Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pitches dome for Soldier Subject to entice Bears to stay at stadium

LAKE FOREST, Sick. — Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot revealed three proposals on Monday for renovations to Soldier Subject to entice the Bears to stay at their residence stadium of the previous 50 years.

On the heart of the proposal is the development of a domed stadium, which may value anyplace from $900 million to $2.2 billion.

Lightfoot laid out three choices for development of a dome:

• The primary would totally enclose the stadium by rebuilding each finish zones with columns that may help a dome construction.

• The second would require each finish zones to be rebuilt with columns to make the stadium dome-ready.

• The third choice requires modifications to make Soldier Subject a multipurpose stadium suited to host soccer video games whereas additionally making it a viable location to accommodate main concert events and a variety of occasions.

“An improved Soldier Subject will ship a world-class customer expertise,” Lightfoot mentioned in an announcement. “Moreover, any of those proposed renovations will permit Soldier Subject to retain its position as an financial engine for Chicago for years to return, as these modifications will permit us to maintain bringing sports activities, music and different thrilling occasions to our metropolis.”

The proposal additionally would develop seating at Soldier Subject from 61,500 seats to 70,000, enhance the variety of suites from 133 to 140 and quadruple the meals and beverage house from 50,000 sq. toes to 200,000 sq. toes. The assertion additionally mentioned the proposal would “dramatically develop the chance for main sponsorships and naming rights.”

In September, the Bears took a step towards leaving historic Soldier Subject once they signed a $197.2 million buy and sale settlement with Churchill Downs Inc. for the 326-acre Arlington Park property in suburban Arlington Heights after the monitor, which has hosted thoroughbred racing since 1927, was put up on the market. The Arlington Park website, which is 30 miles northwest of Soldier Subject, could possibly be the positioning of a brand new stadium for the Bears sooner or later.

In response to an announcement launched by the group earlier this month, the Arlington Park website is the one website the group is contemplating for a brand new stadium.

“As a part of our mutual settlement with the vendor of that property, we aren’t pursuing various stadium offers or websites, together with renovations to Soldier Subject, whereas we’re below contract,” the Bears mentioned in an announcement. “We have now knowledgeable the Metropolis of Chicago that we intend to honor our contractual commitments as we proceed our due diligence and predevelopment actions on the Arlington Heights property. Within the meantime, we stay dedicated to fulfilling our Allow Working Settlement (POA) at Soldier Subject.”

The Bears mentioned Monday that they stood by their earlier assertion in response to Lightfoot’s proposal.