Some Bears followers, South Loop enterprise homeowners have combined emotions about potential transfer to Arlington Heights

Because the Bears devoted gathered forward of the workforce’s rain-drenched opening win on Sunday, the specter of a possible transfer to Arlington Heights loomed just like the storm clouds over Soldier Area.

The matchup with the San Francisco 49ers got here simply three days after a pivotal neighborhood assembly within the northwest suburb, the place Bears Chairman George McCaskey vowed the workforce would “be good neighbors” whereas conceding the large improvement would rely, partly, on taxpayer cash.

A whole lot of these followers have been at Reggies Chicago, 2105 S. State St., earlier than. Reggies proprietor Robby Glick hopes the workforce stays put.

“I’m a Chicagoan, I’m a Bears fan,” mentioned Glick, a season ticket holder. “I don’t need them to maneuver. I would like the workforce to be within the metropolis. I’d like to see the Bears keep at Soldier.

“However I say that selfishly. I would like the enterprise, and I don’t wish to go all the best way out to Arlington Heights.”

Reggies was packed by 9:40 a.m., with over 400 individuals circulating by the bar, a regular crowd for house video games. Followers who clamored for cocktails and the bar’s $15 all-you-can-eat buffet have been finally supplied free rides to and from the stadium aboard old skool buses.

Glick mentioned he understands why the Bears wish to depart, even when it might reduce into his game-day enterprise. Different followers made comparable concessions, spouting off a laundry checklist of grievances.

They complained the stadium is among the smallest within the league; there’s no dome defending followers from inclement climate; traces for restrooms and concessions are too lengthy; there’s by no means sufficient parking; the practice stops are too far-off.

Kevin Conley stopped by Reggies together with his brother earlier than heading to Soldier Area. Climate apart, Conley was thrilled to move to the sport, his first as a season-ticket holder.

However he’s additionally excited in regards to the prospect of a potential new stadium with extra seats, higher facilities and simpler entry.

“I’m all in for it,” mentioned Conley, who lives within the metropolis. “It’s a ache to get to the stadium now, plus it’s outdated and small. It will be equally as time consuming getting right here as it’s to get out to the brand new stadium.”

Different followers weren’t so optimistic.

“I’m not too blissful about it,” mentioned Blake Neal, a South Loop resident. “It’s unlucky in the event that they find yourself shifting. We dwell proper right here and simply grew to become season-ticket holders. And with Reggies, we’re in a position to grasp on the bar then take the bus straight to the stadium.”

It could be nearer for individuals within the suburbs, Neal mentioned, nevertheless it gained’t be as shut for individuals on the South Aspect.

Only a few blocks away at Kroll’s South Loop, 1736 S. Michigan Ave., Bears followers have been additionally break up.

Jeremy Balfe, a Hyde Park resident who stopped in to observe the sport, mentioned he’s all for a brand new house discipline.

“Chicago deserves an even bigger, higher stadium,” Balfe mentioned. “It’s an outdated stadium for a lot of causes. There must be a dome for dangerous climate days like right this moment. It’d be nice if Soldier may very well be improved and so they may keep right here, however I simply don’t suppose that’s possible.”

As for Nicole Steinmetz, the bar’s proprietor, the transfer from Soldier Area could be devastating for her enterprise. Kroll’s is reliably packed earlier than and after Bears video games, Steinmetz mentioned, and the bar stays busy with individuals coming by to observe.

“Residence video games make an enormous distinction for us,” she mentioned. “I perceive why they need to depart, however it might be terrible for native companies right here.”