Second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky (l) led the Bears to the playoffs and helped energize the fan basegetty images
Bears Chair George McCaskey said it is "good to see the buzz" back around the franchise following their 12-4 season, and ownership appreciates the fans for "sticking with us" through several down seasons, according to Rich Campbell of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. McCaskey: "I was happy that our fans had an opportunity for a home playoff game. After what they’ve been through, they had earned that. It was bitterly disappointing not to give them a win at home." McCaskey said his mother, longtime Bears Principal Owner Virginia McCaskey, is "doing great," as her 96th birthday was the day before the playoff loss to the Eagles. McCaskey: "The next day, just to see her so disappointed, that was tough to see. We’ve got to do it for her." He said the team is "looking forward" to next season, the team and the NFL's centennial, and NFL VP/Special Projects Pete Abitante is coordinating the celebration. McCaskey: "We’ve been working with Pete to make sure that ours dovetails nicely. We’re the only team that is also celebrating its 100th year along with the league. It’s going to be a lot of fun" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/25).
STAYING CLOSE TO HOME: In Chicago, Patrick Finley notes the Bears expect their Halas Hall renovation to "be completed in April." The Bears' renovation will "double their facility’s size, to more than 300,000 square feet." McCaskey said that the construction is "not the first step toward moving training camp to Lake Forest." He said that the Bears "plan to keep their training camp" at Olivet Nazarene Univ. in Bourbonnais. McCaskey: "They’ve provided outstanding facilities. The staff’s been terrific. (We have) a good, long-standing relationship. It’s a great touch point for our fans" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/25).
