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As a bears season ticket holder one of the biggest problems is parking. It's super limited and expensive. I have no doubts they will be moving to Arlington Heights by 2026 or 2027. Bears hiring Kevin Warren who helped with U.S. Bank stadium is a huge indication they are moving. And I totally believe Warren will do his best to get it done.
When it became evident that Bears were seriously looking at moving, I remember the press asking Lori Lightfoot for her thoughts. She was dismissive and said "The Bears should just concentrate on beating the Packers". She never took the move seriously which basically sums her entire tenure as mayor of Chicago.
The owners of the Bears have always tried to move the Bears to Arlington Heights this is nothing new this has nothing to do with Lori Lightfoot but who cares if they move their nothing but the bad news Bears anyway let them move!!! It’s capitalism at the end of the day!
@@anuday2022 She did nothing whatsoever to alleviate the situation except be snarky, and dare them to break the lease. She will be remembered as the Mayor that finally motivated the team to leave.
@@ericwilliams8420 Because that’s the way people like you want to see it when really it’s just about money that’s it! The owners of the Bears want to expand they want more seats they want more space Chicago can’t give that to them let them move their losing team anyway and Chicago wasn’t their original home anyway they were down in the cornfields downstate I think in like Decatur Illinois! Maybe Chicago Will refurbish the stadium back to its original glory with the columns!
Soldier Field is far better than the Vikings Stadium. Minnesotans are pussies for playing football inside. Sports doesn't need billions of dollars invested into it. People are such degenerates.
@Johan de Igoa lol, I swear pay a little homage to your bears getting something better than that sloppy field and bam here comes the ignorance of an old goat. Have fun in your ice bowl while I walk around in shorts and T during the winters.
My last bears game, we traveled by Metra for an hour, waited for a bus that took awhile, then we had to walk forever to get our seats. I had three beers, which was $30, and I can’t remember how much we spent on food. There were 4 of us and the tickets were roughly $800. And the bears lost. We spent more time traveling to see the bears lose than we did actually sitting in our upper bowl, terrible seats that you feel you may tumble down because of the pitch if you have too many Miller lites. And the push home was worse because thousands of people had to pee and there were lines everywhere including the train ride home. I’d rather just watch it on tv.
Had you stayed home to watch you would have been able to order pizza or anything else you wanted. Taken a pee during commercial breaks, and your beer might cost you a buck twenty five tops. No insane commutes before or after.. No bone cracking wind chills either. You would be hundreds of dollars ahead afterwards as well that you could better invest elsewhere, and still give fifty bucks to St. Jude's Hospital for kids.
As someone from chicago, going to bears games are expensive because of the low capacity, and getting there is a nightmare and stressful because of its parking and location on the busiest street in the city. I hope they move to Arlington soon.
I'm not a resident of Chicago, but in 2012 I went through there on a train while on my way to Ohio and had a 8 hour layover in Chicago and wanted to see the sights. Two of the things I wanted to see was Soldier Field and Wrigley Field. While talkin' to a gentlemen I met in the train station(I came into Ogilvie Station, not Chicago Union Station) suggested not going to Soldier Field for the same reason as he told me a the traffic on that main road is extremely busy. I did get to see Wrigley, but maybe once it's in Arlington Heights I'll go back and see Soldier Field. I did get the chance to see a good bit of Chicago and while it's beautiful man idk if I could live there haha. You guys have a lot goin' on at all times in that city xD
If you think parking or traffic is going to be better in Arlington youre insane. It'll actually be worse, because almost everyone will now have to drive to see games. The bears should stay in Chicago, it's unfortunate that the Chicago city government only started caring when it became evident the bears wanted to move though.
That's BS, you can take the subway and park your car at cheaper hubs. And low capacity my 'ss , there is not much difference than other stadiums. Don't talk crap
@MacGobhann I think the bears should stay in chicago as well, but parking would 100% be better elsewhere. McCormick Place and the Field museum have the entire stadium sandwiched. You can use McCormick for parking, but only lot b on 31st, which is still a journey to the field. The only place they can add parking is literally in Lake Michigan.
Most of the owners don't have money like people think they do. Owner A may have a net worth of two billion dollars but only $800m is liquid. That's they beg for public money.
Also, most owners do not own their stadiums. When you have an opportunity to own, you do so. But, that takes lots of valuable leverage away from the cities.
Wanting to "partner with the local government on the mixed use district" reeks of government funding via bonds. The issue is that they don't want to raise that much cash or incur interest on any debt required to build. At some point bonds will have to come into the picture. With interest rates where they are it's exorbitant. That said I'd maybe support this if the public could buy bonds in reasonable denominations. The interest from which can help offset the associated costs. It'll never happen. This is meant to be paid for on the backs of cash strapped citizens who can't even afford to go to the games. For instance Dallas wants a 2nd NFL team but no actual grass roots support exists for this. The people there don't even want a stadium so it seems like this is more a threat to get more concessions out of Chicago. The citizens should vote against any bond proposals. Paying on the financing, upkeep and security will make rents and escrow on mortgages go up.
oh that's what all the NFL owners say, the Minnesota taxpayers ended up paying more out of pocket for the stadium going over budget plus they said they would pay for the Stadium but the surrounding venues, well that's a different story.
@@JamieFHarbert I live in MN, I don't remember the Vikings ever saying they would pay for it themselves. Right from the start they were strongarming the legislature into paying as much as possible
@Elijah Boyd No objection to that but it should be funded with private money or by a community stupid enough to absorb the costs. Dallas for instance could have had the Cowboys but played this game with the Cotton Bowl. The stadium moved to Arlington. Three of them actually. Working middle class were priced out due to the higher rents and associated taxes. Dallas now wants an expansion team but even then the residents don't support it. It's just the wet dream of private capital.
After watching the Patriots process for getting a new stadium and how successful they became with the revenue it generates, I can't imagine why any team would tie themselves to municipal funding. Remember the Craft family made several offers to the State of Massachusetts but ended up privately funding their stadium, with the state missing out on hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
Stadiums rarely generate any revenue to be honest. The majority of the teams income comes from revenue sharing and TV deals. Ticket sales don’t bring much overall.
@@stevencramsie9172 maybe in comparison but let's just say you sell 60,000 tickets at $50 each. That's 3 million a game. That's 24 million a year, unless they have 9 home games im not sure now with 17 game season. I just looked it up and it says they start at $69 with an average of $341. If you use the average price that's 20 million a game. I'd say that's enough to fund a stadium.
Not when football stars got to get paid every week, staff, coaches, and security I mean yeah it’s a lot of money but then you add overhead costs, building maintenance, and upkeep… it dwindles, not saying you don’t make profit but margins become slim
One the most elegant scams i ever saw was when Craft helped Governor Rowland get elected by pretending he was sone talking to Mass and instead was moving to Hartford CT 😂😂😂 of course after the election they discovered some hazardous contamination on the building site which enabled Craft to exit the new stadium build contract. Of course the media enthusiastically swallowed and regurgitated the story. What a scam.
I remember a few years ago when I visited Chicago, the tour guide drove us by Soldier Field. He described it as, an alien spaceship crashed into Ancient Greece.
I don't like what was done to the original stadium. But given all the people in Chicago who voted for Lori Lightfoot (aka Beetlejuice), I don't think they give a damn about the city either. If they did, they'd be disgusted with what she's doing to their community.
In my opinion the biggest issue is the fan experience at Soldier Field. The community and fans are awesome but the issue is in the facilities. Basic food and drink options. Minimal facilities for the restroom. Difficulties getting around at peak times such as halftime for example. It's all terrible and by far the worst fan experience I've had at any stadium.
"experience"? what does even mean? you go watch a football game don't you? when people say they want a better fan experience it just sounds like they want an amusement park.
As a Texan who has no dog in this fight, I have a hard time understanding how in the decades its been there, no rail or bus stops have been put at the edge of the stadium. At the AA center in Dallas, they have a Dart station at the arena and it sits on the side of a major interstate. It seems like with Chicago's mass transit system, at least bus routes would be an easy improvement. As a fan, a mile walk to go sit in an open air stadium next to the lake in December sounds like a form of torture.
Friends of the Park control everything in the Museum District. They didn't want it so it never happened. We were also going to get the Star Wars museum but the Friends of the Park made it impossible so it moved to Los Angeles. I hate this place...
I visited the museum campus there several months ago by bus, and was appalled by how long it takes. I can reach downtown in less than 30 minutes, yet it was over 30 more to arrive on campus. It's nuts that there's nothing running express to such a major destination.
@@palaceofwisdom9448 The part that gets me most is knowing what Chicago can be like in the winter. I was up there for training in late January one year and I think the highest it got the entire week was 12. Walking from the hotel across to the restaurant was a beating, much less a hike of 30 minutes or more.
You get used to it. As long as it's not too windy, 30s is hoody weather, when it hits -17 and the wind is whipping then you need to really put something on and layer up.
@@MrKraeg People who will visit from other locations, will not have the opportunity to 'toughen up' 'get used to' the often rough climate in Chicago. Minneapolis saw that as a deterrent to local business and visitors, by installing underground walkways to easily, warmly access much of downtown MINNEAPOLIS. Chicago has a minor version of that, but it is NOT widely publicized, nor made easily accessed in a number of ways. Few elevators, little accurate signage and a single east/west route. From Millennium Station to Court House of some jurisdiction. Yes you can enter a few retail stores along the way, but the 'way' is also littered with closed shops, a few quick dining options, and the mandatory news stand/s.
Born and raised in Chicago as a Bears Fan. Move to Arlington Heights, build your own stadium and get full control of everything. Don’t let the corrupt government of Chicago dictate what you do anymore!
The mayor of Baltimore, and the governor of Maryland never took Bob Ursay seriously. And in the darkness of night in a snowstorm, the Baltimore Colts snuck out of town headed for Indianapolis.
The bears aren’t exactly going to sneak out but yes our mayor wasn’t taking it seriously that there were issues at the stadium. Maybe she should’ve watched this video first Haha
Took them seriously, didn't want to break the city to keep them. Bears will expect a ton of cash to stay or go, rich people getting money to build stadiums that 90% of the people cant attend. Let them go, Soldier field will make more money without the BEars
The biggest takeaway is that the hiring of Kevin Warren wasn't because he was BIG10 commissioner but because he helped The Vikings get their stadium deal done and constructed. This hiring is the clearest indication we are going to get of The Halas McKaskey family's intentions prior to the sale being finalized.
While your statement is true, don't forget that the Vikings made a huge push for a stadium in a suburb of the Minneapolis area. Most notably Arden Hills. When the deal was finally completed, Arden Hills was not an option, and the stadium was built on top of the old Metrodome.
Why does Chicago keep voting for her worthless carcass then? Everywhere that's not a coastline cesspool views Chicago as the perfect example of everything wrong with big city living.
My father and his 6 brothers all raised in Chicago and all Bears fans. They went to the game after renovation and said they liked it. Compared to the original seating they felt they were much closer to the field. It is an eyesore though why couldn't they just do a Classy Renovation like the Packers did with Lambeau Field? Lambeau was expanded to 81,000 seats and it looks brilliant. No dome because what's the point in living in a freezing climate if you can't take advantage of home field?
Your Absolutely right about the Home Field , As a Vikings fan we ALL have seen the Negative impact that indoor stadium has had on their Home field Advantage !!!! They have NEVER really been relevant since then !! Don't let them do that to you Bear Fans !!!!! Keep your Wonderful Home field Advantage !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I was in high school in the 1970s I did a paper on the structural problems that Soldier Field had. Basically it was collapsing beneath the turf into ruble. To really fix the problems would require something similar to an Earthquake proofing exercise in California. Many billions of dollars. The darn thing wasn't originally built to last very long.
@@davidbrown9866 , some of the older houses in Chicago were built with full exterior brick walls. Yes, they had some wood framing, but well done full brickwork properly maintained lasted for several decades. Properly installed and maintained vinyl or metal window framing can last many more decades than painted or stained wood framed windows. I dreaded dealing with exterior oil based paints and stains for the annual repainting chores. You get the annoying odors of oil based chemicals and toxic cleaning fluids, plus the inevitable messes.
So that scene in Dark Knight Rises where Bane blows up the football field was actually just filmed at Soldier Field without any special or practical effects?
While the Halas family may not have the cash reserves to pay for the project, they do own a sports franchise valued at just under $6B. They will have no trouble finding investment partners to build out the Arlington site. Plus, the NFL has loan programs in place to help teams build and refurbish stadiums. There will be no issue finding the money.
@FriskyDingo This. Look at Las Vegas for example. Heck, look at New York/New Jersey. I think people in the greater NY area are still paying for the OLD Meadowlands stadium, long ago torn down.
The stadium proposal to "modify" Soldier Field is literally the most insane thing. Literally impossible to plaster a Sofi like replica onto an old stadium without tearing it all up.
Are you telling me Lori Lightfood is detached from reality?! The woman who averages a dozen black on black murders every week while blaming everything on white people is detached from reality?!
Sometimes they can do renovations based on the original roof expansion plans and structure. Just modify it. In Toronto they added a Roof over seating on BMO Field. It looks fine. Think Soilder field still has decent bones
I had no idea the Bears had been unhappy with Soldier Field for so long! Nobody wants to go to Chicago anymore and that’s a huge reason to consider moving as well. I think the new field would be better all around.
What I hate about Soldier Field include severely limited restrooms, extremely cold environment, no public transit within walking distance for those of us with disabilities, major traffic issues, limited food unless you own an enclosed box. Just tear it down.
The new renovations and city redelevopment can address each one of those probelms. The club should want to please there fans with more food choices and city with more nearby venues.
Grew up in Minneapolis during the outdoor Metropolitan Stadium days. Sitting 3-plus hours in wind chills under 0 was miserable, win or lose. When Vikings moved indoors 1982 it was cozy to watch games in December and January. The US Bank Stadium completed 2016 is amazing. If Chicago gets an indoor stadium like US Bank you‘ll love it! However, your team will lose that arctic homefield advantage but being indoors will attract better free agents. Most top free agents today do not want to represent a team in an arctic city if stadium outdoors. This why Vikings have beaten Bears 11 of last 17 and 4 in a row. Being indoors you miss those glorious fall weather days but the pros outweigh the cons. Indoor stadiums offer better convenience & entertainment and you’ll be able to host a Super Bowl!
From a Chicago suburbs resident, the Bears having a heated indoor venue, would make a huge difference! Especially if they are able to figure out the parking issue.
