Urlacher: Soldier Field's Outdoor Advantage Is Key
Conversely, Urlacher voiced a strong preference for keeping the team at its historic home, criticizing the idea of moving away from an open-air environment on "This Is Football" with Kevin Clark.
"I do not like the Bears playing anywhere but Soldier Field," said Urlacher.
"Even if they went to Arlington Heights, which is in Illinois, they're going to be in a dome, and if they go to Indiana they'll be in a dome.
>>> Toronto Marlies Capture Second AHL Calder Cup Championship
I don't like the idea of them playing in a dome anywhere."
Urlacher argued that abandoning the outdoor elements would strip the organization of a traditional home-field advantage during late-season games.
"It's the only advantage the Bears have," he said. "You go to Soldier Field in November, December?
It's gonna suck. The weather is not gonna be good.
You're not gonna like it. And playing there, you practice in it, you get used to it, there's some advantage to that."
However, the former linebacker acknowledged that the financial incentives being offered by the state of Indiana present a compelling business case for the organization due to profitability limitations at Soldier Field.
"I understand financially it makes a ton of sense for them to go to Indiana.
They don't own Soldier Field, so Sundays are not very profitable for them," said Urlacher.
"Indiana is willing to offer more.
>>> Matheus Cunha Scores Brace for Brazil, Celebrates with Surfing Tribute
I don't like it, but business wise it makes a ton of sense for them to go to Indiana."
