However, given the fact that the stadium has little space to expand or change, it's unlikely to find a simple and cost-effective solution to the dilemma at hand. During the reconstruction of Soldier Field, preparations in Champaign and Bourbonnais continue as they get ready to play host to the Bears. The Bears said in June that they made a bid for the land because they wanted to explore the possibility of building a new stadium there. News. Soldier Field renovation options Option 1: Fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both endzones with columns that can support a dome structure. They might be closer than ever. Believe it or not, the stadium actually lost 5,000 seats when the Bears and Chicago renovated the landmark in 2003. According to a statement released by the team earlier this month, the Arlington Park site is the only site the team is considering for a new stadium. With the team's purchase agreement now in place, Lightfoot might start taking the Bears' threat to leave more seriously, but in reality, it's probably too late for that. Linebacker Gary Plummer is ready to return to the San Francisco 49ers after sitting out the first two games while recovering from a broken left wrist. The Bears had seven digital video screens installed inside the stadium, including high-definition scoreboards in each end zone, in 2015. Proceeds from the $3 admission tax would go to help pay off debt incurred to fund renovations of Soldier Field two decades ago. LIghtfoot was asked about the lease back in May and she seemed pretty convinced that the Bears wouldn't be able to get out of it. Option two calls for rebuilding both ends of the stadiums with columns that could support a dome, but not actually constructing it. Discover another part of the world. We have informed the City of Chicago that we intend to honor our contractual commitments as we continue our due diligence and predevelopment activities on the Arlington Heights property. Soldier Field | History, Events, Renovation, & Facts Although the Bears have been looking into making renovations at Soldier Field, they likely came to the conclusion that it was cost prohibitive unless the city contributed a major amount of money. Now, whether hes able to play the whole game or not remains to be seen.. Lightfoot did not say much about how the cost of the workestimated at $900 million to $2.2 billionwould be funded, though stadium naming rights and 22 other corporate sponsorships are on the table. Mayor Lori Lightfoot today rolled out her vision for the future of Soldier Field and, as expected, constructing a dome over the historic arena is one of the options. Basically, the door is now completely open for the Bears to start the process of leaving downtown Chicago, although the process might not get started for another year or two. "What we are doing is making a compelling case for the Bears to stay in Chicago.". Over several months, the Athletic Facilities subgroup met with experts to understand the current market, national and international competition from other event venues, and what Soldier Field needs to become a best-in-class visitor experience. Soldier Field, part of Chicago's 57-acre iconic Museum Campus that's also home to the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, is one of the smallest National Football League stadiums in the country. LIghtfoot has spent the past several months downplaying the possibility of the Bears leaving downtown Chicago. It hurts.. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you're going to do something, do it right the first time. Perhaps the Bears should have followed through with their plan to leave the lakefront. Three concepts for Soldier Field renovations. The third option calls for modifications to make Soldier Field a multipurpose stadium suited to host soccer games while also making it a viable location to accommodate major concerts and a range of events. Soldier Field For gosh sakes, what is phase three going to be? They also had two sideboards posted along the outside of the stadium by the statues of Halas and Payton. There are three possible renovations for the The cost benefit to the Bears of improving Soldier Field versus developing a new stadium on an alternate site is anticipated to be at least $1B to 1.5B or more. Staying current is easy with Crain's news delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge. If youve ever dreamed of living and studying abroad or hosting a student, dont let anything stand in your way. Earlier this month, the Bears confirmed they would be welcoming fans back to Soldier Field, but they had not issued any limits on capacity at that time. 11:44 am ET, get out of the lease in 2026 by paying a penalty, Ranking teams likely to land Williams in 2024 NFL Draft, Prisco's 2023 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams, Exploring Titans' options at wide receiver, Cowboys' 'ship has not sailed' on bringing back Zeke, Best post-draft fits for top-remaining NFL free agents, Bears one step closer to leaving Soldier Field, Prisco's draft grades for all 32 teams: Eagles ace it, Best, worst, most interesting pick for all, Winners, losers from the draft: Crafty Colts, Undrafted free agent tracker: Team-by-team list of signings, 10 veteran moves that