Soldier Field has been the home for our Bears since 1971 (minus the year in Champaign).
Just in time for the 2015 season, the stadium has undergone renovations to improve the fan experience for those Bears fans lucky enough to attend a game by the lake.
This is especially important because the expectation is for our Bears to finish in the 5-11 to 8-8 range. With the home schedule bringing in the following teams: the Cardinals, Raiders, Broncos, 49ers, Redskins, and of course each of our divisional foes, it’s easy to see a scenario in which the Bears struggle at home.
So, at the very least if Bears fans aren’t enjoying the product on the Soldier Field grass, they can find amusement with the new amenities off the field.
What do the new enhancements include?
Let’s take a look.
New Digital Video Screens
Soldier Field will boast seven new digital video screens.
Recall the two video boards in each end-zone?
Well, those are gone and have been replaced by HD boards that are 310% larger than their predecessors. Which means, Bears fans will have a much clearer and larger view of every Cutler touchdown pass… or interception. 😉
That’s not all…
According to the Bears, these video boards will possess the highest picture quality in the NFL that rivals the screen of the Dallas Cowboys.
Additionally, there will be a new ribbon panel on the west 200 level and four smaller screens in each of the four end-zone corners.
All of these screens will allow the Bears to show more replays, and the team can use the boards to present up-to-the-minute statistics in a more visually appealing fashion.
Replays are especially appealing, because while attending games, I’ve always yearned for more of them. (Not to mention the small screen made it difficult to fully appreciate the replay).
Regarding the new screens, Bears VP/Sales & Marketing Chris Hibbs said, “Everything that comes along with them is really going to change the experience for fans.”
The Den
The Den is the new lounge area that features four full service bars, food stations, arm chairs, and a fireplace.
Located on the west side behind sections 136 and 138, The Den will be able to accommodate 1,000 people.
It’ll be open exclusively to Bears’ season ticket holders who will be annually selected at random. Those fortunate fans will gain access to The Den for the entirety of the season.
However, if you would like to experience The Den and are not a season ticket holder, the lounge will be open to the public before and after any non-Bears events. Or, you could rent it out for a private party… 🙂
Final Thought
Obviously, the Bears are determined to create a greater fan experience.
This season, if you are able to make it to Soldier Field for a game, make sure to take a look around and appreciate the new renovations… but don’t forget to root on our Bears as a valued member of the 4th Phase.
Surely, improving the product on the field is important (which the team has worked on) but the fact that the Bears have invested to the improvement of the product off the field is a reason to give a damn in 2015.
In Case You Missed It
Reason #1: Kevin White’s Vitality to Jumpstart Bears Offense
Reason #2: Restoration of Leadership (and the Captain Patch)
Reason #3: New Bears to Help Create New Identity
Reason #4: Players Poised to Perform in Contract Years
Reason #5: The New Coaching Staff of Fox, Gase, and Fangio
Reason #6: Continuing Along the “Cutler Coaster”
Reason #7:Â Top Three Draftees (Not Named Kevin White)
Reason #8:Â So Many Questions (Creates a Little Bit of Drama)
Reason #9:Â New Video Boards and New Lounge to Improve Fan Experience
Reason #10: (Finally) Moving on Past Lovie Smith
Please sell bud light this year and every year
I’m going to be in section 432 I think behind the end zone are those super crappy seats? I’ve never been to a football game other then hs and one college game in my life???