Why did the Bears leave Wrigley Field?
The Chicago Bears were a staple of Wrigley Field for over 50 years. The Bears have called Wrigley Field home since 1921 until 1970, when they left for Soldier Field. The move to Soldier Field was made for a variety of reasons.
The main reason for leaving Wrigley Field was the deteriorating condition of the stadium. During the Bears’ tenure at the stadium, Wrigley Field was not kept up to modern standards. The playing surface was often in poor condition, and the stadium lacked basic amenities such as stadium lighting, luxury suites, and modern restrooms.
The Bears were also unable to reach an agreement with the Chicago Cubs, who owned and operated the stadium, for improvements to the facility. The Cubs were unwilling to make the necessary investments in the stadium to make it suitable for football games.
Additionally, the Bears were unable to expand the seating capacity of Wrigley Field to meet the growing demand for tickets. The stadium was not large enough to accommodate the large crowds that the Bears were attracting each season.
The Bears were also concerned about the safety of their players. Wrigley Field did not have the necessary safety measures in place to protect the players from the elements and the increased risk of injury.
Finally, the Bears were unable to come to terms on a long-term lease with the Cubs. The Cubs wanted to keep the Bears on a short-term lease, while the Bears wanted a long-term commitment from the Cubs.
The Bears ultimately decided to move to Soldier Field, which had modern amenities and safety measures in place. The move also allowed the Bears to increase the seating capacity of the stadium and sign a long-term lease with the Chicago Park District.
The Bears’ move to Soldier Field marked the end of an era in Chicago and the start of a new era. The move was made with the best interests of the team and its fans in mind.
The History of the Bears and Wrigley Field
The Chicago Bears and Wrigley Field have a long and storied history. The Bears first played at the stadium in 1921 when the team moved from Decatur, Illinois. The Bears spent a total of 50 years at Wrigley Field and won eight NFL championships while they were there.
The Bears left Wrigley Field in 1971 after the NFL’s decision to expand the size of the field from 100 to 130 yards. The Bears’ home stadium had become too small for the modern game. The team moved to Soldier Field, which had already been built in 1924.
The Bears and Wrigley Field had a special relationship. The stadium was known as the Den of Bears and at one time, the stadium was even painted with a giant bear logo. There was also a large flagpole in the middle of the field which was said to be one of the inspiration for the team’s logo.
Some of the most famous Bears players in history played at Wrigley Field, including Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, and Gale Sayers. The stadium was also home to some of the most memorable games in NFL history, such as the Snow Bowl playoff game between the Bears and Eagles in 1967. The Bears won the game 9-0 in one of the most iconic games in NFL history.
The legacy of the Bears and Wrigley Field continues today as the stadium continues to host collegiate football games and the Bears still have a great fan base in Chicago. While the Bears may have left Wrigley Field in 1971, the legacy of the team and the stadium will continue to live on.
Table 1: Wrigley Field specifications
| Length | Width | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 100 yards | 53 1/3 yards | 50,000 |
The Bears and Wrigley Field will always be linked, as the Bears began to emerge as one of the most successful franchises in NFL history during their time at Wrigley.
The Bears have gone on to win six NFC championships, one Super Bowl and several division titles since leaving Wrigley Field. The team has also made the playoffs 21 times since leaving Wrigley and the Bears fan base is still as passionate and loyal today as it was during their time at the stadium.
Exploring the Reasons Behind the Bears’ Departure from Wrigley Field
The Chicago Bears and Wrigley Field go hand in hand. The team has called the iconic stadium home since 1921 and has been a source of pride for the city of Chicago and its many fans. But in 1970, the Bears made the decision to leave Wrigley and move to Soldier Field. While the team’s departure was a painful one, there were several reasons that led to the Bears leaving the Friendly Confines.
For starters, the playing surface at Wrigley Field was less than ideal. The field was made up of natural grass, which was not conducive to playing football. It was often muddy and had poor drainage. The turf was so poor that the Bears were forced to play on alternate artificial surfaces, such as AstroTurf, during home games.
In addition, the seating at Wrigley Field was not suitable for an NFL team. The stadium only seated about 56,000, which was not enough for an NFL team, especially one as popular as the Bears. As a result, the team was often forced to turn away potential fans due to lack of space.
The Bears also needed a larger training facility. Wrigley Field had no locker rooms and the team was forced to use the facilities at Northwestern University for practices. This was not ideal, as it was not close to the stadium and the players had to travel a long distance to get to the facilities.
Finally, the location of Wrigley Field was also a disadvantage to the team. Soldier Field was located closer to downtown Chicago and had better access to highways and public transportation. This made it easier for fans to get to games and for the team to travel to away games.
So while it was a difficult decision for the Bears, their relocation to Soldier Field was ultimately a wise one. The team has been able to enjoy success since their move, and the move has allowed them to expand their fan base and the popularity of the sport in Chicago.
The Bears’ departure from Wrigley Field was a bitter pill to swallow for many fans, but it was a necessary one in order for the team to continue to grow and for football to remain a part of the city’s culture.
[toggles][toggle title=”What caused the Bears to leave Wrigley Field?”] The Bears chose to leave Wrigley Field due to the lack of adequate facilities. [/toggle][toggle title=”Where did the Bears move after leaving Wrigley Field?”] The Bears moved to Soldier Field in 1971. [/toggle][toggle title=”When did the Bears move away from Wrigley Field?”] The Bears moved away from Wrigley Field in 1970. [/toggle][toggle title=”How long did the Bears play at Wrigley Field?”] The Bears played at Wrigley Field from 1921-1970. [/toggle][toggle title=”What was the primary reason for the Bears departure from Wrigley Field?”] The primary reason for the Bears departure from Wrigley Field was the lack of adequate facilities. [/toggle][toggle title=”What additional factors led to the Bears departure from Wrigley Field?”] Other factors that contributed to the Bears’ departure from Wrigley Field included a lack of fan interest and the team’s desire to have their own stadium. [/toggle][toggle title=”What happened to Wrigley Field after the Bears left?”] After the Bears left Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs became the primary tenant. [/toggle][toggle title=”When was the last Bears game at Wrigley Field?”] The last Bears game at Wrigley Field was on December 13, 1970. [/toggle][toggle title=”What event marked the Bears move to Soldier Field?”] The Bears moved to Soldier Field in 1971 and were welcomed with a ceremony attended by Mayor Richard J. Daley. [/toggle][toggle title=”What were the Bears’ first two seasons at Soldier Field?”] The Bears’ first two seasons at Soldier Field were 1971 and 1972. [/toggle][/toggles]