should happen post-2023 draft, Report: Bucs star Barrett's daughter, 2, drowns in pool, NFL schedule release target date, plus 5 things we know, Steelers' draft haul one the team hadn't seen in 38 years. WebSoldier Field is located in the Near South Side of Chicago. The options include: Significantly, options 1 and 2 make Soldier Field a top tier NFL stadium with tremendous opportunity for the Bears to fulfill their vision. Even with the addition of 5,000 new seats, the capacity would still be under the NFL's minimum capacity of 70,000 required to host a Super Bowl. Soldier Field after renovation And while the city has said that it intends to fight to keep the Bears at Soldier Field, the Bears continue to moved forward in purchasing the site of the former Arlington Rack Track, telling the Daily Herald earlier this month that that "the only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park.". The base has 38 barracks buildings with six under renovation, Gardner said. Vaccines protect you and the people around you, reducing the spread of COVID-19. Many options were explored for the Bears, including a brand new stadium in suburban Arlington Heights as well as a new stadium just to the south side of Chicago Stadium on the city's West Side. Soldier Field remains an incredible asset for City residents and visitors. The only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park, that statement said. But the Bears have a lease at Soldier Field through 2033. Learn more atLearn more at Chicago.gov/COVIDVax. amilies can welcome a foreign student in their home for 2-4 weeks in the summer or 2 weeks during fall, winter, or spring vacations. PHOTOS: Soldier Field through the years - WGN-TV In an email, team Executive Vice President Scott Hagel said the team would stand by its statement of July 7, when Lightfoots lakefront panel first urged that she consider a dome. Though the capacity has greatly varied over time, its current layout seats only 61,500, making it the smallest stadium in the NFL. As Chicago looks to keep the Bears playing at Soldier Field, with the team currently considering a new stadium outside the city, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has unveiled three potential renovation plans for the iconic stadium, including expanded seat options and the possible addition of a dome. Enclosed walkways would connect the stadium with the McCormick Place convention center on the Lake Michigan waterfront. Furthermore, any of these proposed renovations will allow Soldier Field to retain its role as an economic engine for Chicago for years to come, as these changes will allow us to keep bringing sports, music and other exciting events to our city.. Soldier Field Gets Glitzy Overhaul (And Much More Food) ", The proposal also would expand seating at Soldier Field from 61,500 seats to 70,000, increase the number of suites from 133 to 140 and quadruple the food and beverage space from 50,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet. https://t.co/7pm7mLtCOc. The state is swimming in debt and may be helping the Sports Facilities Authority dig out of its Soldier Field hole for some time. Just ten years removed from the extensive $660 million renovations of the historic stadium, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has already begun to explore the option of altering Soldier Field once again. The Bears even went as far as selecting an architect to design a west-side stadium, which would have put three of Chicago's five main sports teams within a few hundred feet of each other. Sure, the stadium is a historic landmark. The city will launch a feasibility study to evaluate financing options, but Lightfoot wouldnt commit to any artificial timeline on when that study would conclude. Having opened in 1924, with renovations taking place in 2003, Soldier Field is the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League and Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer. Gene Washington, the NFLs director of football development, ruled the play by Smith unnecessary roughness, although no penalty was called and Hill was not hurt. Photos: Proposed Soldier Field Renovations Would Add She didnt mention that the Bears would own an Arlington Heights facility but would be a tenant of the Chicago Park District at Soldier Field. Latest Bears stadium legislation would add $3 to ticket prices at Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies: How to watch, start times and betting odds, Elliott: Pissed off Kings must improve in key areas to break Oilers playoff stranglehold, Shohei Ohtanis seventh home run of the season helps Angels avoid sweep, Florida Panthers upset record-setting Boston Bruins in Game 7 OT thriller. renovations Melissa Isaacson. Please enter valid email address to continue. Yes, it can.. "As a season-ticket holder and longtime Bears fan, I am committed to keeping the 'Chicago' name in our football team," Lightfoot said. That land acquisition could close by as soon as early 2023. Get the best business coverage in Chicago, from breaking news to razor-sharp analysis, in print and online. All rights reserved, Pat McAfee Against City Putting a Dome Over Soldier Field, Former Bears Kicker Robbie Gould Supports Bears' Departing Soldier Field, How Much Could You