A Closer Look at Mayor Lightfoot’s Soldier Field Renovation Project
Call it a Hail Mary, or rather, a Hail Lori attempt to discourage the bears from a potential move to Arlington Heights.
On Monday, Lightfoot and city officials unveiled proposals to roof Soldier Field and thoroughly modernize the facility to meet the needs of today’s NFL.
The improvements could cost more than $2 billion. That’s because the city has 10 years and $640 million before it pays for the stadium’s 2002 renovation.
Marc Ganis, president of sports business consultancy Sports Corp, attended “Chicago Tonight” to discuss Soldier Field’s proposal and the future of the Bears organization.
Read more: Lightfoot is unlucky to keep bears in Chicago with Soldier Field Dome
Will the Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights?
The Chicago Bears continue to push for an eventual move to the suburbs. In September 2021, the Bears signed a purchase agreement to purchase the 326-acre Arlington Heights property. This land is currently occupied by Arlington Park and owned by Churchhill Downs Inc.
Are the Chicago Bears leaving Soldier Field? The Bears may end their Soldier Field lease in 2026, and the team last fall finalized a purchase agreement for Arlington International Racecourse, a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights with a view to building an all-new complex.
Where will the Bears new stadium be?
However, the Bears are focused on building a new state-of-the-art venue in Arlington Heights, a suburb northwest of downtown Chicago. The Bears signed a $197.2 million purchase agreement with Churchill Downs Incorporated in the fall of 2021 to begin pre-development affairs for the 326-acre former racetrack property.
What is Soldier Field known for?
Soldier Field is the oldest surviving NFL stadium in the country; It opened in 1924 with a capacity of 45,000. Soldier Field has the second smallest stadium in the NFL, even after a 2003 renovation, with a capacity of 61,500. The Chicago Park District has owned the field since its construction.
Why is it called Soldier Field?
Soldier Field was designed in 1919 and opened on October 9, 1924 as Municipal Grant Park Stadium. The name was changed to Soldier Field on November 11, 1925 to commemorate US soldiers who died in combat.
Where will the Bears new stadium be?
However, the Bears are focused on building a new state-of-the-art venue in Arlington Heights, a suburb northwest of downtown Chicago. The Bears signed a $197.2 million purchase agreement with Churchill Downs Incorporated in the fall of 2021 to begin pre-development affairs for the 326-acre former racetrack property.
Why is it called Soldier Field? Soldier Field was designed in 1919 and opened on October 9, 1924 as Municipal Grant Park Stadium. The name was changed to Soldier Field on November 11, 1925 to commemorate US soldiers who died in combat.
What is Soldier Field known for?
Soldier Field is the oldest surviving NFL stadium in the country; It opened in 1924 with a capacity of 45,000. Soldier Field has the second smallest stadium in the NFL, even after a 2003 renovation, with a capacity of 61,500. The Chicago Park District has owned the field since its construction.
Do Bears own Soldier Field?
It is owned by the Chicago Park District. This means that they cannot inherit all the revenue that the stadium generates. A new stadium would fully guarantee the organization’s profits. Economically, the bears do not own the restaurants/shops around Soldier Field.
Why is Soldier Field famous?
In front of more than 100,000 fans, the undefeated Navy played a losing game against the Army for the college football national championship on the day Soldier Field was dedicated as a memorial to American soldiers. The teams battled it out to a 21-21 tie, allowing Navy to claim the title.
Is Soldier Field turf or grass?
Soldier Field is one of the few NFL stadiums that still uses a natural turf. Unfortunately, the fall weather seems to have taken a toll on the Chicago Bears’ home field of late. Soldier Field’s lawn appears to be in less than pristine condition Sunday afternoon.
What type of field is Soldier Field?
| capacity | 66,944 (1994) 61,500 (2003) |
| acreage | 7 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Turn up | Kentucky Bluegrass (1924–1970, 1988–present) AstroTurf (1971–1987) |
| construction |
|---|
Are NFL Fields turf or grass?
Sixteen NFL stadiums have real turf. Nine of them have Bermuda grass, four have Kentucky Bluegrass, two have Desso Grassmaster and one has a combination of different grasses.
Why are Bears leaving Chicago?
“The bears are leased at Soldier Field until 2033,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “Additionally, this announcement by the Bears comes amid negotiations for improvements at Soldier Field. This is clearly a negotiation tactic that the Bears have previously used,” Lightfoot’s statement said.
What will happen to Soldier Field when the Bears leave?
The Chicago Bears and Churchill Downs announced Wednesday morning that the Bears had agreed to purchase property in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where Arlington International Racecourse is located, for $197.2 million, which is expected to result in a redevelopment of the Territorial lead could involve a new multi-billion…
Are the Bears moving out of Chicago?
As far as we know, the bears will be moving to Arlington Heights, more specifically Arlington Park. The Bears signed a purchase agreement for the Arlington International Racecourse property back in the fall. The Bears are buying the 326-acre property for $197.2 million.
When was Soldier Field renovated?
| construction | |
|---|---|
| Renovated | 2002-2003 |
| Closed | January 19, 2002–26. September 2003 (renovations) |
| Reopened | September 29, 2003 (renovations) |
| construction costs | $13 million (original; $206 million in 2015) $632 million (renovations; $931 million in 2015) |
Why was Soldier Field rebuilt? The Bears wanted more expensive sideline seats, and they got them. Though this renovation cost Soldier Field its designation as a National Historic Landmark, the work has improved the stadium for fans and bears, the engineer said. It reduced the seating capacity because the team requested it.
Who paid for the Soldier Field renovation?
Soldier Field’s 2002 renovation cost $660 million, of which $432 million was funded from the city’s hotel tax, and bonds issued to fund that project are still being repaid.
How much do the Bears pay for Soldier Field?
