The Chicago Bears are asking season ticket holders what they want to see in a new stadium. But at least one season ticket holder wants them to ask the much more important question: Where do they want the stadium to be?
The team plans to hold two focus groups this week asking some season ticket holders what amenities they’d like to see in a new arena. The invitation-only sessions are to be held in Chicago and Schaumburg, but participants won’t asked about stadium location.
The focus groups come as the Bears have proposed building a $3 billion stadium, plus up to $1.7 billion in infrastructure costs, on the lakefront to replace their current home at Soldier Field.
But the team also spent $197 million to buy the former Arlington International Racetrack. Officials previously proposed building a $2 billion stadium there as part of a massive multi-use development. But the team’s interest there has waned because it says property taxes are too high.
The team conducts surveys and focus groups regularly, so these latest sessions are nothing unusual. Officials say their focus remains on the lakefront site.
The team previously released a survey showing support for a new stadium. But season ticket holder Martin Anderson of West Dundee says he’d like the team to ask its most valuable fans, season ticket holders, where they want a new stadium.
Soldier Field is difficult to get in and out of, and takes a whole day to go to a game, Anderson said.
“The time, the hassle to get there, particularly the parking,” Anderson said. “If they ask the season ticket holders would probably want them out of the city.”