The End of Soldier Field: How Chicago Lost Da Bears
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2024
- In the summer of 2021, Churchill Downs announced they were selling their horse racing track in Arlington Heights, providing the Chicago Bears an unparelled opportunity to escape the control of Mayor Lori Lightfoot who had been espcially unbearable during the pandemic. The team immediatly submitted a bid and began a process to develop a new enclosed stadium and mixed use district to serve as the franchises new home. Finally breaking free from Soldier Field, which they had never been satisfied with from the start. From George Halas, Michael McCaskey, Ted Phillips, Virginia McCaskey, Kevin Warren (who has experience building the Vikings Stadium), and beyond, we'll discover all the gripes the Bears have with the stadium from pre-renovation days to now. Join me in this video as we discover why ALMOST nothing will keep the Bears from leaving the declining Soldier Field.
The Demise of Soldier Field: How Chicago Lost the Bears
00:00 Intro
1:02 Background on Soldier Field
4:19 New Stadium Attempts
6:36 Early 2000s Renovation
9:40 Issues WIth Soldier Field
13:07 Background on Arlington Park
14:37 Drama Timeline
20:04 Analysis
22:40 Where Things Go From Here/Examples
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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.
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.
High crime and murder rate coupled with losing Da Bears from Chicago. If I performed at that high level, I'd be immediately escorted from my job...........Job well done Mayor!
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.
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.
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…
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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_Tero_RET tat us digusting
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 😂
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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….
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
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.
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
Legend has it, that if you shout "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice" Lori Lightfoot appears out of nowhere!
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.
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.
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
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
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...
The answer is extremely simple , WOULD YOU RATHER RENT OR OWN ! After every game do you want to give the city or anyone whatever part of your profit or would you rather keep it all . Plus AND this is a huge plus ANY TEAM THAT OWNS IT'S OWN STADIUM IS WORTH ABOUT TWICE AS MUCH AS AN EQUIVALENT TEAM THAT DOESN'T and these days that means BILLIONS !!! ✌️😎
That's the most terrifying looking mayor I've ever seen.
Mayor Svengoolie!
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.
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.
Why anyone with a soul goes into Chicago now for anything is beyond me.
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.
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!
Great expose on the subject!
Great video. Never heard anyone pronounce T’s with as much enthusiasm as you though.
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.
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.
This was such an entertaining video! I hope to see more like this 😂😁
I'm glad the Bears are leaving Soldier Field. I hope the city of Chicago makes the Bears restore Soldier Field to what it was; a landmark for veterans. I think trying to put a dome on it is ridiculous. Chicago is a beautiful city, with the best skyline in the world. It does not need to become even more congested to support a team that can't win. I am a born and raised Chicagoan, and I'm angry and tired at what they did to Soldier Field. Go to Arlington, and get the hell out of Chicago. I hope they either "fix" Soldier Field to it's former self, or tear it down and replace it with a war memorial and possibly a smaller music venue with a roof, and keep the name Soldier Field.
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.
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.
Now make a documentary on how Arlington Heights lost the Bears
Great stuff here. Another interesting tidbit on newly hired CEO Kevin Warren.. he was an executive with the Minnesota Vikings when they developed and moved to US Bank Stadium. US Bank would go on to host a Super Bowl a few years later.
typically when a new stadium is built it's built on a promise from the NFL that they will get at least 1 Superbowl
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.
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??
At 3:09, the photo is of the 1974 Chicago Fire from the World Football League - who, if my memory serves me correctly, went 7-12, forfeiting their season finale at Philadelphia; that's right, in the WFL of 1974, they played a 20-game regular season, with no pre-season games!
To LaBreece TV: What an incredibly well-built film/video! I, a study of multiple elements upon which this touches, e.g. traffic engineering, watched the entire presentation. Having no specific interest or money on the line still watched the whole thing. Naturally that is the exact definition of "production value." Thank You! 💯🤙
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.
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🐻
In Oakland, it was the same or eerily similar to the loss of the Raiders .They had the distinction of being the last NFL team in the United States that shared the baseball field with the Oakland A's. During the start of football season, you could still see home plate, the pitchers mound and cats got tackled on the infield dirt. After lying profusely through their teeth, about 11th hour efforts to keep the Raiders from moving to Las Vegas, the city, now enamored with tech hubs, simultaneously lost the NBA's Golden State Warriors to the neighboring city of San Francisco.Both the Raiders and Warriors got new palatial buildings built in their new cities, as most will see, where the 2024 Super Bowl will be played in Las Vegas. Cities that are unwelcoming to major sports franchises, will invariably lose them. I feel bad for the Bears fans, but this is what happens when so called leadership does not embrace their storied teams.Soldier Field is one of the top 2-3 historical venues in the country and I can still see "Sweetness ", the Great Walter Payton, doing the limp leg around the edge, before bursting into the open field and taking it to the house!! Do All that you can to Keep the Bears in Soldier Field. The grass is not always greener on the other side, and the history speaks for itself.
