On July 25, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced proposals for renovations of Soldier Field, the current home of the Chicago Bears.
These proposals stemmed from considerations and recommendations made by the Mayor's Museum Campus Working Group.
"An improved Soldier Field will deliver a world-class visitor experience," Lightfoot said in a press release. "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."
However, according to The Chicago Tribune, the Bears showed no interest in the city's announcement. Asked for comment, the NFL team re-released a statement they initially put out earlier this month: "The only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park. 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."
Led by Landmark Development and its president, Bob Dunn, a team of stadium engineers, designers and financial experts with NFL experience developed the following options:
—Option 1: Fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both end zones with columns that can support a dome structure.
—Option 2: Rebuild both end zones with columns to make the stadium dome-ready.
—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.
Additional measures to provide new amenities include:
—Expand seating from 61,500 seats up to 70,000 total seats including additional fan activation areas.
—Increase the number of traditional suites from 133 to 140.
—Add six new major club and experiential areas, none of which currently exist in Soldier Field.
—Quadruple the food and beverage square footage from 50,000 sq ft to 200,000 sq ft.
—Add secondary club and activation areas to as many as 20.
—Dramatically expand the opportunity for major sponsorships and naming rights.
—Create more flexible event space and multi-purpose venues including up to four venues with capacity ranging from 5,000 to 60,000 or more.
