One of the biggest reasons Kevin Warren was hired as the new Bears president and CEO was because of the development of the Arlington Heights property, which the organization is expected to close upon this spring.

Warren called himself a “stadium nerd,” and he went as far to visit the Arlington Heights property — before he got this job. (It’s worth noting he already lives in Chicago).

Notably, Warren played an integral role in the creation of U.S. Bank Stadium during his time with the Vikings. As for what Warren learned during his time in Minnesota, it’ll serve the Bears well in the building of their new stadium.

“I think the biggest thing I learned was the fact that you need to plan before you start digging,” Warren said. “And I think what made and makes U.S. Bank Stadium so special – we spent almost a year in planning and planning is critical. And that’s what I appreciate about the McCaskeys is that they support the planning process. And so I think that will be really critical from that standpoint.

While the city of Chicago has done its best to convince the Bears to stay at Soldier Field, Warren made it pretty clear that Arlington Heights is a go.

“I know we’re focused on Arlington Park and that stadium development project,” Warren said. “I look forward to leaning in to the stadium development project, but I think the biggest thing we can do is to make sure that we’re methodical, we’re detailed, and we take the time to plan it properly.”