If Chicago Bears fans attend games at Soldier Field this season, it will be at a limited capacity.
And season-ticket holders will get the first crack at those games:
President & CEO Ted Phillips: "It was a tough decision, but the health & safety of everyone must remain our top priority. If we are able to host fans at home games, Season Ticket Holders, starting with PSL holders, will have the first opportunity to purchase single-game tickets."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 24, 2020
The Bears announced there will be no season or multi-game ticket packages for season-ticket holders in 2020.
To be clear, it’s not a total loss for season-ticket holders. They will get an exclusive first chance to buy single-game tickets for home games should that option become available. And remember, the team offered the opportunity for season-ticket holders to get full refunds for the 2020 season that came with an option of renewing for the 2021 season if they so choose.
Unfortunately, fans who purchased single-game tickets when they were released in May could take a loss here. Because if Soldier Field is open to play at a limited capacity, and season-ticket holders scoop up the first wave of available tickets, that could leave fans who purchased single-game tickets on the outside looking in. And to further complicate matters, the NFL’s refund policy for 2020 applies only to fans who purchased through Ticketmaster (the league’s official ticket partner).
This could get messy.
In any case, that’s a blow for those who looked forward to seeing high-profile opponents at Soldier Field. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Deshaun Watson are scheduled to come to town in 2020. And let’s not forget highly anticipated games against NFC North foes.
Ultimately, I read Phillips’ statement and come away doubting fans will be in the stands this season. Sure, Phillips has previously been “hopeful” the Bears can play games at Soldier Field with fans in 2020. And in June, we discussed the possibility of fans being in stands if those of us in Chicago are still in Phase 4. But even then, we figured it wouldn’t happen right away. Perhaps the proposal from the Cubs will clear a path for fans in the stands in Soldier Field at some point down the line, but I have my doubts.