Team president Kevin Warren spent his first year running the Chicago Bears getting a lay of the land. He met with everybody in the organization, got opinions on how things have been run, and assessed what might need to change. One can safely surmise he’s got some changes planned for this off-season. However, the first thing he needed to do was offer an update on what happens next. That meant sending a letter to the Bears’ season ticket holders. His update didn’t lack important notes.
First and foremost, ticket prices will be going up. After the Bears improved last season, with the prospect of a new young quarterback at #1 overall and a new stadium expected down the line, it appears the team is looking to take advantage of fan interest.
“As part of our 2024 planning, we have spent the last few months evaluating our season ticket prices and the market considerations that factor into our business decisions. With careful thought and analysis, our 2024 season ticket package price will increase on average by 8.0%, with increases ranging from 6.2% to 11.3%.”
Next came the stadium situation. It appears Warren has pivoted the team away from Arlington Heights and back to downtown Chicago in recent weeks. While there is still no definitive site chosen, one detail has been decided on. The new stadium will be a fixed dome.
“I have embraced the opportunity to meet many of you, our Season Ticket Holders, who all share the same passion and enthusiasm to bring a Super Bowl victory to the Chicagoland area as well as a new, world-class fixed roof stadium.”
Kevin Warren appears set on his course.
It is apparent he will have no say in the direction of the roster-building; his intent on the business side is obvious. He will do everything in his power to make the Bears a first-class organization. For that to happen, he must first put them in a state-of-the-art venue that will be the envy of the NFL. While he has architects drawing up plans for how that stadium will look, none of it can get going until an actual location is chosen. Right now, it appears lots of attention is being paid to the south lot near Soldier Field.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Knowing how Chicago politics work, it could be months before any real progress is made on this. Kevin Warren isn’t dumb. He’s been through this process before, having encountered similar hurdles with the Vikings in Minnesota. The man knows what to expect and has ideas on how to get what he wants. One thing that would help his case is if the Bears can finally put together a winning season. They’re trending in the right direction. Another strong off-season could push them over the hump.
Another losing season, most of their wins against the worst teams in the league, no playoffs, constant upheaval with the coaching staff and an average 8% price increase.
SMH.
Arlington Heights allows Bears to not only build a world class roof stadium but also several multi-season sites, venues and restaurants for fans and public yo enjoy as well as being able to capitalize financially with easy access and plenty of parking to boot!
Downtown Chicago limits what they can do space wise.
Seems as though they are teasing all sides involved to squeeze a better deal out of Arlington Heights.
sorry Darnell, GREAT NAME.
Glad I don’t waste money on going to games . The owners only care about the money 8% avg once to the only thing that makes them money . I’ll stand pat with saying please sell the team so we can get some real football people as the owners. Especially if they draft a crap qb’s and trade fields this team doesn’t deserve more money. Also expect it to go up every year until Warren retires. Worst owners in the league.
City of Chicago has stated as recently as 2020 that “in no instance will further private development be permitted East of Lake Shore Drive”. If the Bears want to own their own house and not rent from the Park District the south lot will not work. I agree with Darnell, get name by the way :), Arlington Heights is very easy to get to from any point in the Chicago region.