Thread: Bears, Olivet Nazarene negotiating training camp extension

I sure hope the Bears stay long-term in Bourbonnais. It is a fantastic venue for the team and the fans. Five football fields. The university is 1st class. The campus is beautiful. It's cheap for fans to get food or lodging for staying there. And at night you can hop into Chicago for some fun.

It's got it all.

LINK to the article


Bears, Olivet Nazarene negotiating training camp extension

By Brad Biggs Tribune reporter 7:25 p.m. CDT, July 27, 2012

BOURBONNAIS -- As the Bears prepared for their second practice of the summer Friday, club officials were beginning negotiations with Olivet Nazarene University on extending the training camp agreement.

The Bears are set to return here for training camp in 2013 -- the option year in the current contract -- and multiple sources told the Tribune the team and school are working on a new pact starting with the first meeting Friday. One source said the plan is to work toward a "long-term agreement" that could have the club here for summers to come.

The franchise has explored the possibility of different sites in recent years, taking a close look at Lewis University in Romeoville, but that campus does not have the facilities Olivet does to welcome the Bears any time soon. The possibility of a move to Lewis isn't dead but it also doesn't have any momentum so signs point to an extended future here.

The Bears have trained at Olivet since 2002, moving from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to complete some political maneuvering needed to get Soldier Field reconstructed. Olivet has been a good host to the team providing five practice fields, including two with lights. Olivet is in the process of completing construction of a new student athletics center that could enhance the opportunities for the Bears during their stay, which is typically a little more than three weeks.

bmbiggs@tribune.com