldier Field, the reception from the Illinois state government has been far colder. Governor J.B. Pritzker and his regime made it clear from the outset that the Bears should expect no public funding for what they consider a billionaire vanity project.
That wasn’t enough to dissuade Warren. He believes this was merely the start of efforts to get the project greenlit. All he had to do was communicate with top decision-makers, working through discussions until both sides could reach common ground. According to Dan Petrella of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears president got a golden opportunity to plead his case when Governor Pritzker met with him for a private breakfast. Unfortunately, it hasn’t yielded the results he hoped for.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker met privately for the first time Tuesday with Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren as the team continues to push for upward of $2 billion in public support for its proposed new domed stadium on a reimagined lakefront.
The governor’s office, which confirmed the breakfast meeting, said the discussion between the two was “cordial” and was intended for them to get to know each other…
…After the breakfast meeting Tuesday, “the governor’s position has not changed,” Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough said.
Pritzker “regularly meets with business leaders and Mr. Warren is the head of an Illinois-based business,” Gough said.
Bears spokesman Scott Hagel confirmed the meeting but declined further comment.
There are two directions to go. Either Warren can continue on his current path, hoping to slowly win over Pritzker and the state government with promises of fueling the local economy, or he pivots back to Arlington Heights. The latter seems like an increasing possibility every day. The statement in Chicago, combined with significant progress on the property tax issue over Churchill Down, gives the Bears a clearer path to getting the shovels in the ground by next year. Remember, that was Warren’s desired goal.
While Pritzker’s stance has not changed, the Chicago Bears have at least had direct dialogue with him. They may have a better understanding of how he thinks. That will prove valuable if they remain determined to push for the downtown stadium. As strong as the governor’s stance might be, history says there is always room for compromise. This ultimately comes down to money. If the Bears can find a way to get into the hands of the right people, they will get the results they want.