I had 4 Bears season tickets from 1998 (last year for Wannstedt) til 2017 (last year for Fox), so I experienced the rebuild of Soldier Field. Before I get started, as a 35 year USAF vet, I really appreciate the honor and displays for the vet...most of which is 'built in' to the stadium. Let me say that there are two major reason why the Bears should abandon Soldier field 1) the concessions are terrible, 2) there is NO GOOD way to get to-from the field...walking, CTA, RTA, driving (there is a preseason raffle for the limited parking). I had hoped that being on the waitlist (at that time there was no cost to be on the waitlist, not so now) for tickets that when a 'new' stadium was built, I would, anticipating a capacity increase, get 'swept in'! But as I was already a season ticket holder, I did get a chance to 'pick me seat.' Actually provide three selections of section, end of row, etc. I opted for 'The Media Deck,' west side, second level, 'with upgraded concessions and enhacnments'...my section is the northern most, actually north of the endzone, but mostly under cover by the deck above....great when raining or snowing. On the west, in the shade, and later in the season there were overhead heaters. These were OK if yuo were directly under them. The deck was also restricted access, ticket holders only, which was actually strictly enforced! So there were some enhancements! Initially, the concession stands (there were only two on the deck, located at the north and south of the deck, the middle portion 35 to 35 yard line was where the media was located. this portion cut into the deck walk space, so no room for concession, but the media was able to have delivery.) had items that were not available elsewhere. On the othr hand, there were concession elsewhere that were NOT available on this deck ?! Over time the concession selection declined. BUT, the BIGGEST issue for 'the fan experience' is that the concessions are 'manned' by Chicago Park District Employees (I would guess that working here was an 'option' for the PDE, and a way to earn some cash over their normal pay), unfortunately it seemed like none of these workers were really interested in serving hot fries, dogs, etc, or cold beer etc. and if you had to wait in line, and mis 10 minutes of playing time, well TOO BAD! I would continue with the access issue in detail, but when the city rebuilt the museum campus years ago and incorporated the eastern portion of Lakeshore Drive with the southbound, westside portion, Soldier Field was landlocked. MOVE OUT OF THE CITY! PEM
Sorry insane socialists with IQs under 80 destroyed what was once a phenomenal American city. This is entirely your fault though, as you've been electing Democrats for literally a century now. Every 4 years the murder rate it up, and the city crumbles more... yet people from Chicago decide the best way forward is to stick with the same leadership you've had for literally a century.
Were you OK with paying the PSL fees, in order to purchase your ticket/s? I wonder how many STHs understood that they were paying the McCaskey's portion of the cost of the SF renovation? Yes, if the numbers seem to add up, the total charged to the fans was nearly the entire 'contribution' of The Bears. Stealing yet another page from the Popa Bear Halas. handbook of....How I started the NFL on a Shoestring, And I've getting that back ever since! Nevermind the sweetheart deal with the Wrigley's to use that dump, but only after the Cubs had no possiblity of playing in a WS. That meant that the Bears couldn't host a game until the second weekend in October. Every year the Bears would play the first 3-4 games ON THE ROAD! Try that for the first 1/3 of any season.{12 game season). The last time the Bears had a QB of note was Johnny Lujack. Yes that is a very long time. Soldier Field was to be replaced by a state of the art domed stadium near McCormick Place, 80,000 domed that could be incorporated into MP for conventions/exhibits etc. But.....parking/jobs/concessions were a political football....and the 'compromise' was the CF that the Spaceship/Muffin disaster with continued bad turf has plagued the Lakefront ever since.
@@atomicwedgie8176 Haven't all sports sold their souls to the political angle of getting the public to buy into the online betting scam? The polls enjoy these taxation angles because they don't have to be answerable to the players shelling out $$$ for the opportunity to wager and the bettor/fan becomes a bettor first and a fan afterwards, should the wager made become a winner. The team may win, but if it doesn't cover, the team sucks. If the player wins a wager played, to outcome of the game is secondary. The in game blogs are hilarious with 'fans' complaining that their bets haven't paid off and it will be blamed on a player/coach/ref.
Good job going through all of the issues which have spanned multiple mayors and team presidents. The problems with Soldier field today are essentially the same problem that existed when the Bears originally moved in. The team doesn't own or control the facility and it was never designed for football in the first place. The city has continually misplayed their hand by hitching their wagon to Soldier Field rather than finding another land solution in town (There are several options) that the Bears could purchase and build their own facility. The result is bad for both sides. The team has missed out on hundreds of millions in revenue and franchise valuation by not owning their own building or having full control over revenues. Meanwhile the City and its residents...(me among them) are on the hook for an over budget renovation that most people don't like and still isn't paid for. I HATE the fact that they're going to the suburbs but I understand why...
As a life long Bears fan, thank you for this video. Very well done. I've never had a problem with Soldier Field. The renovation was a little ugly, but it just took some getting used to. My biggest issue has always been ticket prices. You're not getting any seat for less than $150-$200. That's ridiculous. But that speaks to your point about the low seating capacity
You think the price is coming down when they move?😆 They'll probably go up since they might not get public funding & the McCaskeys can't finance the new stadium by themselves. #HelloAmazonHelloJeffBesos
@@a.barker7792 Folks better get used to the fact- They spend a paycheck going to a Bears game at the new place... I'll be in my comfy rec room-where the cost of a 6-pack is less than a single brewski will be at *"McCaskey World"*
No matter what the City of Chicago proposes to "improve" Soldier Field, the bottom line for the Bears is "control of revenue". I believe the Bears WILL move to Arlington Heights...with the details being worked out with the team and the Village of Arlington Heights.
In an interview, Lightfoot said Chicago has a plan B and C for soldier field if the bears decided to “abandon” Chicago. Outstanding move by Lightfoot, antagonizing the franchise you’re finally trying to keep in Chicago after disrespecting them for years. Even as a Packer’s fan, I feel for Bears fans. They’re incredibly loyal despite how terrible the government and the front office has treated them and the team. Edit: It appears I’ve started a war between the city of Chicago and Canada. Oh well.
why? this is good for the bears and us fans, its too damn cold right on the lake, the bears are moving to the west suburbs, its still cold but trust me as i was born and raised on chicago's southeast side a few blocks from lake michigan, that wind coming directly off the lake in the winter is brutal
@@eddiewilson3724 y’all Americans complaining about playing football in a little shitty weather cfl takes place in October the worst month for Canadian weather...
As a fan who lives in the Chicago suburbs, my issue was never the stadium itself. The fact that Soldier Field is not on mass transit, is not on a major highway, etc. makes the gameday experience quite miserable.
I'm from Chicago and have lived in the suburbs. Living in the city the city has helped me with this. Just park near downtown pay for cheap parking. Uber/Lyft/cta. Easy
Went there a few years ago for a pre-season game years after the renovation and was shocked of the amount of port-o-johns circling the stadium inside. Real restrooms were few and of course many of the portable toilets were overflowing to where people had top walk through it. This was at halftime and was shocked this would be an issue especially after the renovation happened. Haven't been there again since.
I grew up in the Chicago area and love Soldier Field and hope da Bears don't really leave it, I lived in Grant Park later in my college life and I am 66 years old now and have fond memories of Soldier Field. Saw great concerts there when young also plus of course the Bears. Peace
I’m going to troll this old fuck! I don’t want the bears to move to Arlington because then they will be called the Arlington bears even though almost every team doesn’t play in their represented city
As a bears fan living in Wisconsin i can't really say much since I've sadly never been to a game there (i have saw it from the outside and gave it a hug) i think the biggest issue is that the bears DON'T OWN THEIR STADIUM...they get all this backlash for something that's not in their control and the city just wants the money it gets from soldier field. the only way the bears would have stayed is if they owned the rights to the stadium but it's far too late for that now.
It would seem, after reading your extensive rant about the Chicago Bear situation, your concerns could be completely allayed if only they were able to field a team worth watch- ing/following instead of believing in a return to 1985.
@@marthakrumboltz2710 I mean your point is kinda of a double edge sword. I get your point but if they would have had a good team back then, don’t you think Chicago would want to keep the rights due to the revenue and money from the stadium because more money for them?
@@michaelleroy9281 the bears can buyout the contract with the park district which is very likely. Bears will be out of Soldier Field it's what Papa Bear wanted back in the 70s and this time it will happen.
One of the issues with Soldier fields dome is really sad that its the smallest stadium in nfl and the dome is going to take a significant amount of seats from those areas with the pillars. So the smallest nfl stadium likely gets smaller.
Chicago is almost broke, on the hook for public pensions they haven't funded fully in many years. They have crime problems Lightfoot won't deal with. High property taxes are driving away people. The city isn't a major manufacturing center anymore. They don't dominate banking anymore. Detroit went under, even Obama couldn't save them, now there is some real economic grow and honesty in government after decades. Bankruptcy is Chicago's only option. They just can't afford a new stadium now. Sad but they will get though it.
@@5822huron no he’s right putting a lid on soldier field would be a mistake, from what being said in the video the Bears never wanted to play there and have always been trying to leave
The plans would have to be clearer before appvoval. Sometimes new works better for so many reasons. But it comes down to management more then where. New can be a desaster too!
As a Raider fan for 55 years, the struggle is real. I love our new stadium, and frankly Oakland was a toilet bowl that I'm now happy is in the past. Obviously a new stadium is not a guarantee of wins, but hopefully in time. This video was extremely well done.
I can't lie though, having the warriors, raiders, and athletics play at the same location was such a great convenience for fans, but we all knew they had to go at some point. It's so sad seeing what Oakland has become.
I live in the western burbs and would ABSOLUTELY go to more games if the Bears move. I don't live much past 355 and a bears game is a two hour (or more) door to door trip each way. The last game (12/23/19) was over 3 hours to get home. We usually go to a couple of games a year but not since COVID. There is also nothing to do around Soldier field. I know that the north, west, and south west suburbs would all be behind this move. Additionally, the city is more dangerous over the past few years and I don't want to bring friends or family to a dangerous environment.
Mostly everything about your post seems over exaggerated or just nonsense. "there's nothing to do around Soldier Field" The amount of ignorant statements by suburbanites is astounding. I'm also skeptical of your comment about the suburbs supporting the move given those not near Arlington Heights would probably either have no opinion or wouldn't say what you've said. As for the crime, you're heading towards Museum Campus in the heart of the city. If you knew anything about Chicago you're entering one of the most safest parts of the city. I sense a liar - if not a troll.
Me too. I hate commuting anywhere in the city, unless it's by the airports. I don't live much past 355 or 55 either. True, there is nothing to do around Soldier Field. The train tracks/yard separate the gentrified (shithole) area from the Lakefront. I think all or most of the suburbs (around the metro area) would support this move. Yes, the city has become more dangerous (over the last 15-20 years), thanks to: 1. Gentrification, 2. Soft on crime mentality.
As a Bear fan, great video. You're right about the main problems but it's worse than that. Having amenities and bars in the stadium isn't even of huge importance to a lot of fans though. A lot of us would try to go early to avoid traffic and start tailgating but now parking doesn't even open until 9 a.m. for a noon game. All of these problems add up to a poor fan experience.
As a life long Die hard Bears fan, born and raised on the Northside of the city I will tell you this. I've been to soldier field one time and refuse to ever go back for a game. It was by far the worst in person sporting experience I've ever had and I've always wondered how anyone would torture themselves 8+ times a year in that manner. The Northwestern university Ryan field is 100X a better experience and facility and that place is considered a dump by today's college stadium standards. There is zero reason the flagship team of the NFL shouldn't have the absolute best amenities in the league for both home and visiting fans and players alike. The Bears deserve better than what the politicians here have allowed them to have and we as fans deserve better. I can't wait to see the Bears play a home Superbowl game in Arlington heights!!! BEARDOWN!!!
How are you a Bears fan born and raised in Chicago and only been to Soldier field once? That's wild. If I lived in the city of my favorite team I'd always be there.
@@Shabaka87 Because the fan experience is terrible. .. Let me ask you this. If it took you more time to get from your car or the train,to get to your seat, after you grab a beer, take a piss and grab another beer (Beers are about $20 a piece by the way) and damn near miss kick off all for the Low low price of let's say 250.00 a ticket for a non packers or a game where we're out of contention... Would you still go all the time? Believe me I wish it were worth it to cheer them on in person at Solider Field but it's just not. I have way more fun with friends and family watching the game at home on one TV while RedZone is on another and Sunday ticket is on a third TV or a tablet while playing fantasy and paying retail for beer and food lol.. Go there once and see if you still think you'd want to go all the time..
@@Shabaka87 I'm from Denver and only went to a game once or twice a year. It's expensive and you eventually stop handing your paychecks over to the likes of Teddy Bridgewater and Trevor Siemian
Im the same. Love the Bears, but only been to one game. One it is over priced for what you are getting. Second The stadium sucks. There is nothing there. Hope you dont get hungry with their 4 food stands. Also hope you dont have Vertigo in those upper seats. If it was a couple degrees steeper it might as well be a ladder you are climbing.
I've only been to Soldier Field once for a concert. Getting to the stadium was a nightmare. It was like walking through a maze. Maybe that's just because I'm from out of town and aren't familiar with the area, but I've been to other stadiums and it's pretty straight forward on how to get to the stadium.
Arlington Heights location makes good business sense and would be a major economic development project for the community. So many opportunities for mixed use of the site and if the stadium is enclosed it would be utilized year round. Attended a Bears game about ten years ago and it is a small stadium for such a major market and isolated. Outstanding and well researched video Lee. Well done.
@@WhatDoesEvilMean that's what you're all telling yourselves now. I for one still think it would have been high humor for the Bears to relocate to Gary as proposed in 94'.
Went last month to see eagles stomp the bears. And it was the most unpleasant experience. Took me 45 mins to get to my seats once ticket was scanned. Literally any walkway in seat section is extremely crowded. Leaving was torture.
Public transportation to soldier field is horrible. The one commuter rail close by isn't that accessible. If you are doing other commuter rail or the L, it's at least a mile walk. I hope I never have to go to soldier field again.
My dad helped renovate soldier field, he always said it never felt right working on it. The bears and bills game this year was awesome tho, we were freezing but it was awesome to go
If it annoys lightfoot, then I will happily support it!!!! If it causes her and her cohorts to experience FAILURE, and it stresses them out, then that's what I want to happen!!!
The majority of Bears Season ticket holders already hail from the suburbs, namely the northwest suburbs. So logistically speaking, transit time for the majority of fans would be cut drastically. Many Bears season ticket holders are upper middle class and upper class, and only venture into the city for the game itself and not to spend pre-game or post-game time in the surrounding area because there are few amenities near Soldier Field. Moreover, increased crime in Chicago is a growing concern for many suburbanites. Rampant carjackings, random indiscriminate shootings, muggings, and other forms of violent urban criminality are up in Chicago and little effective efforts to combat these crimes has been employed by the city or the county State’s Attorney office. Chicago is failing and the mayor doesn’t understand it because she, herself, is a failure. The mayor is obsessed with race and other forms of “wokeness,” and this obsession hasn’t benefited any of the city’s residents or businesses. By moving to Arlington Heights, the team could easily consolidate its operations into one facility instead of having its offices and practice facilities at a remote location in north suburban Lake Forest. If properly executed, the Bears new home could be a Super Bowl ready facility, which would greatly benefit the entire region. There are only so many times the city can put bandaids on the woefully subpar Soldier Field. Logistics, parking availability, stadium access, and excessive costs (many imposed by Chicago taxes and fees) are some of the biggest issues for fans. Yes, the renderings for the stadium expansion are impressive, but when one realizes how miserable the parking, logistics, and crime are around Soldier Field, one quickly realizes that the city is just trying to polish a turd.
i Think its a good idea too to build in the suburbs and make a SOFI stadium entertainment type complex. But only if the cheap bears pay for it. Cause in the long run it will benefit the whole area.
