Bears announce no fans at Soldier Field this year

Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images

This was an expected announcement...

On Monday the Chicago Bears announced that there will be no fans at Soldier Field during the 2020 season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Here’s the full statement from 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 issued a statement as well.

“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.”

Things can certainly change at some point during the season, but the safety of the fans is the top priority for all parties involved.

There are still some NFL teams that have yet to make an announcement about their game day plans, while other’s have cancelled all or some of their home dates for fans, and a few others are planing on having a social distancing limits on attendance.

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