Kevin Warren & Chicago Bears Announce NEW STADIUM PLANS on Chicago Lakefront | CHGO Bears Podcast

On Wednesday, Chicago Bears President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Warren, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Bears Owner George McCaskey met to reveal a collaborative effort for new stadium plans for the Bears on the Chicago lakefront. The most recent plans will have the stadium located on the museum campus and will have a roof that won't retract, outdoor venue for fans, a 360 degree panoramic view and the potential to host other major events including the Super Bowl, Final Four, Big Ten Championship and FIFA events.
Later, the CHGO Bears reveal an EXCLUSIVE interview with Chicago Bears Tight End Cole Kmet at the newest Travis Mathew retail store in Oak Brook. Join Mark Carman, Nicholas Moreano and Greg Braggs Jr. as they react to the grand plans on the CHGO Bears Live Podcast.
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#Bears #ChicagoBears #BearDown

[@skeeter1858]

Braggs - you're a Bears journalist (supposedly). Your job is to talk about any Bears related news. And that includes a proposed plan for a new stadium whether you like it or not.

[@TheLordNugget]

All that needs to be said is that it fixes nothing and has the same problems. Nuff said.

[@cmcq33]

Does it piss anyone else off how talented and handsome and extremely likable Cole Kmet is? Like cmon man.

[@joeshoe6184]

Greg Olsen was like that. Like damn man some guys have all the luck lol

[@georgelebessisjr9203]

This stadium drop was intentional to boost morale even more for tomorrow’s draft. This gets the Fanbase even more excited for the future! FYM?!

[@pwsa8zpg]

Timing matters when you have to sell a "megaproject" such as this. You launch at the high water mark of good feeling and hope for the team. (Look at how Buffalo launched their stadium bid.) They are also going in large....this too is by design.

[@alexamerling79]

A new era for Bears football begins tomorrow! Bear down!

[@patrickmitchell4134]

If the stadium is ever built it will come in way above budget. That is the Chicago way.

[@Andrew-ko6tb]

No public dollars, if a baseball team can do it sure as hell a Football team can. Go pray for more money if you want a new stadium.

[@avidsiman]

Braggs could not be more wrong about the stadium issue. The adults in the room care very much about it because it's their tax dollars and livelihood at stake. As stated in the press conference, the city has had to bear the burden of the tax shortfall the past few years due to less than expected revenue. Why is there less than expected revenue? Answer: because of what Kevin Warren stated at the opening - Chicago is NOT in the top 25 destinations, and is NOT in the up and coming list either. Chicago is NOT drawing tourists to fulfill that tax revenue. And it's only going to get worse until Chicago does something that draws the tourists back to the city. Other than the Bears and White Sox stadiums, what else is Chicago doing? The Bears can draft any players they want and continue to play however they play, but that won't draw the tourists to town unless there is an attraction to fill seats that qualify for the tax revenue. Chicago is not going to get a final four, superbowl, or many other events because they do not have anywhere to put them most of the year, PLUS, chicago is one of the more expensive places to conduct such events. To offset that expense, the city needs to raise their bar above the competition. There aren't many things Chicago can do to reach that level other than the Bears and White Sox stadium projects on the table.

[@BraggsInTheStands]

So you don't even want it in Chicago? Then why do you care if I'm not excited about an announcement I don't even believe is going to happen anyway.

[@avidsiman]

