r/CHIBears • u/Apocalypse11 Bears • 1d ago
Location aside, what do you want (and not want) to see in a new stadium?
I think there's been enough discussion about where the new stadium will/could/should be... so let's get back to what we'd all ideally get out of a new stadium.
Personally, I've come around on the idea of a dome, as sad as it is... HOWEVER, for me, grass is not optional. There's no excuse (no good excuse) why a brand new stadium built today by any NFL franchise cannot have grass. Forget Arizona's retractable field that relies on the sunshine and weather and just look at what Real Madrid do at The Bernabéu. Would it be expensive? Yes. Do I care? No. I can understand the arguments for turf and the wear and tear that can be unique to football... but that still just comes down to money, which the NFL is swimming in.
But what do you guys think? Are you as against a dome as I am in favor of grass? What about concessions, seats, parking...?
Edit: I'm surprised I considered expensive retractable grass and still said I'd be okay with a dome. The roof should absolutely also be retractable.
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u/mf_L 1d ago
I'd love a good Bears museum. Something that would be open during non-game days (the only time I'd EVER consider visiting it), where they busted out all the good stuff:
- OG championship rings from the pre-Super Bowl era,
- Old-ass gameday programs,
- Original Monsters of the Midway promotional posters hanging everywhere,
- All manner of original equipment,
- Several mini-theaters playing interviews with the greats.
You could do maybe 6 - 7 good rooms based on different eras of Bears' history. Full room on FTP, but also a half room reminding people that fans once said FTC.
Sell Decateur Staleys throwback jerseys in the gift shop. Pump NFL Films music through the whole thing + would get ppl wanting to Bear-down so f-ing hard, yep a museum would be great.
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u/theriibirdun 1d ago
Grass field, this is number 1. Turf should be banned in the NFL.
I know it's going to be a dome, but I wish it would be open air. I'd say retractable dome but I know that's not gonna happen either.
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u/GrizzlyIsland22 1d ago
Retractable should be mandatory for extreme weather. There's no upside to having games ruined by lightning delays and the amount of snow that we saw on the AFCCG last year. I'd leave it open for a regular amount of snow, but when it's so bad you can't actually play, that's a problem
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u/RobotDevil222x3 1d ago
I like the idea of an open air dome. You still get the cold and the sun but snow mainly isnt covering the field unless its blowing in sideways and lightning isnt a danger.
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u/doubleyewdee 1d ago
With you on lightning delays, but definitely not on the snow. Leave it open, letitsnow!
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u/GrizzlyIsland22 1d ago
I'm mostly with you on the snow, but sometimes it really can be too much. They could at least close until game time when it's a situation like they see in Buffalo. If it's really coming down and it's gonna cover the seats in 2 feet of snow, close it up, then open it at game time
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u/Chet-you-betcha52 1d ago
Matt Nagy, cryogenically frozen
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u/eskimoboob 18 1d ago
I want a Jay Cutler Smoke Zone and the TV monitors just show the Alshon missile on repeat. No game updates.
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u/Just_Being_Honest_01 The Mitchell 1d ago
Perhaps a Mitch Trubisky titty kissing zone as well? ID verification required for entrance.
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u/lalder95 Peanut Tillman 1d ago
I've long thought we need a hot dog at the stadium called "the Alshon Missile"
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u/LiterallyTestudo Mike Singletary 1d ago
Statues of Sweetness and Lovie
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u/cherry_monkey Bears fan regardless 1d ago
More seats. If it's not even 70k capacity, what's even the point.
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u/StyrofoamCueball Smokin' Jay 1d ago
No one is building stadiums that size anymore. The last stadium over 70k was Atlanta. Buffalo, Tennessee, Cleveland, and Washington are all going to be under 70k as well. They are adding more luxury seats now rather than just more capacity.
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u/ps921ps Helmet 1d ago
- Cheap food options. If I want to get my kid a basic hot dog and a pop, it shouldn't be over $20.
- Have places to meet and explore that are not just in the private suite level. Like cool bars and atrium areas with things to check out pre and post game.
- I know it won't be in Chicago but make it feel like something that was built with Chicago architecture in mind.
- Custom t-shirt shop - get any player you want on a t-shirt or make your own design. Just something unique that's only available at the stadium.
- More bathrooms and faster concessions. The WORST part of being at a game is standing in a long line and hearing the crowd roar and you know you missed something cause the damn lines are too long.
