Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields may want to rethink his last statement. Fields recommended the Bears new stadium be a dome, which would give the Packers an advantage.
The Bears recently bought some land in Arlington Heights, a suburb of Chicago, which is rumored to be for a new stadium at some point. Soldier Field will, eventually, be no more.
While the Chicago stadium has seen some great moments, it’s also one of the league’s oldest landmarks. It opened in 1924, and was reconstructed in 2003. Perhaps it’s run its course.
As to how the Bears will construct a new stadium, quarterback Justin Fields has some thoughts — why not make it a dome?
“Yes, it is very difficult to adjust to it, especially with the wind,” Fields said, via NBCChicago.com. “That’s what I found out. That’s what it’s all about, is the wind. It can be cold. It can be 10 degrees. But, with no wind you’re fine. But with that 15 mile per hour wind, that 20 mile per hour wind, you can’t fight it, it’s tough. When it’s that cold, you have to bundle up. I feel way slower in that cold. It’s hard to stay warm in that weather.”
Justin Fields: Chicago Bears should play in a dome
Now, to be fair, Fields did say he would play anywhere later in the interview. He is not demanding a dome. He’s merely pointing out that the current conditions at Soldier Field limit the offense, and give a distinct advantage to the defense during the winter months.
He’s not wrong there, but is that something the franchise should really choose to relinquish?
If the Bears build a dome, they will be doing themselves a disservice by giving the Packers an edge. Green Bay would have the only outdoor stadium in the NFC North.
Dealing with cold, wintery conditions is part of what makes football great. These men are gladiators, playing on a frozen tundra. Lambeau Field is legendary, as is Soldier Field. If/when the latter is torn down, the elements should not be taken out of the equation, even if it helps pad Fields’ statistics.
“I hope we get a dome,” Fields said. “I don’t care if we’re at Soldier Field, I don’t care if we’re at Arlington Heights. I hope we get a dome.”
Don’t worry, Justin. You’ll get used to the cold eventually.