Access to Soldier Field was always a nightmare. I would think that getting to Arlington Park would be much easier and that reason alone would be good enough for me. And the fact that Chicago has become a crime cesspool, that's another great reason to move
Thank you for the history. I grew up in the Chicago area and knew that the Bears had, until not long ago, played more games at Wrigley than at Soldier Field. I had taken that to mean, though, that SF wasn't built until then.
Soldier Field was built in 1924, long before the Bears left Wrigley after the 1970 season. It was the home field of the Chicago Rockets/Hornets of the old AAFC from 1946-49 and the home field of the Chicago Cardinals in 1959, their last season in Chicago.
Gawd...I feel for you guys in Chicago, because we here in San Francisco know just what you are going through. Soldier Field is such an iconic & legendary stadium, just like how Candlestick Park was in SF. But now Candlestick Park is gone, torn down, due to an ownership that no longer wanted to be in in SF. Our Mayor, at the time did everything he could to try & keep the venue in SF, but we have an ownership who wanted no part of the city that the team is named for. Now the 49ers play 50 miles away, more near the city of San Jose than SF. San Jose is currently the 3rd largest city in California, after San Diego. I'm Wishing y'all the best, keep up the good fight, we fought to keep the Niners.
Keep in mind that this time around - unlike the last time the Bears attempted to go elsewhere - the NFL is a financial juggernaut and they are in lock-step about getting one of the league's charter franchises and biggest markets brought into the 21st century. The Bears will not need to front all the money for the project. They will have the NFL, fellow owners, sponsorships, and other interested parties (like Churchill Downs themselves) looking for a piece of the pie, and thus, paying towards the construction. The biggest hurdle will not be buying the land or construction. The biggest hurdle will be getting the government to take care of the infrastructure. (As is always the case with development). Bringing in Kevin Warren is absolutely strategic, as he not only has connections, but also experience with building the Vikings' stadium. Honestly, I think there is a ton of momentum from the league to get this done, and not even Illinois politicians will be able to stop it.
Kevin Warren does nothing here. Unlike Minnesota, Chicago politics are way more nepotist and Brutal. Polticians here are experts at ringing out concessions and the problem is both them and the Bears are too damn Greedy.
This is a familiar story. Comisky Park went from being a good ballpark to being so crime ridden it wasn't safe to go see a game. Welcome to history repeating itself.
It's almost like Democrats lead to a rise in crime and the destruction of your city or something. Nah, can't be that. Must be those pesky Republicans we haven't elected in literally a century. 4 more years of Lightfoot!
apparently not too familiar, considering Arlington Heights is in the suburbs out by Schaumburg, and no where near the Loop unlike Comiskey/US Cell is, i mean come on, Comiskey's near Back of the Yards which was never that great an area in the first place
These two stadiums history are nothing alike.. no clue why you try comparing them.. sox park is a beautiful park with tons of parking, concessions and seating.. nothing soldier field ever had
@cansou lol you dont say, brainchild? lol that was part of my POINT genius, learn to read. i was pointing out that Arlington Heights wasnt the crime ridden shithole Back of the Yards was which is roughly the area the OP was referring to when he mentioned Comiskey
I live in massillon where Lori's family is from. Her mother Ann Lightfoot is an amazing woman. Served the school board for something like 50 years. I had never heard of Lori before. If you ask me Chicago got the wrong lightfoot.....
As a bears fan living in the north west burbs the move has to happen! We need the bears closer to the burbs in a safer environment and makes it so much easier for everyone to see a game!
I was in Cleveland when Art Modell secretly sold the Cleveland Browns. All our rivals mourned the dirty trick, with us. I support all Chicago Fans here.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5 ✝🌅 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7 ✝🌅 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ✝🌅
I pref the move to Arlington Heights. I’ve been to plenty of Bears games and other events at Soldier Field and while I had some great memories at the park and I love the fact that our team gets to play at a stadium in the city, the actual experience there half the time is lackluster at best and absolutely frustrating at its worst. If moving to Arlington Heights means not having to deal with the nightmare of an experience that just getting to Soldier Field entails, I’m all for it. And if the McCaskey family decides to actually shell out the money for a state of the art, high capacity stadium, maybe we’ll finally get to host a Super Bowl in our lifetimes. As a fan, the possibilities that a move to Arlington Heights creates far outweighs any nostalgic factor that the current stadium holds for me. But that’s not to say I want Soldier Field to go completely by the wayside. Soldier Field is already a terrific soccer stadium and is capable of hosting some great non-sporting events. The Fire are great tenants and the Mexican National Team already consider it a home away from home, and it’s still a great concert venue. The Bears leaving it won’t change that. My hope is that even if/when the Bears leave, the city of Chicago still develops the area around the stadium to improve the experience for everything that will still take place there. It’s a tall ask, but one can wish.
I don't hate soldier field, but the Bears do need a modern stadium to keep up with NFL standards. I won't mind if they build a stadium similar to Minnesota.
One of the untold reasons (in the video, at least) they brought in Kevin Warren to be CEO is because he was instrumental in getting US Bank stadium in Minneapolis built. Considering that it is regarded as one of the best stadiums currently in the league, I think the Bears are in good hands on that front.
I’ve said this before- As a lifelong Bears fan and city of Chicagoan resident and tax payer, they deserve a better stadium for themselves and their fan base! If you build it they will come! I don’t live far from Soldier Field but I’d make the drive to Arlington Heights to see my Bears! It’ll make the ocassion even more special!
Slight correction, Metra Electric and the South Shore Line have a stop at 18th street and 11th Street both of which are closer to Museum Campus than the CTA. Of course if you’re coming from the south or NW Indiana that is helpful, but would require other people to take a train into downtown Chicago and then walk over to Millenium Station to hop on a Metra Electric going south.
Soldier Field holds a special place to me. I went to my first Bears game at new Soldier Field when I was 5 years old. And the older I got, the more I despised it. I live about 2 hours west of Chicago and getting to the stadium, parking, walking/shuttling to the stadium, navigating the narrow concourses, waiting 15-20 minutes to get into the bathroom and finally; LEAVING THE STADIUM, are all nightmares. There is very minimal room and the gameday experience is quite poor. A new stadium district outside of the city limits will be very beneficial to the team. Allowing them to host year-round events (given a roof is built for the new project) such as Super Bowls, Wrestlemania, Final Four, College Football Playoff, concerts, etc. This is a much needed refresh for the Bears and as a life-long Bears fan, I’m excited for it. Traffic to and from the stadium will improve with better public transport infrastructure, parking amenities appear to be within the new plans, as well as a larger capacity stadium with a roof (hopefully). Well done on the video!
I often wondered why the Bears played at Wrigley Field when it very little parking, could barely fit a football gridiron and had to set up those awkward temporary seats in right field. I never knew that Soldier Field was worse.
I am a former seasons ticket holder and live on the northwest side of Chicago. The Arlington Park location is closer to me than their current location. The current location has nothing around it to generate revenue before and after the game, and Chicago has become a cesspool of crap. If they move I will start going again.
There’s actually a lot to do around the stadium. Easy to get to the train. Lakefront views and access. Walking access to restaurants and bars. Arlington Heights on serves the well off people of the north suburbs. Suburban stadiums have always been a terrible idea. If the Bears leave Chicago I hope Chicago gets a new team and they rename them Arlington Heights Bears or the Illinois Bears because they aren’t Chicago anymore. Team cares more about profit and money than winning. That’s why the McCaskeys suck as owners.
@@bige4567 You're dead freggin wrong & are doing nothing but *Perpetuating Stereotypes*.... Soldier Field is in a lovely part of the city... And the Bears are moving because the don't own or control Soldier Field. They can move... *
I left Chicago a little over a year ago, after many generations of my family there, for another state that isn’t as hostile. Anyone who grew up there knows there was no better place as a kid to grow up in the 80s and 90s (and before), I’m saddened to see what they did to my home, but I had to give my kids a better life for their future. The politicians and many of the people currently there don’t care and keep doubling down despite high taxes, crime, insane social policies, etc. They will vote the same policies and never change their minds even as things will only keep get worse.
I'm from stl. Used to be the 4th largest city. 8 decades of democrats later we are 54th. Business should get out of dem ran cities. They hate sports and the masculine men who watch it. They don't want the revenue
This is similar to the situation we had in Detroit and Auburn Hill's regarding the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons played in Detroit for a long time at several different venues. They moved to Auburn Hills in the 1988. The stadium cost $90M to construct. The stadium was renovated in 2005 & 2015. Only to be closed in 2017 and demolished shortly thereafter. The Pistons are again back in Detroit where they belong but they're woefully bad franchise. Their billionaire owner is not hiring the right people to put the franchise back where it was in the late 80's and early 90's, which is a real shame. Unfortunately, there is no clear path forward.
When Joe Dumars entered the front office, I had a feeling there were a lot of things going on behind the scenes. Dumars is not bad, it's just a PR thing at the time because he was a popular players from the Bad Boys. They should bring back that mantra because it does represent the vibe of the motor city. Hard work and effort and toughness and grit, especially when the city had a lot of jobs in car factories etc.
@@neon920 The NBA doesn't allow the "Bad Boys" style/type of defense system any longer. The league has chosen to go soft. All scoring, no defense. It's not even watchable any longer.
@@ers-tj4to Lol... I was in the Palace of Auburn Hills on that night. Ron Artest. What a thug he was. That all started from a fan throwing something at the Indiana Pacers bench.
@@cheesemouse7774 oh I know but the mentality of it can be applied where a team's focus is on defense then their offense is a fast break lay up or 3 point shot. There's no rules to that. Teams can play tough defense without what the Bad Boys did. Heck, that's why for a while the Eastern Conference games could barely hit 85 points each team on average, while the run and gun Western Conference was like average 110 points. Still to this day, those numbers do happen.
The renovation was an abomination and a crime against the beautiful architecture of the original stadium. Hopefully the city will rip out the renovations and return the stadium to its former self.
I could not agree more. Especially the hideous cantilevered bleaches looming over the once iconic columns. The new Soldier Field is an architectural abomination and a disgrace to the lakefront. At the very least, the bleachers need to go, the rest is at least salvageable.
Living in Wisconsin, you park in someone's back yard. Walk a block to a tail gate party. A cover band, couple of beers and a brat. Granted leaving is a hour long ordeal. 60 years later Lambeau is still family friendly.
Soccer clubs in the UK do not move to other cities just doesn't happen, many clubs are named after the place they are based such as Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester city, etc fans have supported their clubs for generations going back over hundred years so to move to another city would be unthinkable
Chicago born and raised, it’s so depressing watching our Bears play on this terrible field. By far the thing that drives me away from going to games is the weather… it’s right off the lake and there’s never a time where your not being blasted with cold Lake Michigan wind, or covered in snow. I say the Bears go to Arlington Heights and show this city that they aren’t going to put up with this!
I live downtown Chicago and my best option to get to a game is to walk 45 minutes 😂as you stated; no subway stops are close to the stadium. Getting dropped off is a nightmare, getting picked up is impossible. In Arlington Heights, I can hop on the train and get dropped off at the game. I’m excited for the new stadium, hopefully they lock it in.
When they first renovated the stadium they should've just lifted the columns and display them off site as a personal memorial site. Leaving the outside of soldier field in place limited the renovation and the stadium turned out ugly af and still outdated before it was even completed. Moving to Arlington Heights is a god send.
St. Louis knows what it is like to lose an NFL franchise TWICE. I am sure other cities would be interested in hosting the Bears if a deal cannot be done.
The Bears aren't leaving IL. If they did a new franchise would come to Chicago in a heartbeat. We're still the third largest city in the US and one of the best sports cities. Bears would be stupid to move somewhere like Orlando.
We should all be happy any time someone or something escapes from Chicago. There were several weeks during an active war that there were more murders in Chicago than Afghanistan.
I think the added space, larger venue and more control over what their team is able to profit from, moving the Bears (which by the way has such a neutral name) continuing their brand in a new location is the best move they have. Staying in the city of Chicago does not help their team pay the bill or grow. They can still maintain their current lease and rent back to the city for their new development and make a killing.
My dad is a season ticket holder for the Bears and lives in the same area as Arlington Heights. I think every time I’ve gone to a game with him, he’s talked about how hideous the stadium looks and how much of a pain it is to get there. The immediate surrounding area has been going through a modern development the past decade or so, and the more broad suburbs loved the track and absolutely would love to host the Bears and other events at the site.
As much as I love they are moving to Arlington Heights, right now the roads around that area is nowhere near suitable to support that arena. The main road for where the race track was, Euclid Ave, is a 4 lane road that can't support even moderate traffic, let alone the heavy traffic on gamedays. Even the highway to get to Euclid, I-290/Rt. 53, has a horrible exit at Euclid, so they better do some heavy construction to beef up the road around there, or it will be worse than where Soldier Field is.
@@athras8822 This is true, but it looks like parking lots will be accessible via Rohlwing Rd and the NW Hwy. Those roads would likely need to be expanded, but the exit on Euclid works well for heavy traffic and the road itself would work well for local commuters
To bad the vast majority of people in the Chicago area live closer to soldier field than in Arlington. The only people that are gonna like this move are Arlington residents. Even then, I doubt they will like the massive traffic jams headed there way every Sunday.
*There's your freggin scandal.* They- *Begged for casino revenue.* *Begged for subsidies.* *Said they would stay.* State allowed the new ownership to build that Casino near O'HARE & they sold the track & said- *See you later Suckers.* *That's why I'll never set foot in that* *Casino.* *I'll wait for Chgo to gets its own casino.*
The majority of fans are all in for Arlington Heights. Most of the fans who want the Bears to stay in Chicago at Soldier Field are the old heads who watch the game on TV. Most people who go to games agree that Soldier Field is a nightmare experience for fans when it comes to coming and going from the stadium. Where Arlington Park is located is an amazing place for fans. Arlington Heights is a very easy town to get to and the stadium would be right off of the expressway. Another thing to add, I don't know who released it, but the top towns/cities that Bears season ticket holders are from reside in Naperville, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg. Chicago was 4th or 5th on that list. All 3 of those towns travel on the same expressway to get to each others towns. Kevin Warren's sole purpose of being president is to secure this deal. He got the Vikings stadium built and he will do the same here.
I grew up at the corner of Wilke and Euclid, and I still remember the PA announcer calling the races. I'm all for this. The Northwestern tracks run right along the edge of the property, and major highways run nearby. Plenty of room for parking . There are no negatives. Go Bears!
Lightfoot didn't see the sample of breaking lease to the city east of her that happen in 1995. The old Browns also had a lease with the city of Cleveland and the NFL let Art Modell move his team to Baltimore. So, that kills her example.