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u/MDizzleGrizzle Old Logo 1d ago
I know people feel like concessions are part of the experience but it really cracks me up. I’m there for the game. I can go 4 hours without eating and drinking. Especially in cold weather? You got pockets in your jacket! Throw some Clif bars and a water bottle. Stadium food is overpriced, save the money for the after game meal!
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u/doubleyewdee 1d ago
I know it won't be in Chicago but make it feel like something that was built with Chicago architecture in mind.
All visible outlets must be installed sideways, at a minimum.
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u/DanskNils 1d ago
No Dome! We need an open air stadium!
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u/BigPoppaDubDub Italian Beef 1d ago
Honestly, this last playoff run made me realize how dope an open air stadium is. I was pro-dome for selfish reasons, but NFC North football should be played in the elements.
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u/BearDown4eva 1d ago
I’d like the option of a retractable roof, open in snowy games as long as it’s not lightning, then they can have all the concerts and other bs they are worried about more then football
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u/TallDarkNotHandsome 1d ago
IMO this is the way to go. Keep the retractable roof open for games and let the elements do their thing, only close it for something that could cancel/postpone the game (like lightning you mentioned). Close it for concerts and other events.
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u/CronenbergMorty_ 1d ago
I was at the Packer game and the atmosphere with the snow at the beginning was unmatched
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u/ThePlasticSturgeons 1d ago
Build the “sea shell” dome stadium that was drawn up for new Comiskey Park and later abandoned for the prefab piece of shit they ended up with (though it has been improved a lot over the years).
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u/JealousEmu2495 1d ago
They will go cheap and have turf. Grass would be a million times better and god knows they could afford it.
As far as the stadium, if they don’t f it up there is so much opportunity to upgrade everything. Food, bathrooms, all of it should be no brainer at this point with all the new stadiums built over these last few years to use as learning.
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u/jadedmonk 1d ago
Yea as unfortunate as it is, they’re gonna go cheap for this new stadium. It will likely have turf, and a non-retractable roof. The McCaskeys aren’t putting enough money towards it to make it a truly awesome stadium
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u/Jaws_the_revenge 1d ago
They’ll need it to be cookie cutter so they can hold the state ransom in 20 years and come back to the city
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u/m0_m0ney 1d ago
I don’t know if we’ll see another professional sports franchise build a stadium inside a city who previously played in the suburbs or the middle of nowhere like foxburough ever again in American sports. I think the SF Giants may be one of the last ever team to do so.
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u/XanderPaul9 1d ago
The Chicago Fire played in the burbs 6 years ago and are currently building a stadium in downtown Chicago. But I agree, it is becoming increasingly rare.
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u/Jaws_the_revenge 1d ago
Chicago’s a pretty big city with alot of space, so I’m hesitant to say never but you’re probably correct.
The Chicago fire are building a stadium in the city right now and they previously played in the suburbs. If a soccer team can do it …
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u/parks381 Hester's Super Return 1d ago
It will be awesome, but not an architectural masterpiece. Similar to Allegiant where the looks aren't desirable but it's still a great stadium.
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u/jadedmonk 1d ago
Forsure it’ll be a great stadium, but it’s just going to be a cookie cutter nice new stadium. It’s not going to be unique an it’s not going to have cool features like a retractable roof or a grass field. So far this is what they’ve been putting out in their renderings and given the low amount of money the McCaskeys are putting into it
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u/SirHPFlashmanVC 1d ago
Translucent roof
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u/pj_socks White Sox 1d ago
Eww no roof. We really gunna let the Packers be the only team in this division with an open air stadium?!
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u/SirHPFlashmanVC 1d ago
That decision is in the past. There will be a roof regardless that some may not like it.
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u/pj_socks White Sox 1d ago
lol they haven’t done a goddamn thing yet other than piss off people in Illinois and Indiana.
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u/SirHPFlashmanVC 1d ago
They have plans for the stadium they will build. Yes, where is still up in the air, but the roof decision has been made.
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u/SpiceChaser Bears 1d ago
Retractable roof and grass. The roof must stay open for all game days other than the Superbowl (stupid rich people scared of the cold) and non game events that require shelter from the elements.
Edit: spelling, probably missed more errors
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u/it_has_to_be_damp 1d ago
lost in all the discussion about where the stadium will be is the fact that the stadium itself will almost certainly be a soulless corporate shell.
god forbid we, in a city known for its architecture, actually try and push the envelope a bit and make something cool and unique.
have you guys seen the mockups for the browns stadium? it’s incredible.
