New Soldier Field Design Released. Will a Dome Bring Da Bears?

I've gone to Soldier Field a couple of times in my life. One was a great night of watching the Rolling Stones perform in 2019 with my friend Bob Kelly.

Another time was when the Bears played what was one of the coldest games in Chicago Bears history. My dad and I were on the Miller Lite Party Deck where there was NO break from the stiff wind coming off of the lake.

By the time we got to our bleacher seats, there was already ice forming at the top of our beer cups.

So, we can talk about "tradition" and what football "should" be like. But as far as I'm concerned, we would've had a better time in a dome.

The New Soldier Field

According to ChicagoTribune.com, "Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveiled plans for Soldier Field that could cost up to $2.2 billion as part of her ongoing campaign to keep the Bears from skipping town for Arlington Heights".

She went on to say there are a few options, with the first option being to enclose the stadium with a dome. Other options would be to rebuild the stadium to make it “dome ready” or to make the venue a soccer field/multipurpose facility.

“Soldier Field must be a year-round destination,” Lightfoot said.

When asked to comment on the release, the Chicago Bears said, “The only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park."

A rendering released by the city of Chicago shows a proposed plan to enclose Soldier Field. The proposal stems from considerations and recommendations made by the Mayor’s Museum Campus Working Group. (Landmark Chicago Interests)

A rendering released by the city of Chicago shows the inside of an enclosed Soldier Field. Under the plan, the capacity of the stadium would increase from 61,500 seats to 70,000 seats. (Landmark Chicago Interests)

A rendering released by the city of Chicago shows a rooftop bar and and experiential area overlooking the Field Museum. (Landmark Chicago Interests)

A rendering released by the city of Chicago shows a proposed enclosure of Soldier Field against the backdrop of the city skyline. (Landmark Chicago Interests)