I'm from Michigan, and this makes me think of when the Detroit Tigers left Tiger Stadium. For years there was speculation over what they were going to do. People were upset to see Tiger Stadium go, and I still miss it. Its time had come though.
I think they should have done everything possible to keep Tiger Stadium. It was built the same year as Fenway. It had the history of the 68 and 84 teams. Generations of families went there. They tore it down and built a generic office park joke called Comerica and I'm proud to say I've never stepped foot in that place and never will
As someone born and raised in Arlington Heights, I lowkey just amped about the property values increasing from it moving there. Also would just be cool to see the Arlington Park used again, since its basically abandoned
Why would property values increase? At least the area around stadiums is not very nice as far as I know. It would have to be a super commercial district. And traffic would increase massively.
@@davidquinn9676 commercial value alone raises the value of the land your house sits on, obviously this is an extreme example considering the area but with the creation of the Chargers/Rams stadium, property value of the surrounding area tripled
I'm a Vikings fan and I go to soldier field every year. I like the fact it's downtown and open air, but other than that, our bus from Ogilvie Station to Soldier Field took 45 minutes. It's a lackluster venue but still serves its purpose. The Jan. 8th game was sold out even though the bears were 3-13 going into week 18. I honesty think that a 100,000 seat venue could be filled for the majority of the season, especially if the bears are playing well.
Its not about the stadium per se as it is about control... They can't own it and never could that's why Papa Bear never wanted to go there in the first place and called it temporary... Owners have to own the land and the stadium... No more fleece jobs that raise taxes unnecessarily!
@@homerj806 Your missing the point… They can never own Soldier Field, this is the reason why Papa Bear never wanted to move there in the first place… This move was the old man’s real desire… Renting as a tenant of the city is just bad business… Own your facility is the name of the game and as A fan Id rather my team have that competitive advantage and not the city… Why should they get parking and concessions just like other teams do, that’s right because they are Tenants and not the Landlord…. This move is simple business 101… If everyone wants the Bears to stay then sell them that field and area as that is the only way! It’s about autonomy….
@@Skyscraper330 exactly, people don't understand, control is the key, the Bears couldn't dictate when other events would be held at Soldiers Field, they don't receive any money for those events, so if Beyonce holds a concert at Soldiers Fields, the Bears get 0 of that money, Arlington Heights is the right move
CHICAGO HAS WAYYY BIGGER PROBLEMS.. CRIME IS UP AT AN UNREAL RATE.. CAR JACKINGS, THEFT, DESTRUCTION ON BUSINESSES.. SAD REALLY. TOURISM IS AT AN ALL TIME LOW.. BEATLEGUISE HAS GOT TO GO.. WORST MAYOR EVER..
I am from Chicago and left in the late 1970's. I'd tell people I couldn't take the Chicago winters anymore. I used to take the L on Friday evenings to Comiskey Park on the South side to watch the White Sox play and the scoreboard fireworks display at the end of the game. I went to the old Wrigley Field with the manual score board to watch the Cubs. And yes I went to the old Soldiers Field and sat outdoors on a wooden bench in the chilly evening air. No liquor was sold at the stadium, however you were allowed to bring it in. The stands were a well stocked liquor store. Comiskey Park is gone. Wrigley Field has been "renovated". Soldiers Field has been desecrated.
Except it's called Soldier Field, not Soldier's Field. I grew up there too and I think more Chicagoans get that wrong than outsiders. Plus, I went to the old Comiskey Park, Soldier Field and the old Wrigley Field. Good times.
As a Chicago resident and casual football fan, I'm much more likely to see a game at Soldier field. A half an hour walk from transit isn't a big deal in the summer, but the main issue with that stadium is getting there. That's the only improvement I'd want personally. I'll prob never see a game at Arlington Heights.
Im not even from Chicago, Im from Minnesota, but even we are aware of everything Lori does.. She is 1 of a kind I can say that. Ruining a great city from the way she deals with citizens, police, youth gangs, and now sports teams!!
Really good video! I'm born and raised in Chicago, currently residing in the burbs. The Bears need to get out of that city. Arlington Heights is the perfect location.
I used to live about 2-3 miles from Arlington Park. It's a perfect location because it backs right up to not only a metra stop, but also a major high volume 290/53, Wilke Rd, Northwest Highway, and Euclid Ave. Not a bottleneck like Lakeshore Drive. Plus they would have enough room to build a large enough stadium to host Superbowls and vastly increase attendance capacity. I'm hoping for at least a 50% increase. I'd bet a dollar that they still sell out every game. I talked to an old boss and told him he should offer party packages where folks show up to his pub, then get carted to and from the pending stadium in a party bus. Heck if I were Metra, I'd paint a couple trains with Bears logos and colors and pull them out on game days to shuttle folks to and from the stadium.
So let me get this straight: Not too long ago, there were complaints about gas prices being too high, and rather than driving less or having city administrations improve public transportation and make the transition from private transportation, y'all would rather drive MORE, further out from the city in order to pay PSL's that will go up in price and which the taxes you pay will go right into the McCaskey's bank account? And this is sane and reasonable to you?
The Bears move to Arlington Heights was destined the day they settled for that monstrosity in Solider Field which was obviously long before anybody ever heard of Lorrie Lightfoot!
I just watched the NBC5 documentary. I live in Chicagoland, but not originally from here, and I thought it was interesting. It seems that from the beginning, Soldier Field was a logistical nightmare. I've only been to one game, and it was not an enjoyable experience. Had to park in a garage, and take a shuttle and I couldn't believe how small the place actually was. But for all the Lightfoot haters, where were they going to go? There's no f-----g room down there.
If you're a real bears fan then you know that the move to Arlington Heights needs to happen. We can stop blaming politicians. Plus, the Friends of the Lakefront people would complain for any major deal they enact. Again, the move needs to happen.
@@Skyscraper330 Uh yeah it is partially her fault. Her attitude at the beginning of this process has been deplorable. She’s even floated the idiotic idea of luring an expansion team to the city. That idea just goes to show how little she fucking knows. If she knew anything, she’d realize that any already existing team can veto any new football team within a 50 mile radius of itself. Floating that idea was not only ignorant, but it was insulting to the bears, even threatening to sue if they keep the Chicago in their name. Not like dozens of other teams are named after a city they’re close to but not actually in the city limits. Lmao. She won’t cede control of Soldier Stadium to the Bears. Until she does that, and allows the Franchise to own the stadium they’ve played at for decades, they’re moving. And no about of refurbishing to the current field will change that.
The Bears should move; better for everybody. I am reminded of the Patriots' move to Foxboro, and the Giants/Jets move to East Rutherford. They worked out great. There just plain isn't enough Chicago to do all the year-round-family-friendly-peaceful-complex that Lightfoot keeps talking about (it's also clear that if the Bears don't move, she won't do anything at all.). Well done analysis, by the way!
If I lived in the city of Chicago the most important thing to me would be to have parking decks close to the stadium and more entrances/exits to the venue so things would operate more efficiently and I would't have to fight the crazy crowded traffic that people have to deal with now. Close by parking decks would resolve that and you would't have to use public transit from over a mile away. Also, adding more entrances/exits would resolve the bottleneck that makes getting in or leaving the stadium such a long lasting ordeal.
As a Packers fan I actually do feel bad for Bears fans, you deserve more control and revenue for your team! i would be livid if The Packers had these constraints, the best of luck to you's and I hope you get your new stadium. At the end of the day we all love our teams and we all love football! ps GPG ;-)
The town owns the team so you have a stake in its success. Chicago, not so much. There are football fans and there are those who couldn't care less about it.
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As a bears season ticket holder one of the biggest problems is parking. It's super limited and expensive. I have no doubts they will be moving to Arlington Heights by 2026 or 2027. Bears hiring Kevin Warren who helped with U.S. Bank stadium is a huge indication they are moving. And I totally believe Warren will do his best to get it done.
One thing about the moving is the massive acreage, they could be looking at doing a larger version of Lambeau’s Titletown area.
I lived in Chicago and dint know this
the islanders and the 25 years of drama of trying to replace/renovate nassau coliseum would be a great subject to cover
@@bb-gc2tx that’s same issue like how bears did.
When it became evident that Bears were seriously looking at moving, I remember the press asking Lori Lightfoot for her thoughts. She was dismissive and said "The Bears should just concentrate on beating the Packers". She never took the move seriously which basically sums her entire tenure as mayor of Chicago.
The owners of the Bears have always tried to move the Bears to Arlington Heights this is nothing new this has nothing to do with Lori Lightfoot but who cares if they move their nothing but the bad news Bears anyway let them move!!! It’s capitalism at the end of the day!
@@anuday2022 She did nothing whatsoever to alleviate the situation except be snarky, and dare them to break the lease. She will be remembered as the Mayor that finally motivated the team to leave.
She doesn't care to solve hard problems, she wants it easy. Horrible mayor
@@ericwilliams8420 Because that’s the way people like you want to see it when really it’s just about money that’s it! The owners of the Bears want to expand they want more seats they want more space Chicago can’t give that to them let them move their losing team anyway and Chicago wasn’t their original home anyway they were down in the cornfields downstate I think in like Decatur Illinois! Maybe Chicago Will refurbish the stadium back to its original glory with the columns!
@@anuday2022 it has alot to do with Lori Lightfoot... or is it because shes a Democrat and according to democrats they are never the problem.
As a Vikings apologist, I thank you Bears, for leaving that awful field. You guys deserve better as fans and players.
Viking fan hahahahahhaha
SKOL!
Vikings have a shiny new stadium. Bears have dusty old NFL titles and a Lombardi trophy. You like THAT?
Soldier Field is far better than the Vikings Stadium. Minnesotans are pussies for playing football inside. Sports doesn't need billions of dollars invested into it. People are such degenerates.
@Johan de Igoa lol, I swear pay a little homage to your bears getting something better than that sloppy field and bam here comes the ignorance of an old goat. Have fun in your ice bowl while I walk around in shorts and T during the winters.
My last bears game, we traveled by Metra for an hour, waited for a bus that took awhile, then we had to walk forever to get our seats. I had three beers, which was $30, and I can’t remember how much we spent on food. There were 4 of us and the tickets were roughly $800. And the bears lost. We spent more time traveling to see the bears lose than we did actually sitting in our upper bowl, terrible seats that you feel you may tumble down because of the pitch if you have too many Miller lites. And the push home was worse because thousands of people had to pee and there were lines everywhere including the train ride home. I’d rather just watch it on tv.
Thank you for reminding me why I haven’t seen urban America in well over a decade.
Had you stayed home to watch you would have been able to order pizza or anything else you wanted. Taken a pee during commercial breaks, and your beer might cost you a buck twenty five tops. No insane commutes before or after.. No bone cracking wind chills either. You would be hundreds of dollars ahead afterwards as well that you could better invest elsewhere, and still give fifty bucks to St. Jude's Hospital for kids.
Ouch.
.......and the Bears lost.
To add insult to injury, Bears average ticket prices are 6th highest in the entire NFL.
As someone from chicago, going to bears games are expensive because of the low capacity, and getting there is a nightmare and stressful because of its parking and location on the busiest street in the city. I hope they move to Arlington soon.
This is the biggest reason for the move, and it's actually been a long time coming.
I'm not a resident of Chicago, but in 2012 I went through there on a train while on my way to Ohio and had a 8 hour layover in Chicago and wanted to see the sights. Two of the things I wanted to see was Soldier Field and Wrigley Field. While talkin' to a gentlemen I met in the train station(I came into Ogilvie Station, not Chicago Union Station) suggested not going to Soldier Field for the same reason as he told me a the traffic on that main road is extremely busy. I did get to see Wrigley, but maybe once it's in Arlington Heights I'll go back and see Soldier Field. I did get the chance to see a good bit of Chicago and while it's beautiful man idk if I could live there haha. You guys have a lot goin' on at all times in that city xD
If you think parking or traffic is going to be better in Arlington youre insane. It'll actually be worse, because almost everyone will now have to drive to see games.
The bears should stay in Chicago, it's unfortunate that the Chicago city government only started caring when it became evident the bears wanted to move though.
That's BS, you can take the subway and park your car at cheaper hubs. And low capacity my 'ss , there is not much difference than other stadiums. Don't talk crap
@MacGobhann I think the bears should stay in chicago as well, but parking would 100% be better elsewhere.
McCormick Place and the Field museum have the entire stadium sandwiched. You can use McCormick for parking, but only lot b on 31st, which is still a journey to the field.
The only place they can add parking is literally in Lake Michigan.
Force these NFL owners to build their own stadiums!
Most of the owners don't have money like people think they do. Owner A may have a net worth of two billion dollars but only $800m is liquid. That's they beg for public money.
Also, most owners do not own their stadiums. When you have an opportunity to own, you do so. But, that takes lots of valuable leverage away from the cities.
fuck yeah no fans you dont get paid
The bears are not using public money.
Competition between the cities is too strong. They won’t have to until all cities quit competing abasing each other
I'm just loving the fact that the Bears intend to pay for it themselves rather than con the locals to pay.
Unfortunately, the criminals in state government will find a way to squeeze the stadium investment group for $$$ and increase the budget to build it.
Wanting to "partner with the local government on the mixed use district" reeks of government funding via bonds.
The issue is that they don't want to raise that much cash or incur interest on any debt required to build. At some point bonds will have to come into the picture. With interest rates where they are it's exorbitant. That said I'd maybe support this if the public could buy bonds in reasonable denominations. The interest from which can help offset the associated costs. It'll never happen. This is meant to be paid for on the backs of cash strapped citizens who can't even afford to go to the games. For instance Dallas wants a 2nd NFL team but no actual grass roots support exists for this.
The people there don't even want a stadium so it seems like this is more a threat to get more concessions out of Chicago.
The citizens should vote against any bond proposals. Paying on the financing, upkeep and security will make rents and escrow on mortgages go up.
oh that's what all the NFL owners say, the Minnesota taxpayers ended up paying more out of pocket for the stadium going over budget plus they said they would pay for the Stadium but the surrounding venues, well that's a different story.
@@JamieFHarbert I live in MN, I don't remember the Vikings ever saying they would pay for it themselves. Right from the start they were strongarming the legislature into paying as much as possible
@Elijah Boyd No objection to that but it should be funded with private money or by a community stupid enough to absorb the costs.
Dallas for instance could have had the Cowboys but played this game with the Cotton Bowl. The stadium moved to Arlington. Three of them actually. Working middle class were priced out due to the higher rents and associated taxes.
Dallas now wants an expansion team but even then the residents don't support it. It's just the wet dream of private capital.
Most historic and iconic franchise in the NFL, it's amazing how badly the Bears have been mismanaged for the last 60 years or so.
@Elijah Boyd thought his daughter owns it n isn't she like 100??...
Packers>>>
@@ELIJAHNUBOYD That did not happen in Kansas City. They have improved after the grubby brats took over.
I was a lifelong Redskins fan but Dan Snyder’s ownership has made the Bears look like a model franchise.
