Things feel like they’re finally getting back to normal as COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out across the country. Yet word still hasn’t emerged about what the Chicago Bears plan to do for training camp. Namely, if any fans will be permitted to attend practices. Something that had become an annual tradition for so many years. It appears the first crucial step in that direction finally took place.
According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL has informed every team that fans will be allowed and expected back at camp this summer. Exact details will depend on state and local guidelines. It still isn’t certain how close fans will be allowed to players, whether autograph signings will be permitted, and other factors. Still, the door is open for Bears fans to get their first in-person glimpse at Justin Fields and the rest of the 2021 draft class at the end of July.
Welcome back! The NFL told clubs on a call today it expects fans to return to training camp this summer, subject to state and local guidelines, according to the league's executive VP of club business and league events, Peter O’Reilly.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2021
O’Reilly said the NFL is still finalizing protocols with the NFLPA and camps may look different in terms of proximity to players, autographs, etc. But with plans already in motion to have stadiums at 100% capacity, fans’ return to camp is another big step towards normality.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2021
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Judy Battista of NFL.com revealed that teams were also informed that 30 of 32 teams already have approval for full capacity in their respective stadiums for the upcoming preseason. The Bears are one of those 30. Barring an unexpected setback in the coming months, fans will be able to enter Soldier Field to see their new quarterback in actual game action this August. That could be a lucrative affair for the team.
NFL team presidents told on a call today 30 of 32 teams already have approval for full capacity stadiums at start of preseason, remaining two (Denver & Indy) on track. NFL’s Peter O’Reilly said training camps can have fans in attendance. Most camps will open July 31.
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) May 25, 2021
Preseason games historically never sell out. However, a series of circumstances may change that this year. The fact preseason games were allowed in 2020, that Bears fans couldn’t go to Soldier Field last year and the arrival of a new quarterback. All of that could lead to some higher-than-normal ticket sales for the three-game stretch against Miami, Buffalo, and Tennessee. Everybody is going to want to see the Mitch Trubisky reunion, right?
Chicago Bears aren’t clear on fan attendance yet
While they will be allowed at preseason games of course, training camp is another matter. Remember the Bears no longer hold their practices down in Bourbonnais as they had for several years. Last year they shifted everything to their new facilities at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. While the newfound proximity is great, it presents a problem regarding fans. Halas Hall doesn’t have near the same amount of space to accommodate thousands of people for practices like Olivet Nazarene University did.
So if they do allow fans, it could prove difficult to acquire tickets. Will the Chicago Bears brass decide to have only season ticket holders allowed to attend? Could they seek to expand parking to allow more? Nobody knows for certain. That will be something the organization is likely to clarify at some point within the next two months.
Either way, a big step in the right direction.
Getting major hype for preseason games alone is difficult to come by. Yet the Bears found a way. After the difficult financial struggles from last year, one can safely assume they’ll be seeking loads of money-making opportunities with this development. Fans will only be too happy to oblige given their recent fervor.