Who Owns Soldier Field?
Located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, Soldier Field is a iconic football stadium that has been the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) since 1971. The stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, but the question remains: who owns Soldier Field?
History of Soldier Field
Soldier Field was originally built in 1924 as a tribute to the soldiers who died in World War I. The stadium was designed by architect Holabird and Roche and was officially dedicated on October 9, 1924. The stadium was owned by the City of Chicago, with the Chicago Park District responsible for its maintenance and operation.
Transfer of Ownership
In 2003, the Chicago Bears signed a 30-year lease agreement with the City of Chicago to use Soldier Field as their home stadium. As part of the agreement, the Bears took over the maintenance and operation of the stadium, with the city continuing to own the land. This marked a significant shift in the ownership structure of the stadium.
Stadium Renovations and Upgrades
In 2003, the Bears and the city of Chicago embarked on a massive renovation project to upgrade Soldier Field. The project, which cost $632 million, included the construction of a new upper deck, improved seating, and enhanced amenities. The renovations were completed in 2004.
Current Ownership Structure
So, who owns Soldier Field today? While the City of Chicago still owns the land on which the stadium is situated, the Chicago Bears have a significant stake in the ownership structure. Here is a breakdown of the current ownership structure:
| Entity | Ownership Percentage |
|---|---|
| City of Chicago | 100% |
| Chicago Bears | 20% |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Soldier Field is owned by the City of Chicago, with the Chicago Bears holding a 20% stake in the ownership structure. While the city owns the land, the Bears are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the stadium. The complex ownership structure reflects the long-standing relationship between the city and the Bears, and is a testament to the importance of the stadium to both parties.
Interesting Facts
- Soldier Field is a National Historic Landmark, designated as such in 1985.
- The stadium has undergone four major renovations since its original construction in 1924.
- Soldier Field is home to the annual Chicago Football Classic, a college football game featuring historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
- The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 61,500.
- The Bears have won three Super Bowl championships at Soldier Field: Super Bowl XX, Super Bowl XXX, and Super Bowl XLI.
References
- Chicago Bears. (n.d.). Soldier Field History. Retrieved from https://www.chicagobears.com/fans/soldier-field-history
- City of Chicago. (n.d.). Soldier Field. Retrieved from https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/special_events/soldier_field.html
- Stadium Journey. (n.d.). Soldier Field. Retrieved from https://www.stadiumjourney.com/soldier-field/
I hope this article helps to answer the question "Who owns Soldier Field?"
