With the 2022 NFL season in full swing, the scene for the Chicago Bears is interesting.
Down at Soldier Field, everything was looking rough right before kickoff.
With the weather calling for flash flooding, Soldier Field looks more like a water park than a football field.
Scene setter in Chicago: It was a dark and stormy kickoff … pic.twitter.com/kIapXPXxbd
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 11, 2022
Flash flood warning for Chicago Can already see pools at various parts of the field Rain through out the game with some of it being heavy Heavy wind off and on as well with heavier winds staying constant coming towards end of game Enjoy these last few weather games Bears fans https://t.co/HyNM0g25nG
— Cloudy Future (@CloudyFuture) September 11, 2022
However, the rainy scene is something Bears fans may never see again with their team.
Plans For New Stadium Shows A Domed Stadium
With the Bears investing in a new stadium for their team, this time at Soldier Field is nearing its end.
A recent showing of the Bears’ plans for a new stadium has a dome field in the concept art.
However, the dome concept is causing a stir.
"Why would you put a dome in Chicago and take away your home-field advantage that you have? That's really the only thing that you have right now is your home-field advantage. Your team is not good."
– Super Bowl champ and three-time Pro Bowler Keyshawn Johnson on ESPN— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) September 7, 2022
With former NFL receiver, and current ESPN analyst, Keyshawn Johnson ripping the idea, it’s interesting to see what Bears fans think about a dome.
Some fans love Soldier Field, meaning the dome idea isn’t ideal in their eyes.
I’ve seen the #bears play in domes in ATL, New Orleans, Arizona, Vegas and LA. Honestly the Soldier Field experience is way more fun and more unique. Anyone can build a dome. Only the #bears can play in Soldier Field
— Bear Down West (@BearDownWest) September 6, 2022
Soldier Field is a special place, even with it currently facing a flood of rain.
But with the rains of Chicago already here, it has others looking towards the future.
2026 this rain won’t be a problem to the bears in their new dome field lol
— Marcelo€ (@Banderson8921) September 11, 2022
However, should the Bears move to a dome, or just improve Soldier Field?
Dome Field Takes Away Bears Best Weapon
While Johnson believes the Bears aren’t good, his idea of Soldier Field giving Chicago a true home-field advantage is correct.
The reason for this is opposing teams facing the Bears AND the weather at Soldier Field.
Teams from the south never like playing in the elements.
A classic example of this is the Miami Dolphins and how they play in snow games versus the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
#OTD in 1967 Wray Carlton rushes for 96 yards and two touchdowns as the Buffalo Bills overwhelm the Miami Dolphins and their rookie quarterback Bob Griese in the snow in an easy 35-13 win in front of 31,622 fans, the lowest attendance since the second home game of 1964. pic.twitter.com/sjI4ficBOC
— ThisDateInBuffaloSportsHistory (@BuffSportsHstry) November 5, 2021
With weather helping home teams, losing that advantage can hurt the Bears.
However, the weather doesn’t work every time for home teams.
When the Packers had a home playoff game in the snow versus the San Francisco 49ers, they failed to secure a victory.
So that advantage of brutal Chicago winds and snow won’t work against elite teams.
Should The Bears Just Improve Soldier Field?
With Soldier Field being in the hearts of Bears’ fans, can’t the team just improve the stadium?
While they can do this, the team already rejected any plans for a remodel of Soldier Field.
However, the firm stance of the Bears didn’t stop the city from making renovation proposals.
Here are the released renderings of a proposed "Dome" renovation of Soldier Field released by the Mayor's office today. There are three possible renovations for the stadium – two of which include the expansion of the stadium to 70,000. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/oYiBPVNVyi
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) July 25, 2022
But the proposal didn’t get the Bears to bite on staying at Soldier Field.
While there’s history at Soldier Field, the Bears are looking towards the future.
Sadly, that future doesn’t include staying at Soldier Field.
A New Stadium Is Chicago’s Only Choice
While a move to a new stadium might disappoint fans, it’s for the best.
The last renovation of Soldier Field around 20 years ago wasn’t the answer.
Repeating this can yield the same results.
The Bears want a stadium they can call him, and not need to fix constantly.
NFL fans have seen the results of the new stadium for the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.
It could yield the same results in Chicago for the Bears.
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