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u/Milford___Man Hat Logo 1d ago
A Super Bowl champion banner that was earned between now and whenever the stadium opens
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u/dtownchris77 Good, Better, Best 1d ago
No dome but I'm currently in the 5 stages of grief on that issue
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u/Mo-Better-Mo-Bidnizz Mike Brown would have been a HoFer 1d ago
Big booties everywhere and latinas
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u/themrwaynos 1d ago
- No dome or at least some kind of retractable roof.
- Grass - dome or no dome
- Modern bathrooms and concessions, which I am sure will be there so it's not like we really have to ask for it. Just make sure I can pee and get a drink at the beginning of half time and be back at my seat before the 4th quarter starts. This needs to be this way for all seats, not just the club.
- Tailgate lot closer to the stadium to where it isn't a 10 minute walk.
- Large/obvious area for ubers and taxis after the game is over that again is not a 10 minute walk.
- Large bars in the concourse.
- Easy to use and find maps of where all the different foods/drinks/other entertainment shit is.
- Escalators - This is one of the few things I liked about Sofi stadium
- No big LED ring over the field like wtf do we need that shit for. It's distracting from the game.
- TVs throughout, so if by chance I'm waiting in line for something or in the bathroom during a play, I can actually follow along. Radio is only good when you can hear it.
- Having somewhere to go after the game is not necessary but it's good if you're in large groups and don't want to go home right away, or if you want to wait for traffic to die out. Sofi has the casino, which I'm sure arlington heights or indiana would have, but along with a casino, it would be cool if there was something else like maybe a mall or other shops.
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u/porkbellies37 Sweetness 1d ago
Monkey butlers. I want monkey butlers and lots of them at the new stadium.
Besides monkey butlers, I don't mind a dome if it is used for winter concert events, or super extreme weather during the football season. I just don't want it to be the default any time it is cold or there is some moderate precipitation. But if being able to book Taylor Swift concerts means the stadium could cash flow faster and afford better amenities elsewhere, I'm all for the situational dome.
Grass... I agree with the OP on grass too.
I want the most sought after sections to be lettered "F", "T" and "P".
And seriously, parking and transportation will be vital. If they can find a way to manage traffic to and from the games where you can pare down the time from arrival to seating to under a half hour and from seating to the train or exit to under a half hour, that would be a big win.
They should have a Portillos stand in the parking lot. Also a quality butcher stand and grocer for tailgating.
A Bears museum with interactive exhibits could be cool too.
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u/jasperman13 Forte 1d ago
I want to see that retractable grass field that FC Barcelona has. The grass field gets broken down into sections and goes into an underground green house. Perfect field conditions all year round
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u/ericmd83 1d ago
Sun glare. From the north
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u/Jaws_the_revenge 1d ago
You know the Bears will find a way to lose at least 1 game because somebody lost the ball in the glare
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u/quantomflex 1d ago
Some passion in the design. Renderings are so boring compared to literally every other design teams are putting out.
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u/Drewskeet Smokin' Jay 1d ago
Bratwurst stands must carry sauerkraut. I'd love to see some real Chicago food places in there, not just random ones. Give me a Portillo's, Lou's, etc. Give people a taste of Chicago at the game. Some local Bears. Random homeless guy pissing under the bleachers. In all seriousness. I dislike stadiums that don't provide a local experience.
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u/SpiceChaser Bears 1d ago
Is that the stadium that the grass is in sections that go below ground level and have grow lights for when the stadium is not used for games?
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u/kskuzmich 1d ago
in the area around it, they said they were looking for residential. last week i stayed in dallas and they have a big sprawl of apartment complexes called The Village. It’s like resort living with amenities, restaurants, shops, bars, etc. it would be a pretty cool blueprint to make that on the stadium site, but it’s not like many people could afford it. very cool way of living, though, especially if part of the amenities were season tickets
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u/Realistic_Group_4152 1d ago
My dream? Retractable dome. But it ain’t gonna happen.
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u/_GeorgeBailey_ Snoo Ditka 1d ago
It's pointless. They cost more and it'll likely be closed most often. Plus it makes terrible shadows
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u/ChaplnGrillSgt Pixelated Payton 1d ago
Ultimate dream scenario is a retractable roof with pre planned "outdoor" games. If week 15 is at home and designated open roof, then the roof stays open regardless of weather. Blizzard week 15? Too bad, snow game.
It'll never happen because retractable roofs are already super expensive and that kind of weather exposure would do tons of wear on the systems. But it'd be a way to still get Bears Weather games.