Get in New $725M Facebook Settlement? Here are the released renderings of a proposed "Dome" renovation of Soldier Field released by the Mayor's office today. Expand the opportunity for major sponsorships and naming rights. "Furthermore, any of these proposed renovations will allow Soldier Field to retain its role as an economic engine for Chicago for years to come, as these changes will allow us to keep bringing sports, music and other exciting events to our city. Yet another reason why the original plan wasn't so great. At a news conference, Lightfoot, as Crains previously reported, laid out three options: Add the dome; do extensive rehab work that would make the facility dome ready; and repurpose the field with the expectation that the Chicago Bears are leaving for a new stadium in Arlington Heights. E-mail oureditor Spend a semester or a school year abroad with a host family and attend high school classes. However, it makes no sense to spend the money to "improve" the building if the changes won't meet the requirements that the structure needs. Soldier Field renovation Everybody knows the sinking feeling you get after you shake hands on a deal, then realize you've been snookered. We must enhance the fan experience, and that's precisely what we aim to do," Lightfoot said at a news conference Monday afternoon at Soldier Field. In anticipation of the Bears buying the property, the Arlington Heights village boardapproved a zoning change in June that will allow a football stadium to be built on the land, which is currently occupied by a horse racing track. Earlier this month, the Museum Campus Working Group published its report, Where Worlds Connect, detailing key analysis and recommendations to enhance the Museum Campus. But should Bears choose to stay in our city, Soldier Field will be a top 10 tier stadium with a number of new features. In the meantime, we remain committed to fulfilling our Permit Operating Agreement (POA) at Soldier Field. The Bears said Monday that they stood by their previous statement in response to Lightfoot's proposal. ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Concertgoer lets out a loud full body orgasm while L.A. Phil plays Tchaikovskys 5th, Dodgers dont need the long ball to finish sweep of Cardinals, Lakers vs. Warriors: What scouts expect in playoff series, School is in session as Sparks begin training camp, The Times final regular-season top 25 baseball rankings. Last year, Edgar and McCaskey rejected Daleys proposal to renovate the stadium. "This announcement from the Bears comes in the midst of negotiations for improvements at Soldier Field. One of the largest selling points in the stadium's original renovation was the pitch that the facility will be a "stadium in a park." Missing Crain's in print? Rendering of a proposal to renovate Soldier Field with a dome and thousands of new seats. "What's also important Soldier Field remains a highly desired venue by many other sports activities, music and more," she said. "Soldier Field must be a year-round destination. Modify Soldier Field to be a multi-purpose stadium better suited for soccer while improving its flexibility to accommodate major concerts and a range of events. Mayor Lightfoot Announces Three Options for Proposed A key part of Lightfoots presentation today came from Bob Dunn, who wants to develop the huge One Central project just across the Metra tracks from Soldier Field but is better known for his work on other National Football League stadiums in Detroit, Green Bay and Minneapolis. But oddly, it calls for adding only seven new suites, a big money-maker at other sports arenas around the country. Although the Bears have been looking into making renovations at Soldier Field, they likely came to the conclusion that it was cost prohibitive unless the city To this end, we maintain a strong working relationship with Rosa Escareno, the new Chicago Park District General Superintendent, her staff, and the ASM Global management team.". Friends of the Parks perspective on a possible dome remains the same. The Chicago Bears have been playing at Soldier Field since 1971, but they might not be playing there much longer. It sounds like the Bears will be welcoming fans back at Soldier Field in full capacity for the 2021 season, as theyre already one of 30 teams thathave approval for full capacity stadiums to begin the preseason. Aside from whether or not the proposed dome would be enough to convince the Bears to say, the mayor's proposal does not answer another important question. According to the mayor's office, the plans also would increase the number of luxury suites from 133 to 140; add six new club areas; quadruple concessions areas from 50,000 to 200,000 square feet; expand the opportunity for stadium naming rights and other sponsorships, and create more flexible event space, with up to 4 separate venues, with capacity ranging from 5,000 to 60,000 seats. The approval involves financing Add six new major club and experiential areas, none of which exist in Soldier Field as it stands today. Host a student! The time to travel and study abroad is now! CHICAGO (CBS) -- As the Chicago Bears consider leaving the city for a new stadium in Arlington Heights, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Park District officials on Monday unveiled three options for renovating Soldier Field, including a possible dome over the lakefront arena. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot revealed three proposals on Monday for renovations to Soldier Field to entice the Bears to remain at their home stadium of the last 50 years. Immersion Homestays and Study Abroad programs Summer, Semester, or School Year. Soldier Field was built in 1924, and was originally named Municipal Grant Park Stadium. Sign up for our newsletter and have updates delivered to your inbox! The estimated costs for each option have not been finalized yet, but the city said they are expected to range between $900 million and $2.2 billion. Greg Abbott to Stop Bussing Migrants to Chicago. In a statement on Monday, a Bears spokesman said the only option the franchise is interested in exploring for a new stadium is the Arlington Park site. Increase the number of traditional suites from 133 to 140. Proponents of the idea boasted that the renovations would add 19 acres of park space along the lake. With the purchase agreement now in place, the Bears will now soon be the proud owners of a 326-acre piece of land that will easily fit any new stadium design they might have in mind. Option 2: Plummer worked with the first-team defense at practice this week, and will be back in action Sept. 22 against Carolina after San Franciscos bye week. The approval involves financing for the 2015 scoreboard installation and the 2019 videoboard installation near the Walter Payton and George Halas statues. The stadium, which was built in 1924, only seats 61,500 and due to spacial constraints, it's unlikely that number could ever be expanded by much. "All options include major programmatic changes and concourse space improvements and, most importantly, preserve historical components of Soldier Field including the colonnades," the city said. Three concepts for Soldier Field renovations. The hosting of any of those events would be a great boost to the economy, and the process of making the stadium capable of hosting those would also be a boost to Chicago's job market. Lightfoot said that while the renovations will benefit the historic venue, regardless of the team's decision to stay or go, it could save the team more than $1 billion when compared to the cost of building a new stadium. ), Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 26, 2021. Chicago Unveils 3 Proposed Renovations for Soldier Field. CHICAGO Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced proposals for renovations of Soldier Field, a crown jewel of both Chicago and our celebrated lakefront Museum Campus. Add secondary club and activation areas to as many as 20. Latest Bears stadium legislation would add $3 to ticket The Working Group was chaired by Richard Price, Executive Chairman of Mesirow. As early as 1987, Chicago officials as well as the Bears front office agreed that the lakefront would not be the best place for the Bears to play in the future. Want to discover the world? She asserts that the team would be at least $1 billion to $1.5 billion better off if it stayed at Soldier Field rather than building a new facility. Consider a teacher-led homestay + excursions when planning future trips. In May, construction will finish on another building and allow the number of soldiers living doubled up to drop to about 50. Jets' Aaron Rodgers expects a 'heaven' and 'hell' relationship with Zach Wilson, Top picks Christian Gonzalez, Keion White reflect Patriots' ideal identity, Big takeaways from the NFL draft: A historic QB class, the rebuilt AFC South and new GMs thriving, XFL semifinals: Defenders roll Sea Dragons, set up title showdown with Renegades, Bijan Robinson shares that this is his second stint with the Falcons. Full list of Mr. Irrelevants in NFL draft history: Is Brock Purdy already the best final pick? Just ten years removed from the extensive $660 million renovations of the 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at The Chicago Tribune did some digging back in July and found that the Bears would be able to get out of the lease in 2026 by paying a penaltyof $84 million. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Dramatically expand the opportunity for major sponsorships and naming rights. Additional measures to provide new amenities include: Photo renderings of proposed options can be found here, These proposed renovations would vastly improve the visitor experience for hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans and tourists alike, said Jack Lavin, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and member of the Museum Campus Working Group. We expect that the City will find that it is infeasible, whether because of public pushback or potential litigation by us or others.. The 2002 renovation of Soldier Field cost $660 million, $432 million of which was funded by the city's hotel tax, and the bonds issued to finance that project are still being paid off. 130 E. Randolph St. Unfortunately for the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bears, no one ever told them that. This plan is essentially the same, with a few major additions. Chicago Bears Soldier Field dome: Landmark Development
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