Most historic and iconic? That’s adorable…
After watching the Patriots process for getting a new stadium and how successful they became with the revenue it generates, I can't imagine why any team would tie themselves to municipal funding. Remember the Craft family made several offers to the State of Massachusetts but ended up privately funding their stadium, with the state missing out on hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
Stadiums rarely generate any revenue to be honest. The majority of the teams income comes from revenue sharing and TV deals. Ticket sales don’t bring much overall.
@@stevencramsie9172 maybe in comparison but let's just say you sell 60,000 tickets at $50 each. That's 3 million a game. That's 24 million a year, unless they have 9 home games im not sure now with 17 game season.
I just looked it up and it says they start at $69 with an average of $341. If you use the average price that's 20 million a game. I'd say that's enough to fund a stadium.
@@tigerwoods373 don’t forget they also make money from parking and concession stands
Not when football stars got to get paid every week, staff, coaches, and security I mean yeah it’s a lot of money but then you add overhead costs, building maintenance, and upkeep… it dwindles, not saying you don’t make profit but margins become slim
One the most elegant scams i ever saw was when Craft helped Governor Rowland get elected by pretending he was sone talking to Mass and instead was moving to Hartford CT 😂😂😂 of course after the election they discovered some hazardous contamination on the building site which enabled Craft to exit the new stadium build contract. Of course the media enthusiastically swallowed and regurgitated the story. What a scam.
I remember a few years ago when I visited Chicago, the tour guide drove us by Soldier Field. He described it as, an alien spaceship crashed into Ancient Greece.
Olympic Stadium in Montreal is an alien spaceship. Soldier field looks like a giant slug.
I don't like what was done to the original stadium. But given all the people in Chicago who voted for Lori Lightfoot (aka Beetlejuice), I don't think they give a damn about the city either. If they did, they'd be disgusted with what she's doing to their community.
That's how I've always described it!!! As though they landed a spaceship in the middle of Soldier Field.
You're stealing schlegdaddy's shit!
LOL 😂 I was thinking about you same thing when he described an alien spaceship.
In my opinion the biggest issue is the fan experience at Soldier Field. The community and fans are awesome but the issue is in the facilities. Basic food and drink options. Minimal facilities for the restroom. Difficulties getting around at peak times such as halftime for example. It's all terrible and by far the worst fan experience I've had at any stadium.
That’s part of its charm.
I agree, but anywhere you sit, you have a perfect view and close to the field
"experience"? what does even mean? you go watch a football game don't you? when people say they want a better fan experience it just sounds like they want an amusement park.
Just serve the right liquor, and any facility will produce the best 'experience'...
Well, that stadium IS 99 years old. Rather amazed its lasted this long.
As a Texan who has no dog in this fight, I have a hard time understanding how in the decades its been there, no rail or bus stops have been put at the edge of the stadium. At the AA center in Dallas, they have a Dart station at the arena and it sits on the side of a major interstate. It seems like with Chicago's mass transit system, at least bus routes would be an easy improvement. As a fan, a mile walk to go sit in an open air stadium next to the lake in December sounds like a form of torture.
Friends of the Park control everything in the Museum District. They didn't want it so it never happened. We were also going to get the Star Wars museum but the Friends of the Park made it impossible so it moved to Los Angeles. I hate this place...
I visited the museum campus there several months ago by bus, and was appalled by how long it takes. I can reach downtown in less than 30 minutes, yet it was over 30 more to arrive on campus. It's nuts that there's nothing running express to such a major destination.
@@palaceofwisdom9448 The part that gets me most is knowing what Chicago can be like in the winter. I was up there for training in late January one year and I think the highest it got the entire week was 12. Walking from the hotel across to the restaurant was a beating, much less a hike of 30 minutes or more.
You get used to it. As long as it's not too windy, 30s is hoody weather, when it hits -17 and the wind is whipping then you need to really put something on and layer up.
@@MrKraeg People who will visit from other locations, will not have the opportunity to 'toughen up' 'get used to' the often rough climate in Chicago. Minneapolis saw that as a deterrent to local business and visitors, by installing underground walkways to easily, warmly access much of downtown MINNEAPOLIS. Chicago has a minor version of that, but it is NOT widely publicized, nor made easily accessed in a number of ways. Few elevators, little accurate signage and a single east/west route. From Millennium Station to Court House of some jurisdiction. Yes you can enter a few retail stores along the way, but the 'way' is also littered with closed shops, a few quick dining options, and the mandatory news stand/s.
Born and raised in Chicago as a Bears Fan. Move to Arlington Heights, build your own stadium and get full control of everything. Don’t let the corrupt government of Chicago dictate what you do anymore!
Stop lying Mark, you’re from Milwaukee and everyone knows it.
@@shivtim dang
The mayor of Baltimore, and the governor of Maryland never took Bob Ursay seriously. And in the darkness of night in a snowstorm, the Baltimore Colts snuck out of town headed for Indianapolis.
The bears aren’t exactly going to sneak out but yes our mayor wasn’t taking it seriously that there were issues at the stadium. Maybe she should’ve watched this video first Haha
They snuck out BECAUSE the Maryland legislature took him seriously. Try again.
Took them seriously, didn't want to break the city to keep them. Bears will expect a ton of cash to stay or go, rich people getting money to build stadiums that 90% of the people cant attend. Let them go, Soldier field will make more money without the BEars
I've heard St Louis might be a possible destination
@@richardburdon3241 Not a chance.
The biggest takeaway is that the hiring of Kevin Warren wasn't because he was BIG10 commissioner but because he helped The Vikings get their stadium deal done and constructed. This hiring is the clearest indication we are going to get of The Halas McKaskey family's intentions prior to the sale being finalized.
While your statement is true, don't forget that the Vikings made a huge push for a stadium in a suburb of the Minneapolis area. Most notably Arden Hills. When the deal was finally completed, Arden Hills was not an option, and the stadium was built on top of the old Metrodome.
As a Chicago resident the moment the possibility of a move came up I knew our mayor Beetlejuice would fumble the bag😂😂😂
man , can you guys get rid of that hot mess mayor
🤦🏾♀️ikr?! a daggum shame... smh...
Why does Chicago keep voting for her worthless carcass then? Everywhere that's not a coastline cesspool views Chicago as the perfect example of everything wrong with big city living.
She does have a strange look
@@KaL_Terow tat us digusting
My father and his 6 brothers all raised in Chicago and all Bears fans. They went to the game after renovation and said they liked it. Compared to the original seating they felt they were much closer to the field. It is an eyesore though why couldn't they just do a Classy Renovation like the Packers did with Lambeau Field? Lambeau was expanded to 81,000 seats and it looks brilliant. No dome because what's the point in living in a freezing climate if you can't take advantage of home field?
Your Absolutely right about the Home Field , As a Vikings fan we ALL have seen the Negative impact that indoor stadium has had on their Home field Advantage !!!! They have NEVER really been relevant since then !! Don't let them do that to you Bear Fans !!!!! Keep your Wonderful Home field Advantage !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I was in high school in the 1970s I did a paper on the structural problems that Soldier Field had. Basically it was collapsing beneath the turf into ruble. To really fix the problems would require something similar to an Earthquake proofing exercise in California. Many billions of dollars. The darn thing wasn't originally built to last very long.
@@davidbrown9866 that’s false
@@davidbrown9866 , some of the older houses in Chicago were built with full exterior brick walls. Yes, they had some wood framing, but well done full brickwork properly maintained lasted for several decades. Properly installed and maintained vinyl or metal window framing can last many more decades than painted or stained wood framed windows. I dreaded dealing with exterior oil based paints and stains for the annual repainting chores. You get the annoying odors of oil based chemicals and toxic cleaning fluids, plus the inevitable messes.
So that scene in Dark Knight Rises where Bane blows up the football field was actually just filmed at Soldier Field without any special or practical effects?
You missed the point of the video completely. Wow.
@@alienlife7754Chicago didn’t lose the bears….
While the Halas family may not have the cash reserves to pay for the project, they do own a sports franchise valued at just under $6B. They will have no trouble finding investment partners to build out the Arlington site. Plus, the NFL has loan programs in place to help teams build and refurbish stadiums. There will be no issue finding the money.
News alert.. The NFL said they will help the Bears organization..
@FriskyDingo But they put people to work also it goes hand in hand
But you forget the McCaskey Family is cheap, they want free money not loans.
@FriskyDingo This. Look at Las Vegas for example. Heck, look at New York/New Jersey. I think people in the greater NY area are still paying for the OLD Meadowlands stadium, long ago torn down.
TaxPayer money baby! they all getting free stadiums and all the land around it to build hotels, clubs, shopping, etc... thats what its all about
The stadium proposal to "modify" Soldier Field is literally the most insane thing. Literally impossible to plaster a Sofi like replica onto an old stadium without tearing it all up.
@Elijah Boyd Yeah but they’d definitely have to change some stuff, its cold asl in Chicago. The models they had were outside in parts
Are you telling me Lori Lightfood is detached from reality?! The woman who averages a dozen black on black murders every week while blaming everything on white people is detached from reality?!
They already did it 20 years ago. How would this be any different?
Sometimes they can do renovations based on the original roof expansion plans and structure. Just modify it. In Toronto they added a Roof over seating on BMO Field. It looks fine. Think Soilder field still has decent bones
The original stadium with its Grecoroman inspiration was so beautiful, the new stadium just looks generic
I had no idea the Bears had been unhappy with Soldier Field for so long! Nobody wants to go to Chicago anymore and that’s a huge reason to consider moving as well. I think the new field would be better all around.
What I hate about Soldier Field include severely limited restrooms, extremely cold environment, no public transit within walking distance for those of us with disabilities, major traffic issues, limited food unless you own an enclosed box. Just tear it down.
And replace it with what?
I agree! I'm not walking over a mile in the cold weather to sit and freeze my butt off and then watch the bears lose
The new renovations and city redelevopment can address each one of those probelms. The club should want to please there fans with more food choices and city with more nearby venues.
Grew up in Minneapolis during the outdoor Metropolitan Stadium days. Sitting 3-plus hours in wind chills under 0 was miserable, win or lose.
When Vikings moved indoors 1982 it was cozy to watch games in December and January.
The US Bank Stadium completed 2016 is amazing.
If Chicago gets an indoor stadium like US Bank you‘ll love it! However, your team will lose that arctic homefield advantage but being indoors will attract better free agents.
Most top free agents today do not want to represent a team in an arctic city if stadium outdoors. This why Vikings have beaten Bears 11 of last 17 and 4 in a row.
Being indoors you miss those glorious fall weather days but the pros outweigh the cons.
Indoor stadiums offer better convenience & entertainment and you’ll be able to host a Super Bowl!
@@XxxXxx-fm3wo Beetlejuice bot found!
From a Chicago suburbs resident, the Bears having a heated indoor venue, would make a huge difference! Especially if they are able to figure out the parking issue.
Wait a minute, the venue isn’t heated? OMG that’s ghetto. Jeez.
HEATED VENUE ITS GIRLS LIKE YOU THAT RUINED FOOTBALL
SHOULD HAVE CALLED YOU SOMETHING ELSE
That takes away the advantage of playing in the cold
@@realtalk-6656 exactly! That’s why it called home field advantage
I had 4 Bears season tickets from 1998 (last year for Wannstedt) til 2017 (last year for Fox), so I experienced the rebuild of Soldier Field. Before I get started, as a 35 year USAF vet, I really appreciate the honor and displays for the vet...most of which is 'built in' to the stadium. Let me say that there are two major reason why the Bears should abandon Soldier field 1) the concessions are terrible, 2) there is NO GOOD way to get to-from the field...walking, CTA, RTA, driving (there is a preseason raffle for the limited parking).
I had hoped that being on the waitlist (at that time there was no cost to be on the waitlist, not so now) for tickets that when a 'new' stadium was built, I would, anticipating a capacity increase, get 'swept in'! But as I was already a season ticket holder, I did get a chance to 'pick me seat.' Actually provide three selections of section, end of row, etc. I opted for 'The Media Deck,' west side, second level, 'with upgraded concessions and enhacnments'...my section is the northern most, actually north of the endzone, but mostly under cover by the deck above....great when raining or snowing. On the west, in the shade, and later in the season there were overhead heaters. These were OK if yuo were directly under them. The deck was also restricted access, ticket holders only, which was actually strictly enforced! So there were some enhancements! Initially, the concession stands (there were only two on the deck, located at the north and south of the deck, the middle portion 35 to 35 yard line was where the media was located. this portion cut into the deck walk space, so no room for concession, but the media was able to have delivery.) had items that were not available elsewhere. On the othr hand, there were concession elsewhere that were NOT available on this deck ?! Over time the concession selection declined. BUT, the BIGGEST issue for 'the fan experience' is that the concessions are 'manned' by Chicago Park District Employees (I would guess that working here was an 'option' for the PDE, and a way to earn some cash over their normal pay), unfortunately it seemed like none of these workers were really interested in serving hot fries, dogs, etc, or cold beer etc. and if you had to wait in line, and mis 10 minutes of playing time, well TOO BAD!
I would continue with the access issue in detail, but when the city rebuilt the museum campus years ago and incorporated the eastern portion of Lakeshore Drive with the southbound, westside portion, Soldier Field was landlocked.
MOVE OUT OF THE CITY!
PEM
Sorry insane socialists with IQs under 80 destroyed what was once a phenomenal American city. This is entirely your fault though, as you've been electing Democrats for literally a century now. Every 4 years the murder rate it up, and the city crumbles more... yet people from Chicago decide the best way forward is to stick with the same leadership you've had for literally a century.
Were you OK with paying the PSL fees, in order to purchase your ticket/s? I wonder how many STHs understood that they were paying the McCaskey's portion of the cost of the SF renovation? Yes, if the numbers seem to add up, the total charged to the fans was nearly the entire 'contribution' of The Bears. Stealing yet another page from the Popa Bear Halas. handbook of....How I started the NFL on a Shoestring, And I've getting that back ever since! Nevermind the sweetheart deal with the Wrigley's to use that dump, but only after the Cubs had no possiblity of playing in a WS. That meant that the Bears couldn't host a game until the second weekend in October. Every year the Bears would play the first 3-4 games ON THE ROAD! Try that for the first 1/3 of any season.{12 game season). The last time the Bears had a QB of note was Johnny Lujack. Yes that is a very long time. Soldier Field was to be replaced by a state of the art domed stadium near McCormick Place, 80,000 domed that could be incorporated into MP for conventions/exhibits etc. But.....parking/jobs/concessions were a political football....and the 'compromise' was the CF that the Spaceship/Muffin disaster with continued bad turf has plagued the Lakefront ever since.
From one Air Force vet to another, Thank you for your service. The stadium is an arm pit.Hard to get to and tickets are way overpriced.
What amazes me is how many fans aren't aware that ALL professional sports are fixed... so sad.
