Getting an NFL stadium built is all about deal-making. That’s why the Bears hired Kevin Warren. The Naperville flirtation is just his first act as team president.
“The Chicago Bears goal of building the largest single development project in Illinois history led by billions of dollars in private capital investment, and the jobs and economic benefits generated, is at risk in Arlington Heights,” the team’s statement said. “The stadium-based project remains broadly popular in Arlington Heights, Chicagoland and the state.
Warren undoubtedly got the e-mail from Naperville's mayor and jumped at the chance to try to play hardball retroactively. It's not his fault the Bears had already closed on the property basically by the time he was hired. The proper way to do business is to leverage the municipalities before signing the deal.The new stadium -- be it in Arlington Heights or elsewhere -- will be either the first or second line on Warren's Bears obituary.
"Once they closed on the property, then they did have an opportunity to talk to other potential suitors, including the city of Chicago," Arlington Heights mayor Thomas Hayes told NBC Chicago in an interview Friday moments after the team released an announcement."Everyone is looking out for their best interests."
"I always look at what are the assets on the chessboard," Warren said."And the unique thing about Arlington is it has some different unique factors. One is the space. You don't get many times to have over 300 acres close to the city. So it's some unique aspects.
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