Lori Lightfoot is such a funny little dude/guy. 😆
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
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
Great video
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
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 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.
The idea of building a new stadium and then building a business district around it sounds good. I know it's not football but take a look at Busch stadium in St Louis. Everything was essentially built around it. The tourism is wonderful and the atmosphere and environment is very good. A fresh start for the bears in a new location with new venues and business surrounding it might be the best thing for them.
Who gives a crap about what's best for the Bears? All the Bears want is more and more free corporate welfare.
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.
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.
I don't know about you guys, but the redesign on 19:45 looks dope as hell. Maybe the should consider it
Looks soul less
That final Soldier Field design was phenomenal, but too little and WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too late. However, I'm down for the move.
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
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.
@@121Greenthumb don't be so judgemental
@@FMichael1970 grow up. Act like men. not high schoolers reliving glory days.
@@121Greenthumb whatever
That renovation looks really good IMO.
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.
@@SolveForX taking the metra there is pretty easy from Chicago.
@@SolveForX 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
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!
The complaint from players about Soldier Field first was the lousy artificial turf. It was worn, and the padding underneath gradually lost its cushioning.
So, in the late 80s or early 90s, the Park District took out the carpet and concrete and put in real grass.
The problem is that the land around Soldier Field had a high water table. Growing grass for a lawn or picnic area is fine. But for events that are tough on grass, like football and soccer, the field gets torn up. The sod can't develop deep roots to hold itself in place.
The NFLPA has complained for years that the field is substandard and unsafe.
But, the Park District won't put in a new artificial field with shredded tires as a base and a drainage system.
My son's high school put in the prescription athletic turf, because heavy rains often made the football field unplayable. After a bond issue, the practice field is now PAT.
Presumably the new stadium in Arlington Heights will have a field, real grass or fake, that is more durable and safer than what is at Soldier Field.
18th Street station looks to be open still (again?), which is a 6 minute walk from Soldier Field.
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 live about 40 min away from Chicago and the new stadium is something i would love to have as a bears fan
Didn't I hear a report a few months ago that the NFL was worried that the younger generations are just not that interested in football, and they feared their fan base was dwindling? I fear that these monster facilities are eventually going to go the way of the shopping malls of the 60's and 70's. That being said, the owners can spend their money anyway they like, but I've never understood why the average working person should help fund it.
Go woke, go broke. Any true American doesn’t watch that crap anymore.
Younger generations are getting more into Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball.
@@marvictrejoperez ballet, hip hop dancing all the soft stuff.
as a Jets fan i am proud to say our stadium we share with the Giants was 100% privately funded not a dime of tax payer money was spent on it tbf this is probably because the people in Jersey would have probably burned the stadium to the ground if it had been tax payer funded
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.
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.
This has nothing to do with Lightfoot. Whatever has gone on just shows how poorly run the Bears have been for decades. They should have moved to the suburbs in the 1970's. Soldier Field was supposed to be only a temporary home until they got a real stadium, but they have always been too cheap - they sat on their hands waiting for other people to pay for it.
I'm from Chicago and the taxpayers money should be spent on fixing potholes and cleaning up the blight instead of building a stadium for people from the suburbs to enjoy.
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.
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!
Seeing Jerry Garcia's last show will always be my favorite memory!!!
As a Chicagoan, I feel like Soldier field is gonna become the permanent stadium of Chicago Fire (The MLS Team).
That's what is looking more and more like. I used to live 10 minutes south of Toyota Park. I remember when it first built and used by the Fire. Over time, it really wasn't worth building. Odd location and area.
@@mrnasty02106 Yea, went to a Chicago Fire game there, something just felt wrong about where it was.
@@ripley4118 Heavy industry (plants, factories, trucking facilities, etc.). Never went to Toyota Park either. From reading around online/asking in person, it was also just as hard to: access, commute to/from, park, and get around.
@@mrnasty02106 Yea, I don't really remember the game though since it was a mundane match. A draw if I believe correctly.
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
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.
1:53 look how cool Huskies stadium was/is. That's bad ass. The greatest setting in college football.
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
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.
I didn't just leave Chicago, I left Illinois. Buckwheat Lightfoot was 50% of the reason. Kim Foxx and Quami made up the rest.
Lightfoot: "The NFL doesn't allow teams to break their leases..."
St. Louis: You mean like they broke their own relocation rules to take our team?
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.
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.