Soldier Field renovations announced: Chicago reacts

The Office of Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced yesterday three proposal options for renovating the city’s iconic Soldier Field. Today, Chicago reacted.

The city’s announcement is considered by some an attempt to woo the Chicago Bears back from a new stadium deal already underway in Arlington Park and by others as a forward-looking move to defray any negative impacts of a transition that is all but inevitable.

The NFL franchise announced last fall an interest in leaving its longtime Soldier Field home, where they have played since 1971, when it signed a purchase agreement for the 326-acre Arlington International Racecourse for $197.2 million.

Signing the purchase agreement was a “critical next step in continuing our exploration of the property and its potential,” Bears President and CEO, Ted Phillips, said at the time. “Much work remains to be completed, including working closely with the Village of Arlington Heights and surrounding communities, before we can close on this transaction."

The Bear’s Soldier Field lease ends after 2033, but if committed to Arlington Heights, they could exit sooner by paying an $84 million penalty.

In an address Monday, Mayor Lightfoot discussed options, some of which could come with a bill of up to $2.2 billion.

“An improved Soldier Field will deliver a world-class visitor experience. 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.”

Richard S. Price, Executive Chairman of Mesirow, promoted the economic benefits of the renovations to the Museum Campus and the greater Chicago area.

“I am excited to share these proposals for Soldier Field. Any of these options has enormous potential to spur economic growth for Chicago and contribute to making the Museum Campus a global, year-round destination.”

Importantly, Soldier Field is just a piece (albeit a significant one) of the 57-acre Museum Campus that is also home to the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum.

Two of the city’s proposals are aimed at keeping the Bears at home. A third is designed to adapt the stadium as a venue for other large-scale events, assuming the franchise relocates to the suburbs.

Option 1: Fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both endzones with columns that can support a dome structure.

Option 2: Rebuild both endzones 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.

Following the announcement, the Bears, in a close-to-the-vest response, re-released a statement they 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. We have informed the city of Chicago that we intend to honor our contractual commitments as we continue our due diligence and pre-development activities on the Arlington Heights property.”

Chicagoans took to Twitter to express their thoughts. Reactions among fans, business owners and the community at large has been, as expected, swift and passionate. The historic Soldier Field is, after all, as much a part of Chicago’s colorful, blended family as any angsty teen.

Some had high praise for the new plans.

I'm a huge fan of the plans for Soldier Field.

— James Dator (@James_Dator) July 26, 2022

Many more were critical of the proposals.

Don’t make Soldier Field a dome. Iconic stadium where men have played the game in the inclement weather.

— Zax (@zaccanada) July 26, 2022

Loyalists expressed themselves in no uncertain terms.

I’m telling you, if you leave Soldier Field I for one will be done with the Bears and the sport. You. Cannot. Do. This. Chicago is your home.

— Paul Metherell (@chefpaul62) July 26, 2022

As long time Bears 🐻 fan, I will denounce my loyalty to the Arlington Bears if it comes to fruition. Tear Soldier Field down, build a new stadium on that same land...meantime play games at Northwestern or Notre Dame stadium. Bears are Chicago...not suburbs!

— Dave from SoFla (@davidlafountai4) July 26, 2022

Some pointed to other funding priorities.

There is plenty of money and urgency for additions to Soldier Field, but more than 80% of traditional CPS schools — including 82% of elementary schools — don’t have librarians.

— Chicago Teacher’s Union (@CTULocal1) July 25, 2022

Others seemed to recognize the inevitability of the NFL team’s move to Arlington Heights.

In any case, I get the sense the Bears are so far along they literally *can't* reconsider Soldier Field even if the city is willing to sell to them, based on their statements and how they've been interpreted.

— Morgan Wick (@morganwick) July 26, 2022

This actually looks pretty neat, and I hope whatever team plays there (it won’t be the Bears) enjoy it.

— Kris (@krisarmstrong1) July 25, 2022

Not gonna lie, I really like these new Soldier Field mock-ups. The stadium design looks sleek and modern. Might be too little too late for the city of Chicago, but I’d still be a fan of this scenario for the #Bears

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) July 25, 2022

Great idea. About 20 years too late though.

— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) July 26, 2022

Whatever the result, Chicagoans will, no doubt rally, as they always do, around the eventual outcome, their city and their beloved Chicago Bears.