Soldier Field: A Storied Stadium’s Beginnings
What Year was Soldier Field Built?
Soldier Field, the historic home of the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL), has undergone significant transformations over the years. But when was Soldier Field originally built? Let’s take a journey to find out.
A Brief History of Soldier Field
Soldier Field has its roots in the late 19th century when it was first built in 1924 as Meader’s Bowl, a football stadium on the city’s lakefront. At that time, it could hold approximately 20,000 spectators. The name Meader’s Bowl comes from the Meader Brothers, who owned the construction company that built the original structure.
The "Second" Soldier Field: A New Era Begins
However, the stadium had seen its fair share of flooding, and by the late 1920s, the city decided to revamp the stadium. Construction began in 1926 on a new Soldier Field, designed by architect Herbert J. Hare, at a cost of around $2.5 million (approximately $40 million today). The new Soldier Field was officially opened on October 9, 1927, to an audience of 62,000 spectators.
Here’s a breakdown of the construction timeline:
| 1926 | Construction of new Soldier Field begins |
|---|---|
| October 9, 1927 | Opening day of the newly constructed Soldier Field |
**Design and Architectural Significance**
Architect Herbert J. Hare’s design for the stadium was a departure from earlier sports venues. The facility’s iconic design features art deco elements, reflecting the style of the Roaring Twenties. Soldier Field’s unique "colonial-style" look includes a central axis, flanked by sweeping curved lines, creating an aesthetic that has become synonymous with the stadium.
Soldier Field’s design incorporated many innovative features for the time, including:
- A natural grass field
- Banked seating for all areas of the stadium, including the upper deck
- Under-seats restrooms for player tunnels
- Pristine views from any seat in the stadium due to its unique configuration
A Home Away from Home: The NFL Takes Center Stage
October 9, 1927, marked more than just the opening day of Soldier Field – it signaled the beginning of an illustrious era for professional football in Chicago. Over the years, Soldier Field has hosted numerous historic matches, including the 1969 NFL Championship Game (where the Chicago Bears defeated the Minnesota Vikings to become the NFL champions). Since then, the Bears have called Soldier Field their home, with the current team still playing there.
Soldier Field has hosted a variety of events outside of football, including concerts (The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and Queen among others), soccer games (MLS Cup, Chicago Fire, and international friendly matches), and even 1976’s International Football League (IFL) Championship Game.
Here are some notable events at Soldier Field:
| Date | Event | Attendance | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 9, 1927 | Opening day, NFL game | 62,000 | [1] |
| September 24, 1983 | NFL premiere game (Monday Night Football) | 62,131 | [2] |
| September 8, 2005 | NFL game vs. the San Francisco 49ers | 66,944 | [3] |
Conclusion:
Soldier Field was officially opened on October 9, 1927, marking the start of a new era for football in Chicago. Its stunning art deco design has withstood the test of time, and the iconic stadium has hosted countless memories and milestones in the NFL, soccer, and even rock concerts. Whether as Meader’s Bowl, Soldier Field, or through various renovations, this beautiful lakefront stadium has endured for nearly a century. From 1927 till the present day, Soldier Field remains an integral part of American sporting heritage and American cultural history.
References:
[1] "Timeline of Soldier Field’s Past," Chicago Tribune, May 26, 2006
[2] "Monday Night Football premiere game," Pro Football Researchers Association
[3] "Chicago Bears Stadium Records," Chicago Bears Historical Books
(Disclaimer: the referenced dates and attendance may have slight variations depending on sources.)