As far as we know, the bears will be moving to Arlington Heights, more specifically Arlington Park. The Bears signed a purchase agreement for the Arlington International Racecourse property back in the fall. The Bears are buying the 326-acre property for $197.2 million.
When did Soldier Field get renovated?
Solider Field opened in 1924 and was last renovated in 2003 under a plan approved by former Mayor Richard M. Daley after the Bears last threatened to leave town. This project was funded with $660 million in bonds that will be repaid with taxes paid by city hotels.
When did they build Soldier Field?
Soldier Field, formerly (1924–25) called Grant Park Municipal Stadium, Chicago stadium built in 1924 is one of the NFL’s oldest arenas and has been home to the city’s professional gridiron football team, the Bears, since 1971.
What was Soldier Field originally built for?
On November 11, 1925, the stadium’s name was changed to Soldier Field in honor of US soldiers who died fighting in World War I. Its formal rededication as Soldier Field took place during the 29th Annual Army-Navy Game on November 27, 1926.
When did they rebuild Soldier Field?
As part of a nearly $400 million reconstruction project, most of Soldier Field was demolished except for the exterior. Groundbreaking for the new Soldier Field took place on January 19, 2002. The project was completed in just 20 months, the shortest construction time for a modern stadium on record.
Can you bring binoculars into Soldier Field?
Binoculars bag or a camera bag or pouch (binoculars and some cameras are allowed, but the bags are not) diaper bags. Large tote bags. Seat cushions with zip covers, pockets or flaps.
What is not allowed at Soldier Field? Buses, taxis and limousines are prohibited from entering Soldier Field Campus from 90 minutes after kick-off until one hour after the end of a game. Violators will be fined, towed away and prosecuted. No exceptions.
How strict is Soldier Field bag policy?
Approved bags are limited to: Clear plastic bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″ 1 gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar) Small clutch bags measuring 4.5″ x 6 .5 inches, with or without a handle or strap, can be taken into the stadium in one of the clear plastic bags.
Can I bring water bottle to Soldier Field?
If you have a ticket and go to the stadium, you are only allowed to bring one unopened bottle of water with you. If you are forced to throw out an open bottle, there are water fountains on site and bottled water can be purchased from Soldier Field vendors.
Can I bring a bag to Soldier Field?
NFL baggage policy applies to all events at Soldier Field. Approved bags are limited to: Clear plastic bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″ 1 gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar)
Can you bring anything into Soldier Field?
The NFL recommends that fans, based on their public safety best practices, not bring bags into the game if necessary. Guests are permitted to bring the following items into the soldier field: Clear plastic bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, resealable 1 gallon clear freezer bag.
Can you take snacks into Soldier Field?
Yes, you can bring groceries, it just has to be in clear plastic bags, not in a container. This was found on the Chicago Bears website.
Are bags allowed in Soldier Field?
All events at Soldier Field have an all clear bag policy. Approved bags are limited to: Clear plastic bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″ 1 gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar)
What can I bring into Soldier Field for a concert?
All events at Soldier Field have an all clear bag policy. Approved bags are limited to:
- Clear plastic bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
- 1 gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar)
Can you bring a bag into Soldier Field?
As an NFL stadium, Soldier Field follows the NFL Stadium Safety Committee’s all-clear policy. Fans may bring one clear vinyl, plastic, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or one clear zippered bag no larger than one gallon (one or the other, not both). .
What size bag can you bring to Soldier Field?
NFL baggage policy applies to all events at Soldier Field. Approved bags are limited to: Clear plastic bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″ 1 gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar)
What’s the oldest NFL stadium?
Soldier Field in Chicago, home of the Chicago Bears, is the league’s oldest stadium, having opened in 1924. The longest used stadium by an NFL team is Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers since 1957.
What are the 5 oldest NFL stadiums? Oldest NFL stadiums
- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (1923) What is the oldest NFL stadium in football? …
- Lambeau field (1957) …
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome (1975) …
- TIAA bank field (1995) …
- FedEx Field (1997) …
- Raymond James Stadium (1998) …
- Lincoln Financial Field (2003) …
- Lucas Oil Stadium (2008)
Is Soldier Field the oldest NFL stadium?
The oldest stadium currently used as the home of an NFL team is Soldier Field, built in 1924 and home to the Chicago Bears Packers, who moved into the stadium in 1957.
What is the oldest stadium still in use?
Harvard Stadium, 1903 Turning 118 this fall, Harvard Stadium is the nation’s oldest permanent concrete structure for intercollegiate athletics. It hosted the New England Patriots from 1971–72 and today has a seating capacity of 30,323.
Where is the oldest football stadium?
The oldest international football ground still in use is the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, Wales, United Kingdom. The first international match was played at the racecourse on 5 March 1877 when Scotland visited Wales.
Who has the second oldest stadium in the NFL?
2. Lambeau Field: The Packers have played there since 1957 (!).
Who has the newest stadium in the NFL?
Allegiant Stadium, opening in 2020. It is home to the Las Vegas Raiders. The NFL’s newest full-time stadiums are SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers; and Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Who has the smallest stadium in the NFL?
With an officially listed capacity of 61,500, the Chicago Bears’ Soldier Field is currently the smallest NFL stadium in the country.
Who has the largest stadium in the NFL?
With a peak capacity of over 100,000 spectators, AT&T Stadium has the highest capacity of any NFL stadium, while MetLife Stadium has the highest listed seating capacity at 82,500. The smallest stadium is Soldier Field with a capacity of 61,500.
What is the cheapest NFL stadium?
Cheapest, #1: Cincinnati Bengals Game at Paul Brown Stadium: $131.93. Cincinnati NFL Stadium, named after Paul Brown, who coached both the Browns and Bengals, offers the cheapest game according to our study.