@@atomicwedgie8176 Haven't all sports sold their souls to the political angle of getting the public to buy into the online betting scam? The polls enjoy these taxation angles because they don't have to be answerable to the players shelling out $$$ for the opportunity to wager and the bettor/fan becomes a bettor first and a fan afterwards, should the wager made become a winner. The team may win, but if it doesn't cover, the team sucks. If the player wins a wager played, to outcome of the game is secondary. The in game blogs are hilarious with 'fans' complaining that their bets haven't paid off and it will be blamed on a player/coach/ref.
Good job going through all of the issues which have spanned multiple mayors and team presidents. The problems with Soldier field today are essentially the same problem that existed when the Bears originally moved in.
The team doesn't own or control the facility and it was never designed for football in the first place. The city has continually misplayed their hand by hitching their wagon to Soldier Field rather than finding another land solution in town (There are several options) that the Bears could purchase and build their own facility. The result is bad for both sides. The team has missed out on hundreds of millions in revenue and franchise valuation by not owning their own building or having full control over revenues. Meanwhile the City and its residents...(me among them) are on the hook for an over budget renovation that most people don't like and still isn't paid for.
I HATE the fact that they're going to the suburbs but I understand why...
As a life long Bears fan, thank you for this video. Very well done. I've never had a problem with Soldier Field. The renovation was a little ugly, but it just took some getting used to. My biggest issue has always been ticket prices. You're not getting any seat for less than $150-$200. That's ridiculous. But that speaks to your point about the low seating capacity
That's the NFL now unfortunately.
You think the price is coming down when they move?😆 They'll probably go up since they might not get public funding & the McCaskeys can't finance the new stadium by themselves. #HelloAmazonHelloJeffBesos
And 300 to 500 dollar a seat is a better choice? Little Fyi all PSL seats are worthless. They go with the original stadium, not the new stadium.
@@a.barker7792 Folks better get used to the fact- They spend a paycheck going to a Bears game at the new place... I'll be in my comfy rec room-where the cost of a 6-pack is less than a single brewski will be at
*"McCaskey World"*
@Gee Davia my entire 1st season, I personally owned my bears tickets (1984). I bought 3 season tickets for $300 dollars total. For the entire season.
Out of all of Lightfoot’s failures. This one is gonna hurt the most.
Her existence is a failure
Wait until the next shoe falls, how long do you think that google will stay in the old Thompson center building?
I think the writing was on the wall long before Ms. Lightfoot was elected.
You guys need to stop electing stupid progressives in the name of diversity. Elect competent, business-oriented conservatives for once.
She is still in office, so she still has a chance to to it. And I'll bet she will give it a good try.
No matter what the City of Chicago proposes to "improve" Soldier Field, the bottom line for the Bears is "control of revenue". I believe the Bears WILL move to Arlington Heights...with the details being worked out with the team and the Village of Arlington Heights.
They wanted that deal a hundred years ago, now they've got it! Good riddance!
In an interview, Lightfoot said Chicago has a plan B and C for soldier field if the bears decided to “abandon” Chicago. Outstanding move by Lightfoot, antagonizing the franchise you’re finally trying to keep in Chicago after disrespecting them for years.
Even as a Packer’s fan, I feel for Bears fans. They’re incredibly loyal despite how terrible the government and the front office has treated them and the team.
Edit: It appears I’ve started a war between the city of Chicago and Canada. Oh well.
why? this is good for the bears and us fans, its too damn cold right on the lake, the bears are moving to the west suburbs, its still cold but trust me as i was born and raised on chicago's southeast side a few blocks from lake michigan, that wind coming directly off the lake in the winter is brutal
@@eddiewilson3724 y’all Americans complaining about playing football in a little shitty weather cfl takes place in October the worst month for Canadian weather...
@@dakotal1304 come to Alaska and say that, y’all got baby weather compared to us, a day where you live is a sunny side vacation to me
@@hennyondeck8561 and nunavut is worse then alaska they dont have lots of electricity
@@dakotal1304 your point, we’re talking about weather not electricity
Legend has it, that if you shout "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice" Lori Lightfoot appears out of nowhere!
As a fan who lives in the Chicago suburbs, my issue was never the stadium itself. The fact that Soldier Field is not on mass transit, is not on a major highway, etc. makes the gameday experience quite miserable.
Oh and the fact that it’s not a dome that sits on the lake. That wind cuts through you like knives. Can’t even enjoy the game.
I'm from Chicago and have lived in the suburbs. Living in the city the city has helped me with this. Just park near downtown pay for cheap parking. Uber/Lyft/cta. Easy
@@juliogomez2749 Cheap parking in the city is pretty funny. Trump Tower is the cheapest parking i've paid in Chicago...
@@theodorethompson9032 lol Trump tower is downtown. Don't park downtown. You'll pay $7 dollars for 4-6 hours
@@theodorethompson9032 like I said, I'm from the city so I know
Went there a few years ago for a pre-season game years after the renovation and was shocked of the amount of port-o-johns circling the stadium inside. Real restrooms were few and of course many of the portable toilets were overflowing to where people had top walk through it. This was at halftime and was shocked this would be an issue especially after the renovation happened. Haven't been there again since.
I grew up in the Chicago area and love Soldier Field and hope da Bears don't really leave it, I lived in Grant Park later in my college life and I am 66 years old now and have fond memories of Soldier Field. Saw great concerts there when young also plus of course the Bears. Peace
I’m going to troll this old fuck! I don’t want the bears to move to Arlington because then they will be called the Arlington bears even though almost every team doesn’t play in their represented city
As a bears fan living in Wisconsin i can't really say much since I've sadly never been to a game there (i have saw it from the outside and gave it a hug) i think the biggest issue is that the bears DON'T OWN THEIR STADIUM...they get all this backlash for something that's not in their control and the city just wants the money it gets from soldier field. the only way the bears would have stayed is if they owned the rights to the stadium but it's far too late for that now.
Damn, I bet all your friends disowned you
You should stop by Lambeau Field some time... the Bears owner lives there.
It would seem, after reading your extensive rant about the Chicago Bear situation, your concerns could be completely allayed if only they were able to field a team worth watch- ing/following instead of believing in a return to 1985.
@@marthakrumboltz2710 I mean your point is kinda of a double edge sword. I get your point but if they would have had a good team back then, don’t you think Chicago would want to keep the rights due to the revenue and money from the stadium because more money for them?
@@chiefenumclaw7960 not for much longer lmao. he/we will still have the Bucks to root for tho.
I'm very excited for the Bears moving out of Soldier Field. 🎉
That will be a long time away if a new stadium opens in Arlington Heights, the world could end before then
@@michaelleroy9281 the bears can buyout the contract with the park district which is very likely. Bears will be out of Soldier Field it's what Papa Bear wanted back in the 70s and this time it will happen.
One of the issues with Soldier fields dome is really sad that its the smallest stadium in nfl and the dome is going to take a significant amount of seats from those areas with the pillars. So the smallest nfl stadium likely gets smaller.
Chicago is almost broke, on the hook for public pensions they haven't funded fully in many years. They have crime problems Lightfoot won't deal with. High property taxes are driving away people. The city isn't a major manufacturing center anymore. They don't dominate banking anymore. Detroit went under, even Obama couldn't save them, now there is some real economic grow and honesty in government after decades. Bankruptcy is Chicago's only option. They just can't afford a new stadium now. Sad but they will get though it.
You are so confused. It's going to be a great stadium
@@5822huron no he’s right putting a lid on soldier field would be a mistake, from what being said in the video the Bears never wanted to play there and have always been trying to leave
Nothing left of LIGHTFOOT HANDY WORKS OF CHICAGO , DON’T BLAME THE BEARS FOR LEAVING THIS CRAP HOLE ,THANK U DEMOCRATS
The plans would have to be clearer before appvoval. Sometimes new works better for so many reasons. But it comes down to management more then where. New can be a desaster too!
As a Raider fan for 55 years, the struggle is real. I love our new stadium, and frankly Oakland was a toilet bowl that I'm now happy is in the past. Obviously a new stadium is not a guarantee of wins, but hopefully in time. This video was extremely well done.
I can't lie though, having the warriors, raiders, and athletics play at the same location was such a great convenience for fans, but we all knew they had to go at some point. It's so sad seeing what Oakland has become.
You love your new stadium in Las Vegas? Isn't that kind of a long drive?
@@scarhart53 LOL...no, never.
You are not a real Raiders fan.
I live in the western burbs and would ABSOLUTELY go to more games if the Bears move. I don't live much past 355 and a bears game is a two hour (or more) door to door trip each way. The last game (12/23/19) was over 3 hours to get home. We usually go to a couple of games a year but not since COVID. There is also nothing to do around Soldier field. I know that the north, west, and south west suburbs would all be behind this move. Additionally, the city is more dangerous over the past few years and I don't want to bring friends or family to a dangerous environment.
Mostly everything about your post seems over exaggerated or just nonsense.
"there's nothing to do around Soldier Field"
The amount of ignorant statements by suburbanites is astounding.
I'm also skeptical of your comment about the suburbs supporting the move given those not near Arlington Heights would probably either have no opinion or wouldn't say what you've said.
As for the crime, you're heading towards Museum Campus in the heart of the city. If you knew anything about Chicago you're entering one of the most safest parts of the city.
I sense a liar - if not a troll.
Me too. I hate commuting anywhere in the city, unless it's by the airports. I don't live much past 355 or 55 either. True, there is nothing to do around Soldier Field. The train tracks/yard separate the gentrified (shithole) area from the Lakefront. I think all or most of the suburbs (around the metro area) would support this move. Yes, the city has become more dangerous (over the last 15-20 years), thanks to: 1. Gentrification, 2. Soft on crime mentality.
As a Bear fan, great video. You're right about the main problems but it's worse than that. Having amenities and bars in the stadium isn't even of huge importance to a lot of fans though. A lot of us would try to go early to avoid traffic and start tailgating but now parking doesn't even open until 9 a.m. for a noon game. All of these problems add up to a poor fan experience.
Bitch to the OWNERS not the Mayer
You dont have a right to get black out drunk BEFORE a game. Do you not see that? GROW UP.
@@Greengoblin420-69 don't be so judgemental
@@FMichael1970 grow up. Act like men. not high schoolers reliving glory days.
@@Greengoblin420-69 whatever
As a life long Die hard Bears fan, born and raised on the Northside of the city I will tell you this. I've been to soldier field one time and refuse to ever go back for a game. It was by far the worst in person sporting experience I've ever had and I've always wondered how anyone would torture themselves 8+ times a year in that manner. The Northwestern university Ryan field is 100X a better experience and facility and that place is considered a dump by today's college stadium standards.
There is zero reason the flagship team of the NFL shouldn't have the absolute best amenities in the league for both home and visiting fans and players alike.
The Bears deserve better than what the politicians here have allowed them to have and we as fans deserve better. I can't wait to see the Bears play a home Superbowl game in Arlington heights!!!
BEARDOWN!!!
How are you a Bears fan born and raised in Chicago and only been to Soldier field once? That's wild. If I lived in the city of my favorite team I'd always be there.
@@Shabaka87 Because the fan experience is terrible. ..
Let me ask you this. If it took you more time to get from your car or the train,to get to your seat, after you grab a beer, take a piss and grab another beer (Beers are about $20 a piece by the way) and damn near miss kick off all for the Low low price of let's say 250.00 a ticket for a non packers or a game where we're out of contention... Would you still go all the time?
Believe me I wish it were worth it to cheer them on in person at Solider Field but it's just not. I have way more fun with friends and family watching the game at home on one TV while RedZone is on another and Sunday ticket is on a third TV or a tablet while playing fantasy and paying retail for beer and food lol..
Go there once and see if you still think you'd want to go all the time..
@@Shabaka87 I'm from Denver and only went to a game once or twice a year. It's expensive and you eventually stop handing your paychecks over to the likes of Teddy Bridgewater and Trevor Siemian
Im the same. Love the Bears, but only been to one game. One it is over priced for what you are getting. Second The stadium sucks. There is nothing there. Hope you dont get hungry with their 4 food stands. Also hope you dont have Vertigo in those upper seats. If it was a couple degrees steeper it might as well be a ladder you are climbing.
I'm sorry, did I read this right? The Bears are the "flagship" team of the NFL??
I've only been to Soldier Field once for a concert. Getting to the stadium was a nightmare. It was like walking through a maze. Maybe that's just because I'm from out of town and aren't familiar with the area, but I've been to other stadiums and it's pretty straight forward on how to get to the stadium.
Getting to Arlington Heights is going to make getting to Soldier Field look like a walk in the park - which, in fact, is how you get to Soldier Field.
Arlington Heights location makes good business sense and would be a major economic development project for the community. So many opportunities for mixed use of the site and if the stadium is enclosed it would be utilized year round. Attended a Bears game about ten years ago and it is a small stadium for such a major market and isolated. Outstanding and well researched video Lee. Well done.
Omg yes !!! It would help Arlington really grow !
I mean, it only makes sense if fans still attended the games. Not a single Chicagoan would venture out to the suburbs to watch a Bears game.
@@WhatDoesEvilMean taking the metra there is pretty easy from Chicago.
@@WhatDoesEvilMean that's what you're all telling yourselves now. I for one still think it would have been high humor for the Bears to relocate to Gary as proposed in 94'.
I live like 10 min from the new stadium. I agree move it to Arlington that would be hype
Went last month to see eagles stomp the bears. And it was the most unpleasant experience. Took me 45 mins to get to my seats once ticket was scanned. Literally any walkway in seat section is extremely crowded. Leaving was torture.
Public transportation to soldier field is horrible. The one commuter rail close by isn't that accessible. If you are doing other commuter rail or the L, it's at least a mile walk. I hope I never have to go to soldier field again.
and thats not including getting into and out of the parking lots.
@@gojenson it was honestly horrible experience
@@tric5122 for sure don’t plan on ever visiting that stadium again. Beautiful city horrible stadium
Sal Eagles 25 - Bears 20
Yeah, Bears lost but no one got stomped haha- in fact, Hurts got handled with his two Int’s. Anyway, I digress Bear down🐻
My dad helped renovate soldier field, he always said it never felt right working on it. The bears and bills game this year was awesome tho, we were freezing but it was awesome to go
@Fg Migo the history of soldier field, the historic status it had. Turned into a sardine tin, with a spaceship twist
If it annoys lightfoot, then I will happily support it!!!!
If it causes her and her cohorts to experience FAILURE, and it stresses them out, then that's what I want to happen!!!
But she won't always be the mayor. The Bears will outlast her.
