Citing economy, Bears freeze ticket prices for next season

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- With the economy struggling, the Chicago Bears say they've decided not to raise ticket prices for next season.

It'll be the first time since after the 2000 season that the Bears won't boost prices in some form. Friday's announcement also means the Bears will collect less ticket revenue than last season because the city of Chicago raised the amusement tax from 8 percent to 9 percent.

The Bears are the city's first major professional team to announce a freeze on ticket prices.

The Chicago Cubs raised them on many seats and added a fourth ticket category for 14 of their most desirable games next season. And the White Sox raised season-ticket prices by $1 to $2 per game.

The Bears' club seat prices will remain $245 to $350, while non-club seats will continue to range from $68 to $108.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press