The new stadium finally seems to be gathering momentum. After the Chicago Bears wasted months flirting with the idea of building a new downtown complex, they've concluded such a venture will take too much time and painful negotiating. They've shifted back to the original plan of building in Arlington Heights. Property tax disagreements were settled. The only thing left is getting some important legislation squared away in Springfield. Such an opportunity is coming in October. If things go as planned, the Bears might get shovels in the ground before the year ends.
It appears they're using the intervening time to collect information. Jeff Agrest of the Chicago Sun-Times revealed something interesting. The Bears have sent out surveys to season ticket holders. The questions cover the new stadium. While the actual structure of the building isn't being discussed, fans appear to have a significant voice in some other key areas. One line that stood out from the mass email is what the organization seeks from this approach.
"Your feedback will play a key role in shaping fan experience, amenities, and ticketing options in a new stadium."
The Chicago Bears are living up to at least one of their promises.
Kevin Warren and others have repeatedly stated since this odyssey began that the new stadium would be geared toward maximizing the fans' experience. They don't just want it to be a place to watch football games; they want it to be a place where fans can bring their families and enjoy themselves in various ways. That is something the most modern stadiums in the NFL have taken into account. For years, it was a big sticking point for the Chicago Bears as they argued with the Chicago Park District about modernizing Soldier Field. It is why the McCaskey family purchased the Churchill Downs property in the first place. They want a stadium befitting their franchise and the fans they love. It makes total sense to ask the people themselves what they want.
