(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The CEO of the Chicago Bears says the team may be in a position to announce progress toward a potential new stadium in the next couple of months.
During an unrelated event at Lurie Children's Hospital on Friday, Bears President Kevin Warren told WBBM Newsradio that talks about the team's possible new home are roughly on schedule.
"When I started, I think I said hopefully within the first year, so, I think we're right on target to be able to do it," Warren said. "I'm pleased with the progress that we've made."
Warren shared no specific information about negotiations with leaders in Arlington Heights, which became more contentious after Cook County tax assessors valued the old Arlington Park property at a level considerably higher than the Bears expected when it bought the property.
Since then, leaders in suburbs including Aurora, Naperville and Waukegan have advanced their own proposals to attract the Bears.
In addition, the administration of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly suggested constructing a new stadium on the current site of the south parking lot at Soldier Field.
However, that would be likely to encounter the same legal challenges that forced "Star Wars" creator George Lucas to cancel plans to build a museum on the same parcel.
Warren did not talk about any specific incentives advanced by competing cities, only saying that he's tried to be an "out-of-the-box big thinker" as he and the team approach a decision about its next home.
"It's a blessing to work not only at the Bears, but to be able to work on a potential stadium solution," Warren said.
The Bears' lease at Soldier Field expires in 2033.
WBBM Newsradio anchor-reporter Brandon Ison contributed to this report.
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