Expect The Bears ratings to go through the roof this year. And not because former Eagles’ Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is a QB. No, The Bears and the City of Chicago have agreed that it’s not yet the right time to welcome fans back to Soldier Field due to COVID-19. But they will continue to monitor the situation and believe there’s a sound plan in place to bring fans back once it is deemed safe.
The decision follows The Atlanta Falcons move of not having fans in stands to start the season. Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to partially fill the stadium.
Both entities released statements Monday:
Bears statement
“The Chicago Bears, Soldier Field’s management partner, ASM Global, the Chicago Park District and public health officials have worked together to assess whether a responsible plan that follows City, State, CDC and NFL guidelines could be developed to safely accommodate a limited number of fans at Soldier Field this season. After discussing a draft plan with City health officials, the Bears and the City of Chicago agreed the health metrics show that it is not the right time to welcome fans back to Soldier Field. The health and safety of the city’s residents and fans of the Bears will always take priority. The team and City will continue to monitor the environment and believe there can be a sound plan in place to bring fans back to Soldier Field once it is deemed safe and appropriate. Until then, Bears home games will not include in-person fans.”
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City of Chicago statement
“We applaud the Chicago Bears for taking the right measures to protect their fans, athletes and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been working closely with the team, ASM Global, Soldier Field’s management partner, the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Chicago Park District to monitor the health metrics and provide guidance on when it is safe to allow fans back. While this is not the football season we would have hoped for, we will still be rooting for the Bears, and we look forward to the day we can cheer them on again from the stands.”
If fans are allowed to attend Bears games at Soldier Field at any point this season, it will be necessary to reduce seating capacity to allow for social distancing. As a result, the team announced July 24 there will be no season ticket packages available for the 2020 season. Instead, only individual game tickets would be made available exclusively to Season Ticket Holders, with PSL holders being given first priority.
All Season Ticket Holders can choose to either receive a refund for their 2020 tickets or a credit for the 2021 season. They will automatically be given the opportunity to purchase 2021 season tickets in the same location.
After facing the Giants, the Bears are scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts Oct. 4, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Oct. 8, New Orleans Saints Nov. 1, Minnesota Vikings Nov. 16, Detroit Lions Dec. 6, Houston Texans Dec. 13 and Green Bay Packers Jan. 3.
SOURCE: Chicago Bears