@@PeacefulPariah This aged well 😂
The majority of Bears Season ticket holders already hail from the suburbs, namely the northwest suburbs. So logistically speaking, transit time for the majority of fans would be cut drastically. Many Bears season ticket holders are upper middle class and upper class, and only venture into the city for the game itself and not to spend pre-game or post-game time in the surrounding area because there are few amenities near Soldier Field. Moreover, increased crime in Chicago is a growing concern for many suburbanites. Rampant carjackings, random indiscriminate shootings, muggings, and other forms of violent urban criminality are up in Chicago and little effective efforts to combat these crimes has been employed by the city or the county State’s Attorney office. Chicago is failing and the mayor doesn’t understand it because she, herself, is a failure. The mayor is obsessed with race and other forms of “wokeness,” and this obsession hasn’t benefited any of the city’s residents or businesses. By moving to Arlington Heights, the team could easily consolidate its operations into one facility instead of having its offices and practice facilities at a remote location in north suburban Lake Forest. If properly executed, the Bears new home could be a Super Bowl ready facility, which would greatly benefit the entire region. There are only so many times the city can put bandaids on the woefully subpar Soldier Field. Logistics, parking availability, stadium access, and excessive costs (many imposed by Chicago taxes and fees) are some of the biggest issues for fans. Yes, the renderings for the stadium expansion are impressive, but when one realizes how miserable the parking, logistics, and crime are around Soldier Field, one quickly realizes that the city is just trying to polish a turd.
Pin this , it’s spot on
@LaBreeceTv
its time to expand the city limits and take all these tax evaders for all they are worth.
So one down not for polished turd!
i Think its a good idea too to build in the suburbs and make a SOFI stadium entertainment type complex. But only if the cheap bears pay for it. Cause in the long run it will benefit the whole area.
Access to Soldier Field was always a nightmare. I would think that getting to Arlington Park would be much easier and that reason alone would be good enough for me. And the fact that Chicago has become a crime cesspool, that's another great reason to move
One thousand percent agree. I'd even consider season tickets in Arlington. Easier to get too. Etc.
Thank you for the history. I grew up in the Chicago area and knew that the Bears had, until not long ago, played more games at Wrigley than at Soldier Field. I had taken that to mean, though, that SF wasn't built until then.
Soldier Field was built in 1924, long before the Bears left Wrigley after the 1970 season. It was the home field of the Chicago Rockets/Hornets of the old AAFC from 1946-49 and the home field of the Chicago Cardinals in 1959, their last season in Chicago.
Gawd...I feel for you guys in Chicago, because we here in San Francisco know just what you are going through. Soldier Field is such an iconic & legendary stadium, just like how Candlestick Park was in SF. But now Candlestick Park is gone, torn down, due to an ownership that no longer wanted to be in in SF. Our Mayor, at the time did everything he could to try & keep the venue in SF, but we have an ownership who wanted no part of the city that the team is named for. Now the 49ers play 50 miles away, more near the city of San Jose than SF. San Jose is currently the 3rd largest city in California, after San Diego. I'm Wishing y'all the best, keep up the good fight, we fought to keep the Niners.
San Francisco is not the 2nd largest city in California, it’s the 2nd largest in the Bay Area.
@@stevennoyb4595 Thanks, I didn't use the best grammar. I have corrected the sentence .
San Jose is not the second largest city in California, that's San Diego
Stfu you still retain the name logo and benefits, come cry to me when they move out of state completely.
Well, you still have the Giants of MLB.
Keep in mind that this time around - unlike the last time the Bears attempted to go elsewhere - the NFL is a financial juggernaut and they are in lock-step about getting one of the league's charter franchises and biggest markets brought into the 21st century. The Bears will not need to front all the money for the project. They will have the NFL, fellow owners, sponsorships, and other interested parties (like Churchill Downs themselves) looking for a piece of the pie, and thus, paying towards the construction. The biggest hurdle will not be buying the land or construction. The biggest hurdle will be getting the government to take care of the infrastructure. (As is always the case with development). Bringing in Kevin Warren is absolutely strategic, as he not only has connections, but also experience with building the Vikings' stadium. Honestly, I think there is a ton of momentum from the league to get this done, and not even Illinois politicians will be able to stop it.
The Vikings Stadium didn't even cross my mind when looking at his background. Makes total sense! Will include in next update.
@@LaBreeceTV That's the whole reason for him being hired
Kevin Warren does nothing here. Unlike Minnesota, Chicago politics are way more nepotist and Brutal. Polticians here are experts at ringing out concessions and the problem is both them and the Bears are too damn Greedy.
Never underestimate the ability of Illinois politics to sabotage a good thing.
@@kelvinw.1384 Precisely. Chicago is infamous for its machine politics.
This is a familiar story. Comisky Park went from being a good ballpark to being so crime ridden it wasn't safe to go see a game. Welcome to history repeating itself.
It's almost like Democrats lead to a rise in crime and the destruction of your city or something. Nah, can't be that. Must be those pesky Republicans we haven't elected in literally a century. 4 more years of Lightfoot!
apparently not too familiar, considering Arlington Heights is in the suburbs out by Schaumburg, and no where near the Loop unlike Comiskey/US Cell is, i mean come on, Comiskey's near Back of the Yards which was never that great an area in the first place
These two stadiums history are nothing alike.. no clue why you try comparing them.. sox park is a beautiful park with tons of parking, concessions and seating.. nothing soldier field ever had
@@reedsong1403 right.. and what is it like a 3 minute walk from the train.. unlike soldier field which basically has no stops nearby
@cansou lol you dont say, brainchild? lol that was part of my POINT genius, learn to read. i was pointing out that Arlington Heights wasnt the crime ridden shithole Back of the Yards was which is roughly the area the OP was referring to when he mentioned Comiskey
That's the most terrifying looking mayor I've ever seen.
Mayor Svengoolie!
As someone who lives in Arlington heights and worked at the racetrack watching this saga is entertaining lol
Say goodbye to your peaceful Sunday drives.
I have a theory that Lightfoot is a fish someone caught in Chernobyl and brought back to Chicago and it evolved into what she is now.
I live in massillon where Lori's family is from. Her mother Ann Lightfoot is an amazing woman. Served the school board for something like 50 years. I had never heard of Lori before. If you ask me Chicago got the wrong lightfoot.....
Shes the penguin from batman
@@softwhiteund3rarm0r maybe she was adopted
@@BoxingFanCapoTito Nah! She's BEETLEJIUCE..just like hey say!😂
LOL!
Great video, would love one on how Oakland also did an excellent job of driving an NFL team away.
...twice.
May drive the Athletics away, too
There not moving to Nashville just to the suburbs like most NFL teams have done.
@James Simms Not May but "Will," drive the A's away. They'll be the Las Vegas A's by 2026.
As a bears fan living in the north west burbs the move has to happen! We need the bears closer to the burbs in a safer environment and makes it so much easier for everyone to see a game!
The city is fine. It’s not as dangerous as you think it is
@@tj_6964 no I’m with him. If I don’t have to go downtown… I’d really rather not.
@@nkyryry I’ve lived in the city every day for six years and I’m a Tinley Park native. I’ve never had a problem here.
@@tj_6964 Don't trust anyone under 30 they cause all the violence in the city
@TJ _ maybe just very inconvenient for me. It's just way easier for me to see a cubs game then it is for a bears one in downtown.
I was in Cleveland when Art Modell secretly sold the Cleveland Browns. All our rivals mourned the dirty trick, with us. I support all Chicago Fans here.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5 ✝🌅
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7 ✝🌅
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ✝🌅
He didn't sell them. He moved them to Baltimore.
I pref the move to Arlington Heights. I’ve been to plenty of Bears games and other events at Soldier Field and while I had some great memories at the park and I love the fact that our team gets to play at a stadium in the city, the actual experience there half the time is lackluster at best and absolutely frustrating at its worst. If moving to Arlington Heights means not having to deal with the nightmare of an experience that just getting to Soldier Field entails, I’m all for it. And if the McCaskey family decides to actually shell out the money for a state of the art, high capacity stadium, maybe we’ll finally get to host a Super Bowl in our lifetimes. As a fan, the possibilities that a move to Arlington Heights creates far outweighs any nostalgic factor that the current stadium holds for me.
But that’s not to say I want Soldier Field to go completely by the wayside. Soldier Field is already a terrific soccer stadium and is capable of hosting some great non-sporting events. The Fire are great tenants and the Mexican National Team already consider it a home away from home, and it’s still a great concert venue. The Bears leaving it won’t change that. My hope is that even if/when the Bears leave, the city of Chicago still develops the area around the stadium to improve the experience for everything that will still take place there. It’s a tall ask, but one can wish.
I don't hate soldier field, but the Bears do need a modern stadium to keep up with NFL standards. I won't mind if they build a stadium similar to Minnesota.
The Packers manage at Lambeau just fine. That's what happens when a team is owned by the community.
@@fighterck6241 Except Green Bay is a shithole with nothing else to do but watch football.
One of the untold reasons (in the video, at least) they brought in Kevin Warren to be CEO is because he was instrumental in getting US Bank stadium in Minneapolis built. Considering that it is regarded as one of the best stadiums currently in the league, I think the Bears are in good hands on that front.
I’ve said this before-
As a lifelong Bears fan and city of Chicagoan resident and tax payer, they deserve a better stadium for themselves and their fan base! If you build it they will come! I don’t live far from Soldier Field but I’d make the drive to Arlington Heights to see my Bears! It’ll make the ocassion even more special!
Now make a documentary on how Arlington Heights lost the Bears
Slight correction, Metra Electric and the South Shore Line have a stop at 18th street and 11th Street both of which are closer to Museum Campus than the CTA. Of course if you’re coming from the south or NW Indiana that is helpful, but would require other people to take a train into downtown Chicago and then walk over to Millenium Station to hop on a Metra Electric going south.
Soldier Field holds a special place to me. I went to my first Bears game at new Soldier Field when I was 5 years old. And the older I got, the more I despised it. I live about 2 hours west of Chicago and getting to the stadium, parking, walking/shuttling to the stadium, navigating the narrow concourses, waiting 15-20 minutes to get into the bathroom and finally; LEAVING THE STADIUM, are all nightmares. There is very minimal room and the gameday experience is quite poor. A new stadium district outside of the city limits will be very beneficial to the team. Allowing them to host year-round events (given a roof is built for the new project) such as Super Bowls, Wrestlemania, Final Four, College Football Playoff, concerts, etc. This is a much needed refresh for the Bears and as a life-long Bears fan, I’m excited for it. Traffic to and from the stadium will improve with better public transport infrastructure, parking amenities appear to be within the new plans, as well as a larger capacity stadium with a roof (hopefully).
Well done on the video!
I often wondered why the Bears played at Wrigley Field when it very little parking, could barely fit a football gridiron and had to set up those awkward temporary seats in right field. I never knew that Soldier Field was worse.
I am a former seasons ticket holder and live on the northwest side of Chicago. The Arlington Park location is closer to me than their current location. The current location has nothing around it to generate revenue before and after the game, and Chicago has become a cesspool of crap. If they move I will start going again.
There’s actually a lot to do around the stadium. Easy to get to the train. Lakefront views and access. Walking access to restaurants and bars. Arlington Heights on serves the well off people of the north suburbs. Suburban stadiums have always been a terrible idea. If the Bears leave Chicago I hope Chicago gets a new team and they rename them Arlington Heights Bears or the Illinois Bears because they aren’t Chicago anymore. Team cares more about profit and money than winning. That’s why the McCaskeys suck as owners.
Am I right to say there's a lot of violence and crime over there at the stadium maybe that's also another reason why they want to move
@@bige4567 no.
@@MooseStuff I'm not talking to you
@@bige4567 You're dead freggin wrong & are doing nothing but
*Perpetuating Stereotypes*....
Soldier Field is in a lovely part of the city... And the Bears are moving because the don't own or control Soldier Field.
They can move... *
I left Chicago a little over a year ago, after many generations of my family there, for another state that isn’t as hostile. Anyone who grew up there knows there was no better place as a kid to grow up in the 80s and 90s (and before), I’m saddened to see what they did to my home, but I had to give my kids a better life for their future. The politicians and many of the people currently there don’t care and keep doubling down despite high taxes, crime, insane social policies, etc. They will vote the same policies and never change their minds even as things will only keep get worse.
I'm from stl. Used to be the 4th largest city. 8 decades of democrats later we are 54th. Business should get out of dem ran cities. They hate sports and the masculine men who watch it. They don't want the revenue
This is similar to the situation we had in Detroit and Auburn Hill's regarding the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons played in Detroit for a long time at several different venues. They moved to Auburn Hills in the 1988. The stadium cost $90M to construct. The stadium was renovated in 2005 & 2015. Only to be closed in 2017 and demolished shortly thereafter. The Pistons are again back in Detroit where they belong but they're woefully bad franchise. Their billionaire owner is not hiring the right people to put the franchise back where it was in the late 80's and early 90's, which is a real shame. Unfortunately, there is no clear path forward.
When Joe Dumars entered the front office, I had a feeling there were a lot of things going on behind the scenes. Dumars is not bad, it's just a PR thing at the time because he was a popular players from the Bad Boys. They should bring back that mantra because it does represent the vibe of the motor city. Hard work and effort and toughness and grit, especially when the city had a lot of jobs in car factories etc.
Pistons were never the same after the malice at the palace debacle.
@@neon920
The NBA doesn't allow the "Bad Boys" style/type of defense system any longer. The league has chosen to go soft. All scoring, no defense. It's not even watchable any longer.
@@ers-tj4to
Lol... I was in the Palace of Auburn Hills on that night. Ron Artest. What a thug he was. That all started from a fan throwing something at the Indiana Pacers bench.
@@cheesemouse7774 oh I know but the mentality of it can be applied where a team's focus is on defense then their offense is a fast break lay up or 3 point shot. There's no rules to that. Teams can play tough defense without what the Bad Boys did. Heck, that's why for a while the Eastern Conference games could barely hit 85 points each team on average, while the run and gun Western Conference was like average 110 points.
Still to this day, those numbers do happen.
The renovation was an abomination and a crime against the beautiful architecture of the original stadium. Hopefully the city will rip out the renovations and return the stadium to its former self.
My thoughts exactly, wonderful looking columns should've been kept exposed for all to see.
Unfortunately it would be seen as "going backwards" and probably won't be done
I could not agree more. Especially the hideous cantilevered bleaches looming over the once iconic columns.
The new Soldier Field is an architectural abomination and a disgrace to the lakefront. At the very least, the bleachers need to go, the rest is at least salvageable.
Living in Wisconsin, you park in someone's back yard. Walk a block to a tail gate party. A cover band, couple of beers and a brat. Granted leaving is a hour long ordeal. 60 years later Lambeau is still family friendly.
Soccer clubs in the UK do not move to other cities just doesn't happen, many clubs are named after the place they are based such as Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester city, etc fans have supported their clubs for generations going back over hundred years so to move to another city would be unthinkable
Chicago born and raised, it’s so depressing watching our Bears play on this terrible field. By far the thing that drives me away from going to games is the weather… it’s right off the lake and there’s never a time where your not being blasted with cold Lake Michigan wind, or covered in snow. I say the Bears go to Arlington Heights and show this city that they aren’t going to put up with this!
Depressing to watch a game ats stayged?
@@hounddog2952 Depressing trying to read your comment 😕
The games played there in September, October and early November aren’t blasted with cold.
