Despite the lack of details on the deal and whether it would be palatable to taxpayers, Lightfoot said the Bears would be foolish not to consider the offer and hinted the same deal is on the table for any other team looking to move. / by Ryan Taylor Bears The fight to keep the Chicago Bears in the city continues. Proceeds from the $3 admission tax would go to help pay off debt incurred to fund renovations of Soldier Field two decades ago. Option three calls for modifying the field to be a multi-purpose stadium better suited for soccer while improving its flexibility to accommodate major concerts and a range of events., Standing between two screens with blurry images of the three stadium options, Lightfoot said they want a tier one stadium environment to maximize revenues and we agree.. The time to travel and study abroad is now! But even after the renovation, Soldier Field remained the smallest capacity stadium in the NFL an issue Bears leadership has said hamstrings the team. This plan is essentially the same, with a few major additions. Lightfooot said she hopes the Bears will stay. Chicagoans are still on the hook for $640 million for Soldier Field renovations from 2002. WebIn 2000, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley announced that Soldier Field would be completely renovated and expanded as part of Chicagos Lakefront Improvement Plan. 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. It might happen at a used car lot. Single-game tickets then went on sale two weeks ago following the schedule release. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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.. 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. There are three possible renovations for the Give your students the gift of international friendships. 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. News. According to the Chicago Sun Times, they received a spreadsheet from the working group on the ideas they have for renovations to the field. 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. Led by Landmark Development and its president, Bob Dunn, this team of stadium engineers, designers, and financial experts with deep NFL experience has not only developed options which maximize the existing footprint of Soldier Field but also debunked the previously-held assumption that Soldier Field cannot be domed. 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 Increase the number of traditional suites from 133 to 140. Expand the opportunity for major sponsorships and naming rights. 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. Lightfoot declined to say how much of the potential $2.2 billion tab the city is prepared to pay for. Ticket sales and other revenue from Bears games would pay off the bonds and the Bears portion of the funding. 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. LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- 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 past 50 years. She did promise taxpayers to be good fiduciaries., Any of those proposed renovations will allow Soldier Field to retain its role as an economic engine, Lightfoot said. If you're going to do something, do it right the first time. Plummer suffered the wrist fracture in the exhibition opener against Denver, and the injury brought an end to his playing streak of 133 consecutive regular-season games dating to 1987, when he was with San Diego. The Chicago Bears have been playing at Soldier Field since 1971, but they might not be playing there much longer. They might be closer than ever. Originally constructed in 1924, Soldier Field has been home to the Bears since 1971. We expect that the City will find that it is infeasible, whether because of public pushback or potential litigation by us or others.. / CBS Chicago. Unfortunately for the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bears, no one ever told them that. 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.. 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. Taking a group abroad? The state is swimming in debt and may be helping the Sports Facilities Authority dig out of its Soldier Field hole for some time. "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. Chicago mayor proposes dome for Soldier Field, LB Barrett's 2-year-old daughter drowns in pool, Deion 'ashamed' after only 1 HBCU player drafted, Sources: NFL eyes May 11 to release schedule, Teams set NFL record with 43 trades during draft, Jets coach Saleh: Rodgers making 'presence felt', Cowboys scout emotional as team drafts his son, Rams use 'Mr. 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.". Option 2: Were counting on his playing in this game, Coach George Seifert said. Jason S. Parini can be followed on Twitter: @JasonPariniBR, off of the National Register of Historic Places. As part of our mutual agreement with the seller of that property, we are not pursuing alternative stadium deals or site.. In September, the Bears took a step toward leaving historic Soldier Field when they signed a $197.2 million purchase and sale agreement with Churchill Downs Inc. for the 326-acre Arlington Park property in suburban Arlington Heights after the track, which has hosted thoroughbred racing since 1927, was put up for sale. 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. Expand seating from 61,500 seats up to 70,000 total seats including additional fan activation areas. Landmark Development released a video on Sunday providing a virtual tour of what Soldier Field could look like after a complete remodel. 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. Jim Edgar and Bear President Michael McCaskey only hours before presenting it publicly. 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. Perhaps a retractable roof would have even been a better solution. "Soldier Field must be a year-round destination. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at WebSoldier Field is located in the Near South Side of Chicago. The three options were recommended by a working group the mayor put together to come up with plans for the future of the Museum Campus on the lakefront, after the Bears last year signed a purchase agreement for the former Arlington International Racecourse site in Arlington Heights. 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. New proposals for Soldier Field's potential renovations have been released. 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. It would be foolish not to," she said. 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. 