Bears Survey Sparks Speculation on Arlington Heights Stadium
This week, an unexpected email landed in the inboxes of some Chicago Bears fans, prompting them to weigh in on seating options and pricing for a potential new stadium. The inquiry has ignited discussions about whether this indicates progress on the long-anticipated move to Arlington Heights.
Among the recipients were long-time supporters of the team, many of whom expressed concerns about the implications of such a survey. However, one industry expert urged caution regarding speculation, suggesting that while the email hints at forward momentum, it does not confirm immediate plans.
On a humid Wednesday morning in July, Soldier Field remained devoid of football activity. Yet, tourists continued to flock to the historic venue, including Carla and James Taylor from Canada, who found their visit convenient due to its proximity to the Red Line stop.
For dedicated fans, particularly those holding season tickets, the survey was a jarring reminder that their beloved Bears may not be playing at Soldier Field much longer. The email stated, "The Chicago Bears are committed to building a new fixed-roof stadium," and included links to various seating options and associated prices.
One fan, opting for anonymity, expressed shock at the proposed costs. He had purchased a permanent seat license (PSL) for four seats during Soldier Field's renovations in 2002 at $1,105 each. Adjusted for inflation, that figure now stands at approximately $1,962.53. Yet, he discovered that the Bears are considering a price of $4,450 per seat in his section for the new stadium.
"People should relax," advised Marc Ganis, a sports industry consultant and president of Sports Corps Ltd. "This is a long process, and we're at the beginning of it." Ganis noted that the Bears are likely looking at pricing models from other recent NFL stadiums, indicating that season ticket holders should brace for higher costs.
Reflecting on historical context, Ganis remarked, "Twenty-five years ago, it cost $600 million to renovate Soldier Field. The new stadium is going to cost upwards of $3 billion; it's just the nature of the beast." This perspective underscores the financial realities of modern stadium construction.
Moreover, Ganis interpreted the survey as an effort by the Bears to gauge market tolerance for PSLs and other seating options in their prospective new venue, which appears increasingly likely to be in Arlington Heights.
The survey clarified that no pricing decisions or ticket requirements have been finalized yet. Ganis likened this initial outreach to the first quarter of ticket price research for the Bears.
In 2021, the team made headlines with its bid to acquire the 326-acre Arlington International Racecourse. After closing a $197 million deal in 2023 and demolishing existing structures on the site, plans for a stadium faced delays due to property tax disputes.
Subsequently, the Bears shifted focus to a proposed domed stadium on Chicago's lakefront, unveiling a $4.7 billion plan that hinged on $2.4 billion in public funding. However, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker labeled that proposal a "nonstarter," asserting that public funding for a Bears stadium would not serve taxpayers well.
