Bears Say over $100K of Maintenance Equipment Was Stolen from Soldier Field

The Chicago Bears announced Friday that $100,000 in equipment was stolen from Soldier Field this week.

According to ABC7 in Chicago, a Soldier Field manager and staff members said one or more burglars tore down a security fence overnight Wednesday and drove multiple pieces of equipment out of a garage, including gators and lawn mowers.

Soldier Field opened in 1924 and has been home to the Bears since 1971, making it the oldest stadium still in use in the NFL.

The Bears have had a tumultuous start to the 2023 season both on and off the field.

Burglary aside, they have struggled mightily on the field, going 0-2 with convincing losses to the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Excitement was high entering the season due to the offseason acquisition of wide receiver DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers and the belief that quarterback Justin Fields would take a huge leap forward.

Instead, Fields and the offense have largely been ineffective, leading to questions regarding whether he can truly be a franchise quarterback moving forward.

The 2021 No. 11 overall draft pick is completing 60.6 percent of his passes for 427 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, and he has only rushed for 62 yards and one score, which is typically his strong point.

Chicago's defense has been a sieve as well, allowing 32.5 points per game, which is the second-worst mark in the NFL behind only the New York Giants.

Defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned on Wednesday, citing his desire to focus on family and his health.

Things could get even tougher for the Bears on Sunday when they face the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on the road.