What happens to Soldier Field if Bears leave?

The Bears could break the Soldier Field lease as soon as 2026 by paying an $84 million penalty to the city, the Tribune has reported. That price tag goes down in future years. Big city teams opting for more room in the suburbs is not unprecedented.

What will happen to Soldier Field when the Bears move?

Adding six new major club and experiential areas. Quadrupling the food and beverage square footage from 50,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet. Adding secondary club and activation areas to as many as 20.

When can the Bears Leave Soldier Field?

The Bears pay $6.48 million annually to use Soldier Field, under the terms of a lease set to expire in 2033 that can be terminated early as long as the team pays a penalty.

Can Bears get out of Soldier Field lease?

The short answer -- yes. The Bears and the Chicago Park District have a lease that runs through 2033. But, they can break that lease as soon as 2026 at the cost of $84 million. This is a small cost to building a new stadium.

Why are the Bears moving out of Soldier Field?

The Chicago Bears signed a purchase agreement for Arlington International Racecourse in September 2021, a move that takes the team a step closer toward securing property for a new stadium and leaving their longtime home at Soldier Field.

The End of Soldier Field: How Chicago Lost the Bears

How much do Bears pay for Soldier Field?

The Bears do have a lease at Soldier Field, where they pay over $6 million a year in rent. However, the lease ends after the 2033 season and can be broken at a cost of $84 million as soon as 2027.

Are the Bears trying to leave Chicago?

The Chicago Bears are likely leaving Chicago for Arlington Heights. In June of 2021, the Chicago Bears — a founding member-team of the National Football League (NFL) — purchased Arlington International Racecourse for $197.2 million.

Do Bears survive relocation?

For both bear sexes and all age groups, translocation can allow enough time to remove attractants, so that if the bear returns, it will not have a reason to stay. According to Landriault's 1998 study, translocation does not expose bears to increased mortality.

Do you stay still for black Bears?

Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.

Do Bears break into cabins?

Bears breaking into homes in California is not an unusual event: One 500-pound black bear known locally as Yogi, Chunky, Hank the Tank, Jake, or The Big Guy broke into 30 Lake Tahoe homes in seven months in search of food.

How would Bears pay for new stadium?

The team said they'd look for public funding for all of that development. “For the development to move forward, and for this effort to be financially feasible, a public-private partnership addressing predictable taxes and necessary infrastructure funding for public uses is essential,” the Bears said in an open letter.

Will the Bears move to Arlington Heights?

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- The Chicago Bears have officially closed on the former Arlington Heights race track Wednesday, moving the team one step closer to moving to the suburbs. The team announced the finalized purchase in an open letter, though they did not disclose the final purchase price.

When can Bears move to Arlington Heights?

The Bears could break the Soldier Field lease as soon as 2026 by paying an $84 million penalty to the city, the Tribune has reported.

Can you escape a black bear?

Alter your route or back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came. Walk, do not run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it reacts. In most cases, the bear will flee. If the bear walks toward you, act boldly, yelling and throwing something at it.

What to do if a bear attacks you?

Can black bears smell humans?

In summary, though it's difficult to measure just how far a black bear can smell, a range of a few miles isn't unrealistic. With 300 to 500 bears roaming Yosemite at any given time, it's more than likely that at least one of them are smelling you at all times.

Do bears back off if you stand your ground?

Often bears retreat after a bluff charge, or they may vocalize loudly. If you can see a bluff charge is about to happen, slowly back away while waving your arms above your head, and speak to the bear in a calm voice.

Can bears survive being hit by a car?

Black bear crossing the road. NPS photo. In the last three weeks, at least four bears were hit by cars in Yosemite, at least two of which were killed. The two bears that survived were hit by drivers going faster than the 25 mph speed limit and were seriously injured and limping.

What is the survival rate of relocated bears?

Relocated black bears with known outcomes demonstrated an 80% return rate, with 55% not surviving beyond five months. Female bears established home ranges significantly larger than males, and may suggest an enhanced maternal instinct in search of simi- lar nutritional conditions prior to relocation.

Who inherits the Chicago Bears?

Born on Jan. 5, 1923, Virginia Halas McCaskey has served as principal owner of the Chicago Bears since 1983, when she inherited the franchise from her Hall of Fame father, George "Papa Bear" Halas.

Where will the Chicago Bears move to?

New Bears president Kevin Warren committed to plan for new stadium in Arlington Heights. CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Bears officially introduced new president and CEO Kevin Warren on Tuesday, and he made it clear he's ready to lead the team's move out of the city and into a new stadium in Arlington Heights.

Is Soldier Field being replaced?

The Bears can exit their Soldier Field lease in 2026, and the team last fall finalized a purchase agreement for the Arlington International Racecourse, a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights, with eyes on construction of an entirely new complex.

How much does Chicago still owe on Soldier Field?

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which handles Soldier Field's debt, says the stadium's 2003 renovations still haven't been paid off and the city owes more than $631 million by 2032.

Do Bears own Soldier Field?

The Bears do not own the stadium. It's owned by the Chicago Park District. That means they cannot inherit all the revenues the stadium generates.