Here are the released renderings of a proposed "Dome" renovation of Soldier Field released by the Mayor's office today. Arlington Park owner expects 'world-class' Bears stadium, Mayor Lightfoot explores a stunning change to Soldier Field, At Harley-Davidson, a repo shortage is hitting the bottom line, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson names more appointees to transition subcommittees, Booth, Kellogg top the U.S. News ranking of best MBA programs, Big Fulton Market apartment project moves forward with $125 million loan, New lawsuit over 'brazen' moves in Maple & Ash restaurant feud. Here's a look at the three proposals unveiled Monday in the city (see images below): Fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both endzones with columns that can support a dome structure. The centerpiece is a dome, made of steel and translucent plastic, that would slide over the top of the grass playing field in bad weather. Just ten years removed from the extensive $660 million renovations of the The city also plans to provide new amenities to the stadium, including: I am excited to share these proposals for Soldier Field, Richard S. Price, executive chairman of Mesirow who chaired the Working Group that generated the analysis and recommendations for Museum Campus unveiled by the city earlier this year, said in a statement. I am excited to share these proposals for Soldier Field, said Richard S. Price, Executive Chairman of Mesirow. It might happen at a used car lot. Phase one: Reduce the overall capacity of Soldier Field while destroying its historic image and forcing it off of the National Register of Historic Places. In 1994, Smith was fined $8,000 for fighting with Tampa Bays Tyji Armstrong. These proposals stem from considerations and recommendations made by the Mayors Museum Campus Working Group. Background papers distributed by the mayors press office indicate the stadium would be expanded to up to 70,000 seats, from 61,500 now. As part of a nearly $400 million reconstruction project, the majority of Soldier Field was demolished with the exception of the exterior. The new Soldier Field broke ground on January 19, 2002. In just 20 months, the shortest construction time for a modern day stadium on record, the Project was completed. For gosh sakes, what is phase three going to be? However, other analyses of the plan point out that the actual park space is only half of that. 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. History of Soldier Field - Illinois Sports Facilities Authority 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. Latest Bears stadium legislation would add $3 to ticket Unfortunately for the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bears, no one ever told them that. Yet another reason why the original plan wasn't so great. The second would require both end zones to be rebuilt with columns to make the stadium dome-ready. The options include rebuilding both end zones and enclosing the stadium with a dome; renovating the stadium to make it dome ready; or modifying Soldier Filed into a multi-purpose stadium better suited for its other major sports tenant, the Chicago Fire FC, as well as concerts and other year-round events. After the event, Lightfoot dodged questions from reporters seeking more details on how the three renovations would be financed and who would pay for them, and when the city would make a decision on which option would be selected. 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. ), Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 26, 2021. Option 3: 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. Proceeds from the $3 admission tax would go to help pay off debt incurred to fund renovations of Soldier Field two decades ago. NFL owners approve two Soldier Field renovation projects 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.". Under the first option, the stadium would be enclosed by rebuilding both ends of the stadium with columns that can support a dome. The more things dribble out about the Soldier Field deal -- things the Chicago Bears and the Daley administration were careful to downplay or conceal when they began their hurry-up offense to pass the plan last fall -- the more it is apparent that what is driving this $580 million project are the Commentary: The fine print on Soldier Field, Soldier field plan: On further review, the play stinks. While the cost of each option must be refined based on a finalized scope, it is anticipated they will range from $900M to $2.2B - significantly less costly than building a new stadium. Make international friendships? Jason S. Parini can be followed on Twitter: @JasonPariniBR, off of the National Register of Historic Places. It would be foolish not to," she said. Add six new major club and experiential areas, none of which exist in Soldier Field as it stands today. "As part of our mutual agreement with the seller of that property, we are not pursuing alternative stadium deals or sites, including renovations to Soldier Field, while we are under contract. Soldier Field makeover plans are out. Will the Bears care? Plenty of cities have two NFL teams, she said. Soldier Field renovation options Option 1: Fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both endzones with columns that can support a dome structure. 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. The state is swimming in debt and may be helping the Sports Facilities Authority dig out of its Soldier Field hole for some time. Ideally, the Bears and Chicago will find a way to expand the stadium without making it even more of an eyesore than it already is. Host a student! 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 Phase two: Decide to bid for a Super Bowl in five years, while adding only half of the seats needed to reach the minimum requirements. Proceeds from the $3 admission tax would go to help pay off debt incurred to fund renovations of Soldier Field two decades ago. My statement still stands on the Bears: my admin remains committed to continuing the work to keep the team in Chicago. Rebuild both endzones with columns to make the stadium dome ready. Soldier Field renovation - Chicago Tribune They want a tier one stadium environment to maximize revenues, and we agree that we are going to keep making the case to the Bears, the NFL and public that a revitalized Soldier Field makes the most economic sense for that storied franchise," Lightfoot said during an address Monday. Learn more atLearn more at Chicago.gov/COVIDVax. A renovation of Soldier Field in 2004 cost $690 million,according to theChicago Tribune, and a renovation now would likely cost even more. 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.". In an email, the head of Friends of the Parks, a civic group that sued and ended up blocking the proposed Lucas Museum just south of Soldier Field, said legal action (again) by her organization again is on the table. Here's What We Know So Far, This 28-Year-Old Pays $62 a Month to Live in a Dumpster He Built for $5,000Take a Look Inside, 25-Year-Old Makes $200/Hour Without a Bachelor's Degree: I Work Less Than 6 Hours a Day', Mayor Lori Lightfoot Asks Texas Gov. 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. Heres What A Soldier Field Dome Could Look Like Under Mayo "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. Daley and construction officials said there is no other retractable roof like it in sports stadiums. A renovation of Soldier Field about 20 years ago essentially consisted of building a new seating bowl structure within the confines of the original 1924 stadiums 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. Option two calls for rebuilding both ends of the stadiums with columns that could support a dome, but not actually constructing it. In February, Edgar proposed a $465-million project that would add a 72,000-seat domed stadium and expand McCormick Place. / CBS Chicago. 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. 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. Perhaps a retractable roof would have even been a better solution. Increase the number of traditional suites from 133 to 140. 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. The initial announcement regarding a Chicago stadium project had many fans wondering if a potential move to Arlington Heights an always popular rumor given Arlington International Racecourse is for sale was about to ramp up. Expand seating from 61,500 seats up to 70,000 total seats including additional fan activation areas. "Not surprisingly, we are doing what we believe is making a compelling case for the Chicago Bears to stay in Chicago. Dramatically expand the opportunity for major sponsorships and naming rights. By choosing the option of a retractable roof and thus an indoor/outdoor facility, the city would possibly be in a better position to host events such as the Super Bowl, college bowl games and even events such as the NCAA Final Four while keeping their home field advantage in the cold weather. Improve your language skills? 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? Lightfoot laid out three options for construction of a dome: The first would fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both end zones with columns that can support a dome structure.
soldier field before and after renovation