An empty Soldier Field, which will be a common sight in Chicago this NFL season. | File photo
An empty Soldier Field, which will be a common sight in Chicago this NFL season. | File photo
The Chicago Bears started its 2020 season without fans at Soldier Field because of the COVID-19 epidemic, though they left open the possibility of in-stadium attendance later in the year.
Team management announced the decision on Aug. 17.
“After discussing a draft plan with 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 team said in a statement on the website for station WGN9. "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.”
| File photo
The first Bears' home game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20 against the New York Giants. It will be the first of eight regular season home games. WGN9 reported that two August preseason games were cancelled because of the pandemic.
Illinois is in Phase 4 of reopening, which would allow 20% of maximum attendance to watch in person, or 12,500 fans out of 61,500 seating capacity at Soldier Field.
Officials for the Kansas City Chiefs football team said they would allow 20% attendance, or approximately 16,700 fans, to buy tickets at a reduced rate. Fans in attendance will be required to wear masks when not eating stadium food or drinking beverages.
The Miami Dolphins will allow 13,000 fans in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Out of 11 NFL teams to have announced their plans, only one, the Las Vegas Raiders, have said fans would be banned from their home games for the entire 2020 season.
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