Chicago Bears Unveil Halas Hall Renovations, Expansion
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It's the 100th season and the Chicago Bears are celebrating with an update to Halas Hall.
The Chicago Bears unveiled Thursday the expansion and remodeling of Halas Hall, including a 162,500-square-foot football operations addition to the already existing 143,000-square-foot facility and a 30,600-square-foot remodeling project on the northeast side of the building.
“We’re extremely proud to unveil the Halas Hall expansion and renovations and would like to thank HOK, Mortenson, the City of Lake Forest, and all of our staff for their roles in the project,” said President and CEO Ted Phillips. “Throughout the process, our goal was to not only develop a more collaborative work flow across the building, but to create an experience for everyone entering Halas Hall so that it becomes more than just a work space. From guests to staff to players and coaches, we want everyone to feel at home.”
“The renovation and expansion of Halas Hall have created a first-class facility that provides a daily reminder and motivation to help us work towards the goal of being a championship team,” said General Manager Ryan Pace. “This upgrade furthers the continued support from the McCaskey family and their commitment to attract, develop and retain the most talented roster possible both on and off the field.”
But the expansion and renovations did not just stop at the locker rooms. The weight room increased in size by 2,000 square feet, while the equipment room, recovery space and nutrition/fuel station doubled in size. The equipment room now includes a helmet-fitting room, footwear and shoulder pad fitting area, sewing room and high-density storage cabinets. There was also an expansion made to the sports medicine space to include two hydrotherapy pools, two plunge pools, a float pod, sauna and steam room. A 13,000-square-foot indoor turf space was also added.
Halas Hall also now features 20 conference rooms named after Bears legends and football terminology, such as the Brian Piccolo Room and Decatur Room. There are also seven private phone rooms and a newly added learning center for staff training and professional development. According to the team, staff can work or relax in two enclosed patios and will have "huddles" featuring coffee and snack bars, refrigerators, microwaves and lounge/dining spaces.
The Chicago Bears kick off their season at home on Thursday, Sept. 5 against the Green Bay Packers.