​@@BraggsInTheStands Who said I don't want it in Chicago? Quite the opposite in fact. Try reading a little closer. The loan for the 2002 Soldier Field renovation is still outstanding with a current balance of nearly $600 million due to accrued interest with only a handful of years left on the loan. The last years of the loan are very large balloon payments. Do the math. The hotel tax revenue, even on a good year, will not bring in enough money. That means the taxpayers will be on the hook to make those balloon payments. If the Bears bolt for Arlington Heights, then there's even less hotel tax revenue coming in to make those payments and the taxpayer is stuck with a larger share of the burden. However, if the stadium proposal is approved (let's assume everything works as planned), the loan will be rewritten / refinanced and the balloon payments will be eliminated and/or deferred (30-40 years). The loan can be repaid when the new stadium hosts national events like the final four, concerts, and so on. It won't be overnight, but at least it will be possible. There is the flipside in that the Bears are asking for $300 Million in the new stadium plan for road improvements - that's manageable. The other $900 million is probably the tougher pill to swallow, but that's phase 2 / phase 3 stuff and can be negotiated down as much of it is optional stuff and can be spread out over the life of the loan. All I'm saying is, if you're a Chicagoan and pay taxes, you should be very concerned with the stadium proposal as it will hit your pocketbook one way or another. On the current trajectory, you'll be hit with balloon payments very soon. Not only will that hit your pocketbook harder, but it may also force the city to eliminate other services/things to find money to make the payments. If the stadium is approved, the loans are refinanced and essentially kick the can down the road.

[@paulieprinceton4550]

I live in Chicago, grew up relatively close to Soldier Field. My family has been here for over 100 years with connections to unions and local politicians from aldermen to mayors and even a state senator. I know Chicago better than anyone here. Between the years of political corruption and political incompetence, Chicago is a dying city. The city has never recovered from the pandemic. I work downtown, it isn't the same. Restaurants across the city are suffering and closing because people are not going out like they once were. The once great Mag Mile is a shell of it's former self. I am not sure the city can come back. Certainly not with the current garbage politics. We have lost too many taxpayers and businesses. So many people I know have moved not just out of the city but state. We plan on moving to NW Indiana. Between the high cost of living and the crime, why would people or businesses want to come to Chicago?

[@kelvincribbs5019]

Who peed in Braggs cereal

[@paulieprinceton4550]

He is right about our garbage politics and politicians. This new stadium plan solves none of the issues of current Soldier Field with the exception of the roof. One of the issues with current Soldier Field is dealing with local politicians and the bureaucracy. Chicago never recovered from the pandemic and is dying. As a Chicago taxpayer I completely reject any public funds going to the Bears.

[@FatboyyTransport]

Somebody give Greg a chill pill

[@Doubleuneal]

Obviously it was a strategic time to drop the stadium rendering/requests…2 billion of public funding is a tough ask…might as well ask when morale for the team is going to be at an all time high after tomorrow (hopefully)

[@johnwatkins1944]

I think this is the first time I've ever been on Carm's side in an argument. I've definitely want to hear about the stadium! We all know what's going to happen with the number one pick and there's no need to discuss that. We have no idea what's going to happen with another nine pic because we don't know who's going to be on the board. But the stadium stuff, that's something you can actually plan around so I'm here for it!

[@bignick7587]

Best part is reading Braggs drunk responding in comments

[@user-mg7ps5yw1p]

Sports reporters should settle down on business talk.

[@mattgdenis1]

Honestly couldn't even finish the video since you all just sound like The View just arguing the whole time... sad

[@zonedout5998]

Don’t say us Bears fans. You don’t speak for us. Some of us can handle the new stadium proposal and the draft at the same time. Just because you can’t, don’t tag us along with you.

[@crystalvegansmith5728]

What is wrong with the guy with the cap??? OMG he SUCKS!!!!

[@commonsense3921]

They should Ban the obnoxious guy with the Cap.

[@acbc2001]

What’s wrong with prayer? Maybe they should visit some CPS’s to see why it’s needed!

[@kingzing9865]

This Fat Guy ...keep Him off the Air !!!!

[@SSSherbert]

⁠@@commonsense3921💯

[@dariusrhett8684]

Feel like this is a flex play to Arlington more then to sweep it under the rug with draft right after reveal

[@brianmarshall8164]

I really enjoyed the prayer at the end. Amen.

[@SSSherbert]

So tired of Braggs just screaming the loudest and acting like it’s his show. We get it, you don’t like the stadium talk, so don’t come to the set. He knew this was going to be the topic and all he does is act like an obnoxious child who isn’t getting his way. He literally ruins this show. It was so nice having him gone for several days. I can’t believe he’s allowed to come back and act like this. So tired of it. He just always such a downer, he KILLS the vibe.