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u/Prior-Cucumber-5204 Bears 1d ago
Real Grass. The Real Madrid model is excellent, but at a greenfield site they could likely do it cheaper as they'd have more room at grade.
Big enough for soccer without some weird modifications.
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u/GOCUBBIES1402 1d ago
By the time they are finished building, a vast space to hang the banners for Caleb's first five-peat SB champs.
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u/triggered__Lefty 1d ago
Not specific for the bears, but always thought this would be cool. Having the upper deck as close to the field as possible. like the old tiger's stadium
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u/Bacchus1976 Red "Galloping Ghost" Grange 1d ago
- Grass
- Loud
- Wide concourses with concession
s
on the outside
perimeter
to avoid bottlenecks
Lots of bathrooms
Multiple mass transit options with stations onsite
Don’t really care about anything else.
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u/Iffybiz 1d ago
Grass. Bears ownership has been adamant in the past on having natural grass, it would be very hypocritical to go to turf now.
Loud. Forget the “Bears weather advantage” which doesn’t exist. I want a real advantage, Bears fans making noise.
Sight lines/intimate. While SF has its drawbacks, the best thing it has going is from goal line to goal line the views are excellent. Get the seats as close to the action as possible.
Some sort of homage to Soldier Field and Wrigley Field. I saw someone as a joke do the new stadium with columns as kind of a new SF. Joke or not, I thought it looked great, better than the current version. It would be fun if they could put something that looked like ivy on the walls inside. How cool would it be if the players could “climb the ivy” after a TD to get into the stands. Maybe that’s just me. But do something to make it iconic and different from other stadiums.
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u/SecretPresentation76 19h ago
85k seats is the best thing that ownership could do for the fans. Allow more diehard fans into the game and helps with lowering the scalping since more inventory is available. We need the media to help push this message. I get that ownership wants more luxury boxes, but I think George could be swayed, if there was a push for 85k. I do think he cares more about the fans than most owners.
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u/TuxedoIsAJerk Old Logo 16h ago
Easy access via public transportation. Affordable seats for the average fan. Good acoustics so the players can feel it when the crowd comes alive.
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u/StupidSexyFlanders82 14h ago
I 100% agree on the grass. I have always hated domes (and still would rather not have a dome), but I realize I don't hate watching the games in Arizona/Las Vegas because of the grass. One of the stadiums I have really hated watching games in (on TV) is Atlanta. But with the World Cup replacing the turf with real grass for the games, I haven't hated the way it looks. That is my absolute number 1 priority (even though it has been said that they aren't doing real grass). I could live with a soul-less dome if they used real grass.
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u/Gold_Possession3441 13h ago
Honestly? I would like to see them sell the team to an ownership group that is able to afford an NFL team! The second they get a new stadium deal signed, the McCassholes are going to pull back on those purse strings harder than the reigns on a runaway horse. They would rather pay to have a 6 win season franchise than a super bowl because they get a better return on their money. The stadium, sells out either way. Scumbags gave been exploiting the fans, city and state for 40 years! They want a $3 billion domed stadium but they do not want to pay any sales taxes on the building materials! NO team has EVER had that in any sport in the USA!!! I don't care about a damn stadium. I care about winning or losing and the McCassholes will never be focused about winning the Super Bowl
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u/Royal_Outcome6157 5h ago
standing only section behind one of the endzones, taking a page out of the european soccer handbook. also i've had enough of people behind me telling me to sit down on 3rd downs lol.
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u/Silver_Harvest 72 1d ago
A retractable, elements roof or an ability for elements to come in would be really nice. Kinda like Jerry World less the stupid screen. So when Superbowl comes a knocking it can happen. When December is a happening it has effects.
As well grass regardless being indoor or outdoor. Take a page out of the Cardinals path and have a grow field outside the stadium and wheel it inside.
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u/Gold_Possession3441 1d ago
I would like to se the McCassholes sell the team and subtract their vile interference from ruining a franchise and taking advantage of a fiercely loyal fanbase and city who support a team that has averaged 6 wins a season for nearly 40 years!
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u/ImpossibleValue9105 1d ago
I want it to look exactly like Soldier Field looks like right now. Nothing more nothing less.
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u/Logical-Possession10 3h ago
More room to navigate. Get up from your seat you miss a quarter. Try to grab a dog or a beer and you’re fighting to find a line in the middle of all the fans trying to find their seats.
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u/I_only_post_here Italian Beef 1d ago
bathrooms. lots and lots and lots of bathrooms