One of the key elements of the bill is a $3 per person admission tax on all entertainment and sporting events within what the bill calls the Arlington Megaproject to help pay down debt related to the renovation of Soldier Field. Three concepts for Soldier Field renovations. For gosh sakes, what is phase three going to be? 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. The state is swimming in debt and may be helping the Sports Facilities Authority dig out of its Soldier Field hole for some time. Soldier will never be what it once was thanks to the flying saucer permanently residing in the middle of the classic building. Team president Ted Phillips said the move was all about ensuring a strong future for the Bears. SoldierFieldParking.com advertises that parking is available at Burnham Harbor and the Adler Planetarium for $50, though prices are subject to change without notice. If youve ever dreamed of living and studying abroad or hosting a student, dont let anything stand in your way. Plenty of cities have two NFL teams, she said. 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. 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. Create more flexible event space and multi-purpose venues including up to 4 venues with capacity ranging from 5,000 to 60,000 or more. Both Edgar and McCaskey said they needed to examine the plan more closely, but their responses suggested that for the first time the three men have found some common ground. 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. Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? ", 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. It also discusses the possibility of quadrupling the amount of food and beverage space in the field to 200,000 square feet. Believe it or not, the stadium actually lost 5,000 seats when the Bears and Chicago renovated the landmark in 2003. Landmark Development released a Soldier Field renovation proposal video, showcasing a new dome. 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. My statement still stands on the Bears: my admin remains committed to continuing the work to keep the team in Chicago. 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. Under the first option, the stadium would be enclosed by rebuilding both ends of the stadium with columns that can support a dome. But the Bears have a lease at Soldier Field through 2033. Of course, that's not exactly true. 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. Soldier Field renovation options Option 1: Fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both endzones with columns that can support a dome structure. Smith was fined $5,000 for a hit on Kansas City running back Greg Hill on Aug. 22. Lightfoot also announced the launch of a website that features more details and photos of the proposed changes. "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," the Bears said in a statement. 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. According to published reports, the Bears' lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033, but would require them to pay the city only $84 million in damages if they were to break their lease in 2026, which would likely be the earliest they could expect to build and move into a new stadium in Arlington Heights. We expect that the City will find that it is infeasible, whether because of public pushback or potential litigation by us or others.. But oddly, it calls for adding only seven new suites, a big money-maker at other sports arenas around the country. July 25, 2022 / 9:15 PM Option 1: Fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both endzones with columns that can support a dome structure. An improved Soldier Field will deliver a world-class visitor experience, said Mayor Lightfoot. 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. 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. Last year, Edgar and McCaskey rejected Daleys proposal to renovate the stadium. "And like most Bears fans, we want the organization to focus on putting a winning team on the field, beating the Packers finally and being relevant past October. According to the Chicago Sun Times, they received a spreadsheet from the working group on the ideas they have for renovations to the field. $50 to park? 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. Since I guess I kicked a hornet's nest in Chicago some claritythe Bears' stadium project financing that was approved today by the owners relates back to video boards that went up in 2015, statues built in 2019. 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. In the afternoon, there will be activities and excursions to practice language skills. "Our goal is to chart a path forward that allows our team to thrive on the field, Chicagoland to prosper from this endeavor, and the Bears organization to be ensured a strong future.". The name was changed to Soldier Field to honor those who had fought in World War I. It also would allow them to reap the full benefits of stadium naming rights, as well as any other events held at a team-owned arena, such as concerts. Originally constructed in 1924, Soldier Field has been home to the Bears since 1971. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and are an important tool for ending the global pandemic. Anyone planning on commuting to the stadium for a Bears game is in for a stressful experience. Friends of the Parks perspective on a possible dome remains the same. The Working Group was chaired by Richard Price, Executive Chairman of Mesirow. I am excited to share these proposals for Soldier Field, said Richard S. Price, Executive Chairman of Mesirow. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley unveiled a surprise plan for a $395-million conversion of Soldier Field that would add a retractable dome over the stadium where the Chicago Bears play. 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. Host a student! But the stadium must be a year-round destination.. "I don't want to speculate and get ahead of ourselves, but we believe in collaboration and shared value and investment," she said. Melissa Isaacson. Mayor Emanuel and the Bears need to work together to make Soldier the best possible stadium for both the fans and team as well as the city as a whole. Staying current is easy with Crain's news delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge. 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. Bear linebacker Vinson Smith says his aggressiveness wont be affected by his third fine in three seasons, the latest for a rough hit during an exhibition game. Daley previewed his plan for Gov. 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.. This is clearly a negotiating tactic that the Bears have used before," Lightfoot said at the time. Sure, the stadium is a historic landmark. However, other analyses of the plan point out that the actual park space is only half of that. "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. An official website of the City of Chicago, City Council Office of Financial Analysis, Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability, The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, Mayor Lightfoot Announces Three Options for Proposed Renovations to Soldier Field. Move back to Wrigley Field? 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. Unfortunately for the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bears, no one ever told them that. Option 2: Daley said the renovation would be financed with $175 million from the Bears, $160 million in taxes on hotel stays and restaurant meals in Chicago, and $60 million from Soldier Field revenue bonds. All options include major programmatic changes and concourse space improvements and, most importantly, preserve historical components of Soldier Field including the colonnades. Students live with a host family and attend classes on a daily basis. Heres What A Soldier Field Dome Could Look Like Under Mayo 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. 