[@BraggsInTheStands]

Sorry we don't all hold hands an agree. Sorry I speak with passion. Actually not Sorry about any of it. I'll continue to be me. It's what got me here and my bosses/coworkers love it. No one cares if you don't.

[@commonsense3921]

@BraggsInTheStands You full of Sh** Most confusing idiotic rant on KZbin.

[@crystalvegansmith5728]

@@BraggsInTheStands I was excited then I had to listen to your idiotic rant.

[@SSSherbert]

@@BraggsInTheStands great response. I don’t care whether you agree with everything or not, I can’t stand how you scream your opinion like an obnoxious man-child. I’m sure Carm and Nick really do love you, but doubt they love not being able to get a word in over your incessant moaning. I dare you to go back and listen to that first 20 or so minutes and truly listen to yourself and come back and tell me that you are proud of how you come off, proud of the way you sound. I understand passion, your problem is you have no couth.

[@SSSherbert]

@@BraggsInTheStands great response. I don’t care whether you agree with everything or not, I can’t stand how you scream your opinion like an obnoxious man-child. I’m sure Carm and Nick really do love you, but doubt they love not being able to get a word in over your incessant moaning. I dare you to go back and listen to that first 20 or so minutes and truly listen to yourself and come back and tell me that you are proud of how you come off, proud of the way you sound. I understand passion, your problem is you have no couth. And trust me, I get it, you don’t give a shit!

[@Steve-jg5dp]

The party of tolerance showing their colors

[@mattgdenis1]

Braggs is a loser... I think he should rewatch The Pivot with Caleb and MAYBE he can learn something about wanting to be great!

[@mattgdenis1]

Braggs can't add, so Carm wasted his voice on him trying to be rationale lol

[@zacharyhilbourn8660]

pls do that interview style more with other player guests

[@dakotacooper1111]

Braggs incapable of holding more than one thought at a time? Bears are ushering in a new era for the team starting tomorrow, cool time to introduce plans on where that team will be playing in the near future.

[@BLKWatch73]

All this crying is amazing..yall really know how to rain on a parade..it's pathetic!!!!!

[@jonathanmichel3147]

Brags is 100% correct this is intentional they are doing this because of the buzz of Caleb Williams and the other pick they have in this draft which they can tout the future which they will say is when they will be competing for championships. Also, most of these plans are late case in point So Fi which was late and over budget

[@JayFly415]

Short kings unite!

[@chosefirst2131]

Braggs is a real Chicagoan in a bad way bears 🐻 fans want a new stadium

[@josephpayton7522]

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS. or put parking lots where Soldier Field is now. The concept they showed sucks so bad.

[@marshallarnold-ep7nn]

I think what a lot of people glossed over: There is a new logo at Soldier Field. It says "Soldier Field 100." This isnt about who's rich. This isn't about what you want. The fact is that Soldier Field is coming to the end of its "useable" life. They could do this project. Or, they can build a cheaper stadium in a Chicago ghetto somewhere. I'll now leave you fine folks to argue that fact .

[@user-cl9gl7zg7k]

I ❤Cole Kmet…ok carry on!

[@TheLordNugget]

Chicago Bears: We want out own stadium. Chicago Bears: Soldier Field has terrible parking. We get no chance to sell naming rights. Updates to the structure never happen. Blahblahblahbblahblah Chicago Bears: We're building the new stadium basically in the same location. It will have a small parking lot. It will just look less like a flying saucer/toilet bowl. Bears Fans apparently: yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

[@MrDammit7]

Best offense is an elite defense

[@austellio]

and vice versa

[@jailen461]

100% right Cam. Didn't get what he wants.

[@Fish-and-Chips.]

Hi

[@tms299]

Braggs is valid in his argument. Tomorrow the bears literally draft the best qb prospect in bears history and this stadium stuff is to clearly get it swept under the rug with the draft news.

[@commonsense3921]

That’s ridiculous.

[@KellenMaicher]

So they made this big presentation with the mayor and everything to sweep things under the rug? You know what you DON’T do when you want to sweep something under the rug? Have a big presentation!!!

