Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed three alternatives to modernize Soldier Field in an attempt to persuade the Chicago Bears to stay at the stadium that has been their home in the past 50 years.
The idea is to turn it into an indoor stadium, with a cost of between $900 million and $2.2 billion.
Soldier Field Refurbishment Proposals
Soldier Field remains an incredible asset for City residents & visitors. These proposed renovations allow Soldier Field to retain its role as an economic engine for Chicago for years to come, allowing us to keep bringing sports, music, & other events to our world-class city. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/wPfsSRU4C7
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 25, 2022
1) Completely enclose the stadium, renovating both end zones from the ground up with columns that can withstand the structure.
2) Remodel the head end zones with columns to equip the stadium for a potential dome construction.
3) Upgrade Soldier Field into a multi-use stadium with the capacity to accommodate football games, as well as events of all kinds, including concerts.
“An improved Soldier Field will deliver a world-class visitor experience,” said Lori Lightfoot. “In addition, any of these proposed renovations would allow Soldier Field to retain its role as an economic engine for Chicago for years to come, as these changes will allow us to continue to bring sports, music and other exciting events to our city.”
🧵It will also make Soldier Field a top-tier NFL stadium with tremendous opportunity for the Bears to fulfill their vision. pic.twitter.com/axdy9PeyNg
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 25, 2022
The proposal also calls for an increase in seating capacity from 61,500 to 70,000 people. The food and beverage area might grow fourfold from 50,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet, and the number of boxes could rise from 133 to 140. According to the statement, the idea would “dramatically extend the possibilities for naming rights and sponsorship options.”
Are the Bears relocating there?
The Bears planned to vacate Soldier Field in September when they signed a $197.2 million purchase and sale agreement with Churchill Downs Inc. for a 326-acre location, Arlington Park, in the Arlington Heights suburb of Arlington Heights, a facility where horse racing has been held since 1927 and was placed up for sale. About 30 miles northwest of Soldier Field is where the location is located.
According to a statement published by the Bears earlier this month, the Arlington Park property is the primary one under consideration for a new stadium.
“As part of our mutual agreement with the owner of that property, we are not pursuing alternate stadium or venue arrangements, including renovations to Soldier Field, while we remain under contract. We have informed the City of Chicago that we intend to honor our contractual commitments, while continuing to work and conduct pre-development activity on the Arlington Heights property. In the meantime, we remain committed to honoring our Operating Agreement at Soldier Field,” the Bears said.
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