Bears Won't Allow Fans At Soldier Field This Season

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Bears will not have fans at their games in Soldier Field this season in an attempt to quell the spread of COVID-19, the team announced Monday.

After discussing a draft plan with city health officials, the Bears and the City of Chicago agreed the "health metrics show that it is not the right time to welcome back fans to Solider Field," the team said.

"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," according to the Bears' statement.

The Bears will play their first home game on Sept. 20 — their only home game that month — against the New York Giants.

The team had announced in July that it would reduce seating capacity at Soldier Field to allow for social distancing, and as a result, no season ticket packages would be available for the 2020 season.

"It was a tough decision, but the health and safety of everyone must remain our top priority,” Bears President Ted Phillips said in the letter. "If we are able to host fans at home games, Season Ticket Holders, starting with PSL holders, will have the first opportunity to purchase single-game tickets. We are incredibly thankful for their loyalty, patience and support throughout this unique and challenging time."

This article originally appeared on the Chicago Patch