1-877-812-1590, Opinion: Expand the budget office to give the City Council meaningful input on spending plans, NASCAR may force Taste of Chicago from its longtime Grant Park home, Sponsored Content: Shifting into action: How CFOs can play a larger role with ESG, Outcome Health execs convicted in federal fraud case, The Most Powerful Women In Chicago Business. Even before Lightfoot spoke, however, there were signs of how difficult pulling off a major stadium renovation on the lakefront will be. The Chicago Bears have been playing at Soldier Field since 1971, but they might not be playing there much longer. 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. Expand seating from 61,500 seats up to 70,000 total seats including additional fan activation areas. The mayor emphasized that options one and two "make Soldier Field a top tier NFL stadium with tremendous opportunity for the Bears to fulfill their vision.". 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. Want to discover the world? 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. 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. However, the math simply doesn't add up. 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In the event that 10,000 cars parked at the game, the Bears would make a whopping half a million dollars off of parking alone for one game. In the meantime, we remain committed to fulfilling our Permit Operating Agreement (POA) at Soldier Field.". All Rights Reserved. Option 2: Rebuild both endzones with columns to make the stadium dome ready. (Didn't realize the stadium thing was so sensitive there! 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. "Soldier Field must be a year-round destination. Click here to get the full experience on your screen. The Bears Dramatically expand the opportunity for major sponsorships and naming rights. The Bears had seven digital video screens installed inside the stadium, including high-definition scoreboards in each end zone, in 2015. Chicagoans are still on the hook for $640 million for Soldier Field renovations from 2002. Expand seating from 61,500 seats up to 70,000 total seats including additional fan activation areas. / CBS Chicago. Give your students the gift of international friendships. Back in June, she said the bid for the Arlington land was just a negotiation tactic to get the city to help with the cost of any potential renovations at Soldier Field. They might be closer than ever. Unfortunately for the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bears, no one ever told them that. Discover another part of the world. Each year, Soldier Field hosts football games, soccer matches, major concerts, international sporting events, and dozens of other events. The Arlington Park site, which is 30 miles northwest of Soldier Field, could be the site of a new stadium for the Bears in the future. The second would require both end zones to be rebuilt with columns to make the stadium dome-ready. No timetable was set for the plan; construction would take three years during off-seasons. The approval involves financing for the 2015 scoreboard installation and the 2019 videoboard installation near the Walter Payton and George Halas statues. Were counting on his playing in this game, Coach George Seifert said. That land acquisition could close by as soon as early 2023. Make international friendships? Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. As I have said numerous times, our door in City Hall remains open. Lightfooot said she hopes the Bears will stay. Chicago, IL 60601 Single-game tickets then went on sale two weeks ago following the schedule release. Advertisement Initial reaction to the Jim Edgar and Bear President Michael McCaskey only hours before presenting it publicly. The story of the Cowboys scout and prospect son Dallas just drafted, Legacy pick: Cardinals take great-great-nephew of team's first-ever draft pick, From trade request to 5-year extension: Answering the biggest questions about Lamar Jackson's new deal, Bears put in bid to buy Arlington Int'l Racecourse, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Bears said Monday that they stood by their previous statement in response to Lightfoot's proposal. Each of the proposals would create not only an exceptional experience for fans and concertgoers but would also enhance the public amenities for the entire Museum Campus.. Irrelevant' pick on Toledo's Johnson, Chargers go all-in on TCU with Duggan pick in 7th, NFL Nation sizes up all 259 draft selections. At the center of the proposal is the construction of a domed stadium, which could cost anywhere from $900 million to $2.2 billion. Though the capacity has greatly varied over time, its current layout seats only 61,500, making it the smallest stadium in the NFL. 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. Building their own stadium also would give them full control over their home arena, rather than having to rely on a lease with the Park District for Soldier Field. The only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park, that statement said. 130 E. Randolph St. 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. In February, Edgar proposed a $465-million project that would add a 72,000-seat domed stadium and expand McCormick Place. The dome would also turn the stadium into an enclosed, climate-controlled facility for conventions and other events, such as college basketballs Final Four tournament. Who would pay for it? Still, Lightfoot said she's confident the Bears will give the city's proposal for a domed Soldier Field a chance. Missing Crain's in print? 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. In Chicago, meanwhile, two architects who worked on Soldier Fields $660 million renovation bankrolled by bonds that wont be fully repaid until 2032 said only modest expansion is possible at the 61,500-seat stadium, the NFLs smallest. The statement also said the proposal would "dramatically expand the opportunity for major sponsorships and naming rights.". 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. "An improved Soldier Field will deliver a world-class visitor experience," Lightfoot said in a statement. 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. Im more than willing to take a look at his proposal and see if its doable and hes indicated hes willing to take a look at other options too, Edgar said. 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. An improved Soldier Field will deliver a world-class visitor experience, said Mayor Lightfoot. 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. Add secondary club and activation areas to as many as 20. While clearly some members of (Lightfoots) Reimagining the Lakefront Working Group worked closely with the mayor to devise this plan, Friends of the Parks was not invited to be part of any vetting of actual plans for a dome at any time, even though it was a member of the group, Juanita Irizarry said. Background papers distributed by the mayors press office indicate the stadium would be expanded to up to 70,000 seats, from 61,500 now. WebSoldier Field is located in the Near South Side of Chicago. Despite the fact that the Bears have one foot out the door at Soldier Field, Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot wrote on Tuesday night that she is committed to keeping the Bears in her city. Proceeds from the $3 admission tax would go to help pay off debt incurred to fund renovations of Soldier Field two decades ago. But, the Chicago Bears aren't convinced. 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. The base has 38 barracks buildings with six under renovation, Gardner said. 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. Any of the renovations proposed will enhance Soldier Fields ability to generate hundreds of millions of dollars of economic activity for Chicago and be a world-class destination for years to come. Its the oldest stadium in both the NFL and MLS.Known as the Stadium in a Park, Soldier Field is a 17-acre site