[@jailen461]

Come on Carmen,, I hate to admit it but you're right this time. Greg come on man. We have talked more about the draft than any other Bears subject. I live in Northwest Indiana and sure don't want to travel to Arlington for a Bears game. And I also like the city way more than Arlington.

[@BraggsInTheStands]

Same. I just don't believe it's gonna happen anytime soon so who cares what they say today. It's just more negotiating tactics

[@Sing_when_we_win]

Next gen carm taking notes from the flus. U got a beard in there somewhere?

[@randybranham4858]

Braggs sounds like a baby

[@johnbuckley2968]

Cant stand braggs, no idea why he's in media. We've been talking Caleb Williams everyday for 4 months. Spending one day talking about the stadium and then tomorrow will be back on Williams

[@BraggsInTheStands]

I'm in media because I work hard and I'm passionate and authentic with my takes and my bosses appreciate those things.

[@johnbuckley2968]

@@BraggsInTheStands You have definitely seen the other comments. It's just being honest, I believe this podcast would have more viewers if you were to do things behind the camera. I know personally I watch more, not trying to be cruel just stating facts.

[@BraggsInTheStands]

@@johnbuckley2968 it's definitely not facts. Just your opinion. One in which me or my bosses or coworkers don't value.

[@johnbuckley2968]

@@BraggsInTheStands Don't know how we're not comprehending here. I (believe) is an opinion. Fact is I personally would watch more. I'm just talking as a viewer, this is also not a shot at you. You're probably a very hard worker and very passionate. I just don't think your good at it. Also not the one paying your salary so who cares. Let's go bears.

[@paulieprinceton4550]

All the problems with current Soldier Field will exist with the new stadium. This doesn't make any sense unless it was an attempt to gauge public interest and/or to pressure Arlington Heights. I am very familiar with the area. Parking would still be an issue and getting there will still be an issue. This is a little further south than current Soldier Field meaning it's a mile or more walk from the south eastern part of downtown. They would also still be dealing with garbage local politics and as one of the few Chicago taxpayers posting here I reject any public funds going to this. The city is a dying mess right now.

[@chosefirst2131]

Thank you Carm for being logical

[@georgelebessisjr9203]

No. This is not accurate at all. This guy is incredibly negative and cynical.

[@joeshoe6184]

That prayer to open the press conference was tacky at best. I hate it when teams use my love of sports as a cudgel to hammer me with religiosity.

[@Jdubayou]

So many Christians defending it on twitter saying "the world needs more prayer" like first of all no it doesn't, the world would be so much better off without religion. Also those people would lose their minds if it was an Islamic prayer.

[@joeshoe6184]

@Jdubayou I think alot of Christians don't realize that those of us who are unaffiliated see Christianity the same way they see Islam or Hinduism. Another thing I noticed at ball games a couple years back was they kept calling for the crowd to stand like 3 or 4 times in some patriotic display. Like I came to watch a ballgame, not prove my patriotic fervor. Don't get me wrong, I'm a proud American and honor those who serve and veterans, but the displays starting seeming forced and robotic after a couple run throughs. Part of the reason I enjoy sports is to get away from the scrum of politics and religion and just root for my team among fellow fans, regardless of their religious or political affiliations.

[@Jdubayou]

@@joeshoe6184 “As recently as 2015, the Department of Defense was doling out millions to the NFL for such things as military flyovers, flag unfurlings, emotional color guard ceremonies, enlistment campaigns, and - interestingly enough - national anthem performances. Additionally, according to Vice, the NFL’s policy on players standing for the national anthem also changed in 2009, with athletes “encouraged” thereafter to participate. Prior to that, teams were not given any specific instructions on the matter; some chose to remain in the locker room until after opening ceremonies were completed.” The only reason it’s even a thing was because of money. I know it’s shocking but the NFL didn’t start doing it because they cared so much about the troops.

[@mobeerman9487]

Man talk about a turd in the punch bowl on draft eve.

[@kalebsholey3737]

Honestly, why is it so weird that they prayed ? It’s insane to think that praying about something is weird. Secondly, I think all major sports teams should care about their cities and local communities. I love that Kevin Warren is trying to help Chicago in any way he can.

[@Jdubayou]

Are you Christian?

