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Vernon Hills OKs Chicago Bears fan parking at Hawthorne Mall during training camp
Summary
The board unanimously approved a resolution allowing Chicago Bears fan parking at Hawthorne Mall for training-camp days (roughly July 25–Aug. 20), approving about 1,000 spaces with shuttle service and conditions on hours and signage.
The Village Board on June 17 approved Resolution 2025-032 permitting the Chicago Bears to use Hawthorne Mall parking for fans during the team's training camp.
John Bostrom, representing the Bears, said the organization is seeking about 1,000 parking spaces in the northwest corner of the mall campus to support fans from the first day of camp (July 25) through approximately Aug. 20, with possible extensions for rainouts. "We're seeking 1,000 spaces," Bostrom said. He said shuttles, fan services staff and security subcontractors will operate in coordination with Vernon Hills Police.
Board discussion covered traffic flow, staging and past experience; staff and the Bears agreed to coordinate specific hours with village staff. Andrew Jennings suggested clarifying a condition to reflect presented hours; the board approved a condition limiting permitted parking hours to 6 a.m.–2 p.m., with requests for alternate hours to be coordinated with village staff.
The resolution passed on a roll call vote. Board members noted prior years of coordination between the Bears and village staff and that the arrangement has worked well in the past.
Staff will coordinate final logistics with the Bears and the mall operations so signage, shuttles and security meet the conditions set by the village.