Freezing your ass off in the stadium prior to 2003 was a rite of passage for my cousins and I when our grandparents would bring us to the game.
As long as stadiums are privately funded and not using taxpayers money, the Bears can do as they please
I live downtown Chicago and my best option to get to a game is to walk 45 minutes 😂as you stated; no subway stops are close to the stadium. Getting dropped off is a nightmare, getting picked up is impossible.
In Arlington Heights, I can hop on the train and get dropped off at the game. I’m excited for the new stadium, hopefully they lock it in.
You poor thing.
@@Bo55world I wish the giants had a mid town team new yorkers aren't afraid of a little walk
Downtown Chicago? I feel for you. I hope you're able to make it out of some day.
@@RoCK3rAD 45 minutes each way in the freezing cold is not a “little” walk 😂
@@Bo55world nah, I’ve lived here for 7 years, I love it ! I stay out the way, enjoy the views, & enjoy life
When they first renovated the stadium they should've just lifted the columns and display them off site as a personal memorial site. Leaving the outside of soldier field in place limited the renovation and the stadium turned out ugly af and still outdated before it was even completed. Moving to Arlington Heights is a god send.
I said the same they can have them as memorial displays and still rebuild a new stadium.
St. Louis knows what it is like to lose an NFL franchise TWICE. I am sure other cities would be interested in hosting the Bears if a deal cannot be done.
The Bears aren't leaving IL. If they did a new franchise would come to Chicago in a heartbeat. We're still the third largest city in the US and one of the best sports cities. Bears would be stupid to move somewhere like Orlando.
@@DailyRants89 I disagree.
@@lauriesmith5008 You can disagree all you want. Bears aren't leaving IL.
@@DailyRants89 I never said they were leaving Illinois.
I am so exited that the Bears are coming to my home town. I am a Packers fan, and it’s sad to see Arlington Park go down, but it is something new
We should all be happy any time someone or something escapes from Chicago. There were several weeks during an active war that there were more murders in Chicago than Afghanistan.
I think the added space, larger venue and more control over what their team is able to profit from, moving the Bears (which by the way has such a neutral name) continuing their brand in a new location is the best move they have. Staying in the city of Chicago does not help their team pay the bill or grow. They can still maintain their current lease and rent back to the city for their new development and make a killing.
I honestly really like the pre-renovation look of the stadium
They did that out in Arlington park you gotta deal 😂
My dad is a season ticket holder for the Bears and lives in the same area as Arlington Heights. I think every time I’ve gone to a game with him, he’s talked about how hideous the stadium looks and how much of a pain it is to get there. The immediate surrounding area has been going through a modern development the past decade or so, and the more broad suburbs loved the track and absolutely would love to host the Bears and other events at the site.
As much as I love they are moving to Arlington Heights, right now the roads around that area is nowhere near suitable to support that arena. The main road for where the race track was, Euclid Ave, is a 4 lane road that can't support even moderate traffic, let alone the heavy traffic on gamedays. Even the highway to get to Euclid, I-290/Rt. 53, has a horrible exit at Euclid, so they better do some heavy construction to beef up the road around there, or it will be worse than where Soldier Field is.
Chicago is a blue cesspool and has been since its inception.
@@athras8822 This is true, but it looks like parking lots will be accessible via Rohlwing Rd and the NW Hwy. Those roads would likely need to be expanded, but the exit on Euclid works well for heavy traffic and the road itself would work well for local commuters
To bad the vast majority of people in the Chicago area live closer to soldier field than in Arlington. The only people that are gonna like this move are Arlington residents. Even then, I doubt they will like the massive traffic jams headed there way every Sunday.
Absolutely they need to move to Arlington Park. Miss the horse racing tho.
*There's your freggin scandal.*
They-
*Begged for casino revenue.*
*Begged for subsidies.*
*Said they would stay.*
State allowed the new ownership to build that Casino near O'HARE & they sold the track & said-
*See you later Suckers.*
*That's why I'll never set foot in that* *Casino.* *I'll wait for Chgo to gets its own casino.*
Won't feel like the Chicaho Bears anymore imo
Good Luck Bears you deserve to have a place.
I fled Chicago in 05 after living there for 30 years.
I'm surprised it took the Bears this long to do the same.
?? Chicago is arguably the best city in the world
@@madmattrawdawg173 *used to be
@@madmattrawdawg173 definitely not, far from it.
@@madmattrawdawg173 It WAS. Not anymore however.
The majority of fans are all in for Arlington Heights. Most of the fans who want the Bears to stay in Chicago at Soldier Field are the old heads who watch the game on TV. Most people who go to games agree that Soldier Field is a nightmare experience for fans when it comes to coming and going from the stadium. Where Arlington Park is located is an amazing place for fans. Arlington Heights is a very easy town to get to and the stadium would be right off of the expressway. Another thing to add, I don't know who released it, but the top towns/cities that Bears season ticket holders are from reside in Naperville, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg. Chicago was 4th or 5th on that list. All 3 of those towns travel on the same expressway to get to each others towns. Kevin Warren's sole purpose of being president is to secure this deal. He got the Vikings stadium built and he will do the same here.
Just take the train! Stop driving everywhere and use public transit dumb@ss!
Plus the Bears record at Soldier Fields has been lousy with a few exceptions of course.
I grew up at the corner of Wilke and Euclid, and I still remember the PA announcer calling the races. I'm all for this. The Northwestern tracks run right along the edge of the property, and major highways run nearby. Plenty of room for parking . There are no negatives. Go Bears!
I also lived in the Euclid/Wilke/NW hwy triangle. I even worked at the track a few summers. Great neighborhood.
Hey I've lost tens of thousands at Arlington over the years, and I still miss it...bring it back, and keep the Bears in Chicago.
@@peterrichards931 I totally agree
Lightfoot didn't see the sample of breaking lease to the city east of her that happen in 1995. The old Browns also had a lease with the city of Cleveland and the NFL let Art Modell move his team to Baltimore. So, that kills her example.
I'm from Michigan, and this makes me think of when the Detroit Tigers left Tiger Stadium. For years there was speculation over what they were going to do. People were upset to see Tiger Stadium go, and I still miss it. Its time had come though.
I think they should have done everything possible to keep Tiger Stadium. It was built the same year as Fenway. It had the history of the 68 and 84 teams. Generations of families went there. They tore it down and built a generic office park joke called Comerica and I'm proud to say I've never stepped foot in that place and never will
As someone born and raised in Arlington Heights, I lowkey just amped about the property values increasing from it moving there. Also would just be cool to see the Arlington Park used again, since its basically abandoned
Why would property values increase? At least the area around stadiums is not very nice as far as I know. It would have to be a super commercial district. And traffic would increase massively.
@@davidquinn9676 commercial value alone raises the value of the land your house sits on, obviously this is an extreme example considering the area but with the creation of the Chargers/Rams stadium, property value of the surrounding area tripled
I'm a Vikings fan and I go to soldier field every year. I like the fact it's downtown and open air, but other than that, our bus from Ogilvie Station to Soldier Field took 45 minutes. It's a lackluster venue but still serves its purpose. The Jan. 8th game was sold out even though the bears were 3-13 going into week 18. I honesty think that a 100,000 seat venue could be filled for the majority of the season, especially if the bears are playing well.
Its not about the stadium per se as it is about control... They can't own it and never could that's why Papa Bear never wanted to go there in the first place and called it temporary... Owners have to own the land and the stadium... No more fleece jobs that raise taxes unnecessarily!
@@homerj806 Your missing the point… They can never own Soldier Field, this is the reason why Papa Bear never wanted to move there in the first place… This move was the old man’s real desire… Renting as a tenant of the city is just bad business… Own your facility is the name of the game and as A fan Id rather my team have that competitive advantage and not the city… Why should they get parking and concessions just like other teams do, that’s right because they are Tenants and not the Landlord…. This move is simple business 101… If everyone wants the Bears to stay then sell them that field and area as that is the only way! It’s about autonomy….
@@Skyscraper330 exactly, people don't understand, control is the key, the Bears couldn't dictate when other events would be held at Soldiers Field, they don't receive any money for those events, so if Beyonce holds a concert at Soldiers Fields, the Bears get 0 of that money, Arlington Heights is the right move
CHICAGO HAS WAYYY BIGGER PROBLEMS.. CRIME IS UP AT AN UNREAL RATE.. CAR JACKINGS, THEFT, DESTRUCTION ON BUSINESSES.. SAD REALLY. TOURISM IS AT AN ALL TIME LOW.. BEATLEGUISE HAS GOT TO GO.. WORST MAYOR EVER..
I am from Chicago and left in the late 1970's. I'd tell people I couldn't take the Chicago winters anymore. I used to take the L on Friday evenings to Comiskey Park on the South side to watch the White Sox play and the scoreboard fireworks display at the end of the game. I went to the old Wrigley Field with the manual score board to watch the Cubs. And yes I went to the old Soldiers Field and sat outdoors on a wooden bench in the chilly evening air. No liquor was sold at the stadium, however you were allowed to bring it in. The stands were a well stocked liquor store. Comiskey Park is gone. Wrigley Field has been "renovated". Soldiers Field has been desecrated.
Except it's called Soldier Field, not Soldier's Field. I grew up there too and I think more Chicagoans get that wrong than outsiders. Plus, I went to the old Comiskey Park, Soldier Field and the old Wrigley Field. Good times.
They renovated wrigley field and unlike soldiers field and comiskey park they kept many of the features and preserving the park
As a Chicago resident and casual football fan, I'm much more likely to see a game at Soldier field. A half an hour walk from transit isn't a big deal in the summer, but the main issue with that stadium is getting there. That's the only improvement I'd want personally. I'll prob never see a game at Arlington Heights.
Just take the metra at union station. stops right in front of Arlington race track
The bears don’t care if u wouldn’t a lot of people will go to Arlington for so many factors
I will. The city sucks. I’m like a 10 min drive from the new stadium. Suck it.
Bears already said they dont care, their season ticket holders are in the wealthy NW Suburbs so theyre following the money like a Blood Hound...
They probably did that on purpose .....
Given the crime in Chicago, is a mixed use area viable? Will people stay away after the novelty is gone other than football Sundays?
Im not even from Chicago, Im from Minnesota, but even we are aware of everything Lori does.. She is 1 of a kind I can say that. Ruining a great city from the way she deals with citizens, police, youth gangs, and now sports teams!!
Really good video! I'm born and raised in Chicago, currently residing in the burbs. The Bears need to get out of that city. Arlington Heights is the perfect location.
I used to live about 2-3 miles from Arlington Park. It's a perfect location because it backs right up to not only a metra stop, but also a major high volume 290/53, Wilke Rd, Northwest Highway, and Euclid Ave. Not a bottleneck like Lakeshore Drive. Plus they would have enough room to build a large enough stadium to host Superbowls and vastly increase attendance capacity. I'm hoping for at least a 50% increase. I'd bet a dollar that they still sell out every game.
I talked to an old boss and told him he should offer party packages where folks show up to his pub, then get carted to and from the pending stadium in a party bus. Heck if I were Metra, I'd paint a couple trains with Bears logos and colors and pull them out on game days to shuttle folks to and from the stadium.
For the last paragraph Minnesota does this with the Lightrail and it’s a cool idea
So let me get this straight: Not too long ago, there were complaints about gas prices being too high, and rather than driving less or having city administrations improve public transportation and make the transition from private transportation, y'all would rather drive MORE, further out from the city in order to pay PSL's that will go up in price and which the taxes you pay will go right into the McCaskey's bank account? And this is sane and reasonable to you?
The Bears move to Arlington Heights was destined the day they settled for that monstrosity in Solider Field which was obviously long before anybody ever heard of Lorrie Lightfoot!
I just watched the NBC5 documentary. I live in Chicagoland, but not originally from here, and I thought it was interesting. It seems that from the beginning, Soldier Field was a logistical nightmare. I've only been to one game, and it was not an enjoyable experience. Had to park in a garage, and take a shuttle and I couldn't believe how small the place actually was. But for all the Lightfoot haters, where were they going to go? There's no f-----g room down there.
If you're a real bears fan then you know that the move to Arlington Heights needs to happen. We can stop blaming politicians. Plus, the Friends of the Lakefront people would complain for any major deal they enact. Again, the move needs to happen.
What do you mean we can stop blaming the politicians?? They’re a major part of the problem. Lightfoots handling of this situation has been deplorable.
@@alcostello6114 For real, I'm a huge lib and even I think she's handled it terribly among many other problems in Chicago
Cope for Lightfoot some more.
@@alcostello6114 It's not really her fault... It never was... Papa Bear never wanted in that wreck of a stadium even when old man Daley was around...
@@Skyscraper330 Uh yeah it is partially her fault. Her attitude at the beginning of this process has been deplorable. She’s even floated the idiotic idea of luring an expansion team to the city. That idea just goes to show how little she fucking knows. If she knew anything, she’d realize that any already existing team can veto any new football team within a 50 mile radius of itself. Floating that idea was not only ignorant, but it was insulting to the bears, even threatening to sue if they keep the Chicago in their name. Not like dozens of other teams are named after a city they’re close to but not actually in the city limits. Lmao. She won’t cede control of Soldier Stadium to the Bears. Until she does that, and allows the Franchise to own the stadium they’ve played at for decades, they’re moving. And no about of refurbishing to the current field will change that.
The Bears should move; better for everybody. I am reminded of the Patriots' move to Foxboro, and the Giants/Jets move to East Rutherford. They worked out great. There just plain isn't enough Chicago to do all the year-round-family-friendly-peaceful-complex that Lightfoot keeps talking about (it's also clear that if the Bears don't move, she won't do anything at all.). Well done analysis, by the way!
Chicago and its suburbs are huge.
Bears will move to LA
If I lived in the city of Chicago the most important thing to me would be to have parking decks close to the stadium and more entrances/exits to the venue so things would operate more efficiently and I would't have to fight the crazy crowded traffic that people have to deal with now. Close by parking decks would resolve that and you would't have to use public transit from over a mile away. Also, adding more entrances/exits would resolve the bottleneck that makes getting in or leaving the stadium such a long lasting ordeal.
Also not voting for corrupt democrats!
nah upgrading public transit would be better than adding parking decks
Your supposed to leave a comment not a story
People mad about a one mile walk to Soldier Field currently are going to be so upset at how un-commutable Arlington Heights is.
Exactly
As a Packers fan I actually do feel bad for Bears fans, you deserve more control and revenue for your team! i would be livid if The Packers had these constraints, the best of luck to you's and I hope you get your new stadium. At the end of the day we all love our teams and we all love football! ps GPG ;-)
Thanks for your condolences neighbor. Maybe you guys can let us win for once? Appreciate it
I don’t like the packers but thanks for the kind words
The town owns the team so you have a stake in its success. Chicago, not so much. There are football fans and there are those who couldn't care less about it.
@@matthewsadiwskyj763 actually now you mention it that does make sense! Fubd it yourself then you get 100% City will make a fortune in taxes alone
Respect
Really well done video. Well researched and communicated.