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. Landmark Development released a Soldier Field renovation proposal video, showcasing a new dome. Three concepts for Soldier Field renovations. The Bears will be given time to kick the tires on the citys proposal, but there is no deadline, she said. If youve ever dreamed of living and studying abroad or hosting a student, dont let anything stand in your way. May 27, 2021 7:20 am CT On Wednesday, NFL owners approved a couple of Soldier Field renovation projects for the Chicago 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. 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. 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. However, none of the options seem likely to convince the Bears to stay in Soldier Field. 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. Earlier this month, the Museum Campus Working Group published its report, Where Worlds Connect, detailing key analysis and recommendations to enhance the Museum Campus. Suite 3200 The Bears Its the oldest stadium in both the NFL and MLS.Known as the Stadium in a Park, Soldier Field is a 17-acre site During the reconstruction of Soldier Field, preparations in Champaign and Bourbonnais continue as they get ready to play host to the Bears. The plan got a cold shoulder from McCaskey and Daley. The Working Group was chaired by Richard Price, Executive Chairman of Mesirow. 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. 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. 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. But the stadium must be a year-round destination.. 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. Soldier Field remains an incredible asset for City residents and visitors. Click here to get the full experience on your screen. https://t.co/7pm7mLtCOc. Our $3 head tax would go strictly to the city of Chicago, said Moylan. Dramatically expand the opportunity for major sponsorships and naming rights. As part of a 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. "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," Phillips said in a statement. Sure, the stadium is a historic landmark. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and are an important tool for ending the global pandemic. CHICAGO Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced proposals for renovations of Soldier Field, a crown jewel of both Chicago and our celebrated lakefront Museum I am excited to share these proposals for Soldier Field, said Richard S. Price, Executive Chairman of Mesirow. 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. Please check your email for a confirmation. The structure itself isn't the only problem with the current state of Soldier Field. 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. Last year, Edgar and McCaskey rejected Daleys proposal to renovate the stadium. Full list of Mr. Irrelevants in NFL draft history: Is Brock Purdy already the best final pick? 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. Last year he was fined $12,000 for a hit on St. Louis quarterback Chris Miller. "This announcement from the Bears comes in the midst of negotiations for improvements at Soldier Field. 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. Consider a teacher-led homestay + excursions when planning future trips. 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. In May, construction will finish on another building and allow the number of soldiers living doubled up to drop to about 50. Just ten years removed from the extensive $660 million renovations of the Arlington Heights has an entire city budget of under $200 million with sky high property taxes to begin with. Add six new major club and experiential areas, none of which exist in Soldier Field as it stands today. They also had two sideboards posted along the outside of the stadium by the statues of Halas and Payton. 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 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.". Who would pay for it? "What we are doing is making a compelling case for the Bears to stay in Chicago.". Landing spots for top undrafted free agents: Who signed after Round 7? You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. The main reason behind Mayor Emanuel's desire to renovate is likely his desire to bid for the 2019 Super Bowl. "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. 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. No timetable was set for the plan; construction would take three years during off-seasons. Staying current is easy with Crain's news delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge. However, the math simply doesn't add up. 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. 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. 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. "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. Host a student! A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Why is Frank McCourt really pushing this? Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. If the Bears aren't ready to buy the lease out in 2026, the fee would actually go down each year through 2033. "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. "It's important to note that each of these scenarios will allow us to continue benefitting from Soldier Field regardless of whether or not the Bears choose to stay or go - and of course we hope that they choose to stay. Perhaps the Bears should have followed through with their plan to leave the lakefront. Of course, that's not exactly true. 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. This is clearly a negotiating tactic that the Bears have used before," Lightfoot said at the time. 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. My statement still stands on the Bears: my admin remains committed to continuing the work to keep the team in Chicago. Unfortunately for the city of Chicago and the Chicago Bears, no one ever told them that. Daley previewed his plan for Gov. Students live with a host family and attend classes on a daily basis. 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. Team president Ted Phillips said the move was all about ensuring a strong future for the Bears. Everybody knows the sinking feeling you get after you shake hands on a deal, then realize you've been snookered. But should Bears choose to stay in our city, Soldier Field will be a top 10 tier stadium with a number of new features. Once a classical Romanesque structure, the stadium now looks as if a giant spaceship landed right in the middle of the playing surface. 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. All Rights Reserved. Discover another part of the world. Advertisement Initial reaction to the Soldier Field renovation options 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. 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.

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