I write on this occasion to say thank you for your support and passion. We have the absolute best fan base in the National Football League and in all professional sports.
It has been my absolute pleasure to serve as the President & CEO of the Chicago Bears during the past 10 months. I am humbled to work for this historic franchise. As I move to the conclusion of my first full year, I remain confident and energized regarding the future.
Since I started on April 17, 2023, I have grown closer to our fans, ownership, players, coaches, and staff at the Chicago Bears along with our corporate partners. I have embraced the opportunity to meet many of you, our Season Ticket Holders, who all share the same passion and enthusiasm to bring a Super Bowl victory to the Chicagoland area as well as a new, world-class fixed roof stadium.
As we continue to set detailed goals to reach a level of sustained excellence, I want to assure you that we are making progress in all aspects of our football operations, business operations, community efforts and with our stadium development project. Through a collective focus and steadfast determination, we will reach the goal of winning the NFC North Division and representing the NFC in the Super Bowl like only Chicago can, with style, integrity, class and grace.
I am encouraged by the championship mindset of our coaches, our roster and our culture, and the decisions we are making this offseason will put us on a track of excellence and championships.
General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are working aggressively and diligently during the offseason to build a championship team including the recent hirings of Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator and Eric Washington as defensive coordinator, and many talented position coaches. They each bring additional proven leadership to the Chicago Bears.
Acquiring transformational players like DJ Moore and Montez Sweat galvanized our roster last season and we have an incredible opportunity to continue to add playmakers in all three phases of the game. I am excited about what the future holds on the field for the Chicago Bears. With strong draft capital (including two top 10 picks) and a healthy salary cap situation, I am confident our front office and scouting teams will be able to add to our strong core group of young players.
Season Ticket Holders will continue to be critical to the success of the Chicago Bears on and off the field. Your presence at Soldier Field plays a significant role in asserting a home field advantage. Winning our final five home games during the 2023 regular season was evidence and much appreciated. Your advocacy off the field and in the community is felt both locally, nationally and internationally. We thank you.
As part of our 2024 planning, we have spent the last few months evaluating our season ticket prices and the market considerations that factor into our business decisions. With careful thought and analysis, our 2024 season ticket package price will increase on average by 8.0%, with increases ranging from 6.2% to 11.3%.
This year, we will play eight regular season games and one preseason game at Soldier Field. Additionally, we have an incredible opportunity as the designated team to play at Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. While the date and opponent for our international game will be announced closer to NFL schedule release, please know that there are great options for Season Ticket Holders looking to travel to the UK to cheer on the Chicago Bears. Information regarding tickets and travel packages through NFL On Location will be shared directly with Season Ticket Holders first so you can join us in showcasing the traditions of the Chicago Bears on an international stage.
For our games played at Soldier Field, our Season Ticket Holders will continue to receive savings over single-game ticket prices and incur no ticket fees. This year, your Season Ticket Holder discount at concessions will be increased to savings of 20% and 30% for non-Club and Club accounts, respectively along with investing in new technology and app enhancements that will noticeably improve the reliability and ease of use of your STH discount code and other exclusive features.
Season Ticket Holders also receive exclusive perks through STH Points, a free benefits program offering customizable Chicago Bears opportunities and experiences, STH-branded merchandise, autographed player items and more. When you renew early this year, you will receive even more bonus points.
Season ticket renewal information and invoices will be sent from our Ticket Office on February 7. The deadline to renew your season tickets is Friday, March 22, 2024. A 16-week payment plan remains an option for additional payment flexibility.
We know you have choices in how you spend your time and financial resources, and we are committed to driving value for our Season Ticket Holder community. As you consider your renewal plans, know that game attendees will see improvements in the gameday experience like the investments made last year in ticket scanning pedestals and gate reconfigurations that drastically improved the throughput at gates, allowing you to get to your seat before kickoff quicker than ever.
In addition to the improvements made last season with food and beverage services at Soldier Field, we will be addressing the holistic fan experience this offseason as we evaluate our retail and concession operators in advance of the 2024 season. Your feedback has been vital to our review process and we are working with the Chicago Park District and ASM Global to select Soldier Field’s concessionaire beginning next season that aligns with our goal of creating world class experiences for all fans. All the competing companies understand the standard expected to make your gameday experience better.
Additionally, we are making progress on our stadium development plan. Our deliberate and intentional process continues, and when a site is selected and a decision is made, we will be sure to communicate the plan for our Season Ticket Holders. We know and understand the critical role you play in our future.
I am excited for that future and the upcoming 105th year in our storied history. Thank you for being a valued Season Ticket Holder and a part of our Chicago Bears Family.
We will build a World Championship team together.
Bear Down!
Kevin Warren President and CEO
