As of now, the NFL plans to play its season as scheduled and with fans in the stands — albeit at reduced capacities based on state and local laws that would apply to each team. And even though the Chicago Bears are holding out hope that some fans will get a chance to watch their team at Soldier Field, the team has put together a safety net for its season-ticket holders.
The Bears are offering full refunds for 2020 season-ticket holders, allowing an option to retain seats in the same location for the 2021 season. News comes via a letter to season-ticket holders, which was shared by JJ Stankevitz of NBC Sports Chicago.
Check it out:
The #Bears sent a COVID update letter to season ticket holders today. In it: “… The presence of and the exact number of fans that will be allowed into Soldier Field has not yet been determined. Our hope is to build a model that provides the opportunity…”
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) June 29, 2020
“… Given all of the current uncertainties, we want to inform you that one option will be to provide you a full refund for the 2020 season while still retaining your ability to renew your season tickets in 2021 in your same seat location.”
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) June 29, 2020
The Bears don’t know for sure if fans will be in the stands. It is possible that fans might be allowed at Soldier Field (if Illinois is still in Phase 4), but it’s possible that they won’t be let in right away. And even if they did, it is still to be determined how many will be allowed through the turnstiles. So with that (and the future) in mind, the team put in place an option that could be of interest to season-ticket holders. That’s a start, although it doesn’t make mention of any plan for fans who purchased single-game tickets when they went on sale earlier in the offseason. But I imagine those customers’ concerns will be addressed in due time.