The Bears yesterday announced a "price increase for most of the seats in Soldier Field," marking the team's 11th "price hike" in the last 12 years, according to Brad Biggs of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Season tickets will increase by 4.2% on average, after the Bears "missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six years." Price increases range from $3 to $10 for 90% of the seating bowl, but in "three sections on the 200 media level at midfield, the tickets spike $30 -- to $165." Bears President & CEO Ted Phillips said, "Here is the reality: Every year, there is going to be some ticket-price increases in different parts of the building." He added that an expansion project at the team's HQs and money the franchise owes former coach Lovie Smith and his assistants will "not affect the football budget in 2013" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/7). Lower-level midfield seating price increases "range from $15 to $30." Non-club season-ticket prices "now range from $79 to $165," while United Club season tickets range from $265 to $540. Bears season-ticket holders will "continue to see a $25 per game savings for each regular season ticket." The team said that season-ticket holders will be "notified shortly" of the price increases (SUNTIMES.com, 2/6). In Chicago, Adam Jahns writes under the header, "Bears Fans Miffed Over Price Jump, But Demand Remains High." Phillips in a letter to season-ticket holders said that the price changes were "based on market research." He also "highlighted the hiring" of coach Marc Trestman. The Bears owe Smith "what is believed to be" at least $5M for the '13 season (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 2/7).
