With the Chicago Bears’ season opener just 27 days away, the team has finally addressed whether or not fans will be allowed to attend games at Soldier Field.
The Bears issued a statement explaining that, at present, no fans will be allowed at Soldier Field in 2020 to ensure “the health and safety of the city’s residents and fans of the Bears.”
They didn’t rule out the possibility of fans attending games at Soldier Field later in the year should the stadium be “deemed safe and appropriate.” But, for now, Soldier Field will not have fans in the stands.
Chicago Bears statement on fans at Soldier Field: pic.twitter.com/uaUSxQJipx
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 17, 2020
Here’s the full statement issued by the Bears:
“The Chicago Bears, Soldier Field’s management partner, ASM Global, the Chicago Park District and public health officials have worked together to assess whether a responsible plan that follows City, State, CDC and NFL guidelines could be developed to safely accommodate a limited number of fans at Soldier Field this season. After discussing a draft plan with City health officials, the Bears and the City of Chicago agreed the health metrics show that it is not the right time to welcome fans back to Soldier Field. The health and safety of the city’s residents and fans of the Bears will always take priority. The team and City will continue to monitor the environment and believe there can be a sound plan in place to bring fans back to Soldier Field once it is deemed safe and appropriate. Until then, Bears home games will not include in-person fans.”
The City of Chicago also issued a statement:
“We applaud the Chicago Bears for taking the right measures to protect their fans, athletes and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been working closely with the team, ASM Global, Soldier Field’s management partner, the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Chicago Park District to monitor the health metrics and provide guidance on when it is safe to allow fans back. While this is not the football season we would have hoped for, we will still be rooting for the Bears, and we look forward to the day we can cheer them on again from the stands.”
The Bears are slated to host the New York Giants on Sept. 20 in their home opener, which will look a lot different than in the past.
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