LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren sees progress in the organization's quest to build a new stadium, he wrote in a letter sent to season-ticket holders.
Warren wrote in a letter that was released Friday morning that the Bears remain engaged with the city of Chicago, officials in Arlington Heights and other suburban locations, and that he's hopeful to narrow those possibilities soon.
"Over the last several months, we re-engaged with the city of Chicago, and we are thankful for the vision mayor Brandon Johnson and his leadership team have provided during our discussions regarding the Chicago Bears remaining in Chicago," Warren wrote. "We also have remained engaged with officials in Arlington Heights and other suburban locations to discuss the possibility of realizing our plan. We have emphasized to all these leaders that any stadium effort would be backed by considerable private investment that would lead to significant economic impact and job creation opportunities across Chicagoland.
"In each instance, we also stressed the need for stability and predictability along with an appropriate partnership commensurate with the long-term public benefits of the project. A public-private partnership will allow for regional improvements while providing a long-term investment in the community. We are encouraged by the progress so far, and we look forward to narrowing and defining our location in the near future."
In mid-August, Warren had previously indicated the Bears intended to have a stadium decision in the next 12 months. The expectation is the stadium would take three years to build once ground is broken on the project, Warren has said.
In February, the Bears closed on a $197.2-million purchase of the 326-acre Arlington Park property in suburban Arlington Heights. The team has since been in a battle with local officials over tax assessments.
In June, the Bears released a statement proclaiming Arlington Park was no longer their "singular focus" as a location to potentially build a new stadium. Suburban Naperville, Aurora and Waukegan have each made a push to attract the franchise.
The Bears have engaged with the city of Chicago since the election of new mayor Brandon Johnson in April. The Bears previously had a contentious relationship with former mayor Lori Lightfoot, who lost in February in the initial round of mayoral voting.
The Bears remain under a lease for Soldier Field through 2033, but the buyout fee sits at $90 million and will decrease with each passing year.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.