On Wednesday, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced the dismissal of Luke Getsy, the offensive coordinator, Andrew Janocko, the
quarterbacks coach, Tyke Tolbert, the receivers coach, Omar Young, the running backs coach, and assistant tight ends coach Tim Zetts.
This afternoon at 3 p.m. (CT), the Bears will host a press conference in the PNC Center at Halas Hall. Kevin Warren, president and chief
executive officer, will speak after general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus.
“The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the
general public to enjoy in the City of Chicago,” Kevin Warren, the president and CEO of the Bears, stated. “The Chicago Bears’ new
stadium will be a game-changer for our area, bringing millions in tax revenue, jobs, and economic growth. It will also enable the hosting of
massive events.” When our preparations are complete, we look forward to providing further details.”
Johnson also issued a statement in which he stated, “I have always stated that my prerequisites for public-private partnerships in our city
include considerable private investment and a strong emphasis on public benefit. The ambitions of the Chicago Bears demonstrate
Chicago’s economic vigor and are a positive step in that regard. I’m excited about our next discussions with the Bears, the State’s
leadership, and local stakeholders about how we can appropriately support the team’s goals, those of its supporters, and the aspirations of
all Chicagoans.”
The Bears have spent almost half of their existence playing at the iconic, 100-year-old stadium on the lakefront. However, Soldier Field as
we know it will disappear if the Bears’ plans come to pass, leaving just the ancient colonnades. The proposal may result in thousands of
construction and other employment, and the stands and field would be converted into park property.
“From the Bears’ first announcement to purchase Arlington Park, I’ve been open to the team’s move to Arlington Heights, but reaching a
fair deal for everyone has always been the priority,” said state representative Mark Walker, a Democrat from Arlington Heights, in a
statement. I believe the Bears when they state they’re considering every option in the best interest of their business, as I’ve stated
previously. It is our duty to decide what is best for Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and our surrounding neighborhoods if they move
forward with their lakefront proposal. I’m excited about all of the intriguing ideas that Arlington Park will present in the future, including
centers for welcoming newcomers, more affordable housing, and new business growth.”
“They’re continuing to exercise due diligence and are pursuing some of their possibilities. Still, we would like to participate in that
discussion. And we would be more than happy to do so, in my opinion, if it meant including a few more private stakeholders in the
conversation. Executive Director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Jon Ridler stated, “We need to step up our game and
now we know what we are competing against.”
“From the Bears’ first announcement to purchase Arlington Park, I’ve been open to the team’s move to Arlington Heights, but reaching a
fair deal for everyone has always been the priority,” said state representative Mark Walker, a Democrat from Arlington Heights, in a
statement. I believe the Bears when they state they’re considering every option in the best interest of their business, as I’ve stated
previously. It is our duty to decide what is best for Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and our surrounding neighborhoods if they move
forward with their lakefront proposal. I’m excited about all of the intriguing ideas that Arlington Park will present in the future, including
centers for welcoming newcomers, more affordable housing, and new business growth.”