[@MarkG9292]

Praying that the Jesus is going to make it rain after you build a new stadium is a little odd.

[@Jdubayou]

@@MarkG9292 Dear Jesus please let these working class people pay more taxes to build a stadium for our billionaire owners, amen.

[@MarkG9292]

@@Jdubayou hahahaha "Also Lord, please let the peasants forget we're making them pay for this stadium by tomorrow when we draft Caleb."

[@Jdubayou]

I'm sorry but Carm's attitude of "if it doesn't affect me then it isn't a problem" is such a terrible mindset to have. The world would be such a better place if people could actually empathize with the struggles of others.

[@Victor_Tangent]

Came in to hear about the exciting stadium news and instead got slapped in the face by Braggs screaming about how stupid the Bears are to talk about the stadium the day before draft. Grow up Braggs. Had to immediately exit the show because of your tantrum 🤬

[@commonsense3921]

I left immediately too, That was confusing.

[@ryanfraley7113]

Imagine wanting a new stadium in a city that can’t run the trains on time. That seems to be a complete lack of priorities.

[@josephpayton7522]

​@@commonsense3921you couldn't have left immediately and stayed long enough to comment. That's an oxymoron.

[@commonsense3921]

@josephpayton7522 You is Braggs also, Pyscho.

[@brandongeber7767]

Came and hid white hawk confirmation. Lmao it’s a pro course. Just to name something.acts like it’s all farm land and hillbilly’s.. that’s why many people are moving here.

[@robertdonald409]

Dude crying like a scorned lover. He added absolutely nothing of value to the conversation. I'll never listen to a podcast with him on it again.

[@lucasmiller3307]

I wish I could have some of whatever Carm takes each day, dude is completely delusional.

[@kennyb7647]

Don’t play with God and prayer ✌🏾

[@Victor_Tangent]

Ive decided to unsubscribe from CHGO due to Braggs' childish behavior. There are plenty of other good Bears content channels available.

[@trojrafal]

This stadium looks boring. Imagine after it gets value engineered. To spend 2 billion and not own the structure seems like a bad business decision.

[@jeremywilson5296]

I want to talk about pick 9 not 1 I am sick of one. We have made 1 the second coming and we shall see how this kid can handle the pressure of being the second coming.

[@VictorioUgarte]

Stop the ping pong 💩

[@user-mg7ps5yw1p]

Carm, you wanting it is not predicting it. The wind blew your way. That’s all. Settle down. Might still blow the other way.

[@jeremyhedden6533]

And again Bears ownership will not own their own stadium. New stadium will be owned by Government and Government Agencies. Wake up Carm. I want the Bears to own their own Stadium. Screw are Government. Look at what Illinois is like. It's crap.

[@commonsense3921]

Why do you care? Is you apart the ownership???

[@KellenMaicher]

Gubmint bad…

[@ryanfraley7113]

Carm just flat out lying to the people listening to this, and no one is buying. Go back to Arlington and fund it yourselves.

[@commonsense3921]

You most likely the guy with the Cap.

[@Obwachi84]

No more tailgating, forced parking under the stadium that will be pricey, travel/commute treated like the bears o-line. Pathetic.

[@user-mg7ps5yw1p]

I’m checking out. Carm is so annoying. Have a good show, guys.

[@i35photo]

Preach Braggs!! You tell em brother!! You are dead on here. Plus is proposed stadium would still be aroun 65K in capacity!! LOL This is the biggest joke and waste of time!

[@Obwachi84]

He’s right it is intentional. The bears know this is their 15 minutes of fame. They can’t get 15 min of fame during the season….pathetic organization.

[@cliffbryant4197]

The bears will be great don't worry about the bears

[@zeyphyrwolf2597]

I can't believe anyone lives in Illinois. Most corrupt state/city in the country and for a touch of class, now there are homeless encampments under all the overpasses! Chicago is a disgrace to this great country and I feel bad for the rest of the state......who are rural residing conservatives for the most part. Sorry Carm

[@KellenMaicher]

Another anti-gubmint d-bag. Give it a rest zealot…

[@commonsense3921]

Then you turned Fox News back on.