'82 Chronology-Stadium Wars

Event Date: October 26th, 1982

Event Description: Blitz Blame Bears

Source: UPI

The Chicago Park District Tuesday gave unanimous approval to let the Chicago Blitz use Soldier Field -- but only after officials of the U.S. Football League team threatened to leave town if approval was not granted.

The Blitz charged the Chicago Bears -- the other primary tenants of Soldier Field -- tried to sabotage the deal for use of the 65,000-seat stadium.

“We're aware that the Bears have attempted to delay the signing of our contract,” Blitz attorney Paul Meyer told the commissioners before the vote.

As a result of the delay, he said, the Blitz is behind schedule - and behind other USFL teams -- in implementing ticket sales promotions and other advertising.

“I'm prepared to call our office in in New York and tell them we're transferring our franchise,” Ted Diethrich, one of the team's owners, told the commissioners.

After the vote, however, Diethrich said he is “greatly pleased with the unanimous approval of our agreement with the Chicago Park District. With this final ratification, we will now embark on a full-scale promotional campaign for the Chicago Blitz in ticket sales and marketing.”

Story-(United Press International)