Mayor Lori Lightfoot is pushing to keep Chicago’s bones out of the suburbs.
Apparently, Lightfoot and a mayoral committee will recommend that the city “explore the feasibility” of renovating and even adding a dome to Soldier Field, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.
It is unclear how much these renovations would cost, although it is said to be between $ 400 and $ 1.5 billion.
The reported plan comes after the Bears signed an agreement to buy land for a potential new stadium in Arlington Heights, located northwest of O’Hare International Airport and about 30 miles from Soldier Field and from downtown Chicago. Such a project would allow the Bears to have a new stadium directly and potentially expand and build an entertainment district and more around the venue, which is currently not possible at Soldier Field.
The Bears may leave their current lease at Soldier Field in 2026.
While it’s not clear what renovations Soldier Field would undergo, they are definitely needed if the Bones stay. Soldier Field first opened in 1924, making it the oldest stadium in the NFL, and the Bears began playing there in 1971. The last renovation was in 2002. Soldier Field also has the smallest stadium capacity in the league with 61,500 spectators. In comparison, Texas AT&T Stadium can hold more than 100,000 fans at its peak.
While a dome at Soldier Field may seem strange, it would open the stadium to host many more events throughout the year. And, with the right reforms, it could be the key to keeping the Bears in the city center.
With the Bears seemingly ready to move to the suburbs of Chicago, the city is now ready to explore the renovations at Soldier Field. (Robin Alam / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)