The Chicago Bears have been adamant they’re going to relocate their stadium to Arlington Heights or Indiana, and we’re learning more of what could happen to Soldier Field.
In an exclusive interview with NBC Chicago’s Mary Ann Ahern, Chicago Park District leader Carlos Ramirez-Rosa discussed how the city would pursue, and ultimately use, a $630 million infusion of capital from the state of Illinois to transform the lakefront stadium from a sports venue into a world-class music destination.
That transformation could even potentially pave the way for the iconic Lollapalooza music festival to be hosted within Soldier Field’s walls, according to Ramirez-Rosa.
Still, the focus right now on the part of the city and of Mayor Brandon Johnson is to convince the Bears to remain in Chicago.
“Ultimately, we’re with the mayor. We hope the Bears will stay in Chicago, that we can find a way to keep the Bears in Chicago. If the Bears decide they want to go to Arlington Heights or Indiana, we need to find a way to make sure Soldier Field remains viable,” Ramirez-Rosa said.
The $630 million-price tag is an eye-popping one, but Ramirez-Rosa insists it’s needed if Soldier Field is going to continue being a revenue-generating property for the city of Chicago.
He says a large chunk of the money would go toward easing the process for fans to get in and out of the stadium, and to revamp the sound quality for concerts held there.
“It’s time for new audiovisual. Also, if the Bears leave, we have to rework the back of the house spaces they use for their offices, their locker rooms,” he said. “$500 million of the $630 million is for ingress and egress, improving the ways that people get in and out of Soldier Field, making it easier for people to enjoy concerts there.”
Could such a renovation lead Lollapalooza to move from Grant Park to the lakefront?
“That’s something we would have to work with our Lollapalooza partners. It’s a big event. It brings people from across the globe to the city, helps us generate revenue for the park district and for the city. Lollapalooza generates about $12 million for the park district. That means less reliance on property taxes, more dollars to do things in our parks,” Ramirez-Rosa said.
Ultimately, he said that the city needs to be sure it’s prepared for the possibility of the Bears moving to Arlington Heights or to Indiana, with a decision on that front likely to come in the coming weeks as Illinois lawmakers mull legislation and as the team evaluates an offer from Indiana to relocate to the Hoosier State.
“Soldier Field is a public asset, and so we want to make sure we’re taking care of that asset because it generates major revenue. It creates good jobs. It’s an engine for the local tourism economy. Ultimately, we want to keep the Bears in Chicago, but we have to be prepared for any circumstance that may occur,” he said.
