Bears’ season tickets go up 6% with extra home game on schedule

Bears season-ticket prices are going up 6%, but the team said it’s with good reason: the chance to watch nine regular-season home games for the first time.

An email sent to season-ticket holders Monday said the price increase represents the difference between the 2021 package and the 2022 package. In 2021, season-ticket holders had to buy seats for eight regular-season games and two preseason games. In 2022, they’ll buy tickets for nine regular-season games and one preseason game.

The Bears said the increase is because of variable pricing, a practice it has used since 2016 that makes more attractive games more expensive. In addition to the Bears’ three NFC North home games, they’ll host the Bills, 49ers, Dolphins, Eagles, Commanders and Texans.

The NFL’s expansion to 17 games in 2021 calls for teams to host eight regular-season games one season and nine the next. The teams that host nine regular-season games play only one preseason game at home.

The deadline for season-ticket renewals is March 18.

Bears add NU alum

Center Austin King, who was a four-year starter at Northwestern before being drafted by the Falcons in 2003, was named the Bears’ assistant offensive line coach.

King, 40, spent the 2020 season as the Raiders’ offensive quality-control coach and the 2021 season as their tight ends coach. With the Bears, he’ll work under offensive line coach Chris Morgan.