The situation around fans at NFL games this year is murky. There is no set standard for it. That is because the league itself has no control. It's entirely in the hands of the respective states and cities the teams play in. Some may allow a limited capacity. Others none at all. The Chicago Bears are still in the process of trying to figure this part of the problem out.
They told season ticket holders recently that there is no decision yet on whether fans will be at Soldier Field this year. However, the odds favor that happening to a certain extent. The common number teams are aiming for is around 20% full capacity. That equates to around 12,300 fans. It's not what one would call ideal but it's certainly better than nothing.
However, there is an unavoidable side effect of this happening. It means ticket prices are going to soar. The New England Patriots have already found that out as Justin Leger reported for NBC Sports Boston.
"With all of this uncertainty, inventory for Patriots tickets on the secondary market has dropped by over 97 percent and in some cases has been pulled down completely, according to TicketIQ. That has caused the average ticket price to rise from $424 to $591, an increase of 39 percent."
Chicago Bears fans better prepare their bank accounts
Given how pricey Bears tickets were to begin with, one can imagine they're going to get a little outrageous with supply dwindling so drastically. This means only the most well-off fans or the most budget-conscious will be able to secure them. Is it really worth it? For some it will be. Whatever it takes to watch their beloved team live.
What remains unknown is what sort of protocols fans will have to endure if and when they do get their tickets. Odds are the Bears will install procedures everybody will have to follow in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mandatory masks is obvious. Social distances. Also there are expectations that everybody will be required to sign a waiver form that absolves the team of any responsibility if they should contract the virus.
Just more reminders that this season is going to be very, very different.
