What was Soldier Field capacity before renovation?
74,280 spectators
The name was changed to Soldier Field on November 11, 1925, as a memorial to U.S. soldiers who had died in combat. In its earliest configuration, Soldier Field was capable of seating 74,280 spectators and was in the shape of a U.
What year was Soldier Field renovation?
Soldier Field
| Construction | |
|---|---|
| Renovated | 2002–2003 |
| Closed | January 19, 2002–September 26, 2003 (renovations) |
| Reopened | September 29, 2003 (renovations) |
| Construction cost | US$13 million (original; $206 million in 2015 dollars) US$632 million (renovations; $931 million in 2015 dollars) |
How was Soldier Field built?
Soldier Field was built in three stages between 1922 and 1939 at a total cost $13 million. Soldier Field, when completed, contained 74,280 permanent bleacher seats made of fir planking.
Is Soldier Field a historic landmark?
Grant Park Stadium was designated a National Historic Landmark on February 27, 1987. Grant Park Stadium (Soldier Field), Chicago, Illinois, 2003.
Why was Soldier Field remodeled?
The Bears wanted more expensive seats on the sidelines, and they got them. Although that renovation cost Soldier Field its designation as a National Historic Landmark, the work improved the stadium for the fans and the Bears, the engineer said. It reduced the seating capacity because the team demanded it.
When was Soldier Field first built?
October 9, 1924Soldier Field / Opened
What is Soldier Field used for?
Soldier Field, formerly called (1924–25) Grant Park Municipal Stadium, stadium in Chicago that was built in 1924 and is one of the oldest arenas in the NFL, home to the the city’s professional gridiron football team, the Bears, since 1971.
Is Soldier Field older than Lambeau?
Soldier Field in Chicago, home of the Chicago Bears is the oldest stadium in the league having opened in 1924. The stadium that has been used the longest by an NFL team is Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers since 1957.
What is Soldier Field known for?
Soldier Field is the oldest standing NFL stadium in the country; it opened in 1924 with a capacity of 45,000. Soldier Field has the second smallest stadium in the NFL, even after a 2003 renovation increased capacity of 61,500. The Chicago Park District has owned the field since its construction.
Will Soldier Field be replaced?
The Chicago Bears and Churchill Downs announced Wednesday morning that the Bears had agreed to purchase a property in Arlington Heights, Illinois, which is home to the Arlington International Racecourse, for $197.2 million, which is expected to lead to a redevelopment of the area that could include a new multi-billion- …
Who uses Soldier Field?
The Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, starting play in 1920. The team has called Soldier Field home since 1971, after moving home games there from Wrigley Field, which is also home to the Chicago Cubs.
What is the oldest stadium in USA?
Franklin Field
Franklin Field, 1895 Franklin Field, situated at University of Pennsylvania, is the oldest surviving football stadium in the U.S. and can seat approximately 70,000 fans. It was the location for the first ever game broadcast on radio all the way back in 1922.
Who owns Soldier Field?
Burnham ParkSoldier Field / Owner
Soldier Field has the second smallest stadium in the NFL, even after a 2003 renovation increased capacity of 61,500. The Chicago Park District has owned the field since its construction. Even though the Bears have called it home since 1971, Soldier Field remains park district property.
Was the renovation of Soldier Field a good idea?
Proponents of the renovation argued it was direly needed because of aging and cramped facilities. The New York Times named the renovated Soldier Field as one of the five best new buildings of 2003. Soldier Field was given an award in design excellence by the American Institute of Architects in 2004.
What happened to the original Soldier Field?
It appears to have gone through multiple renovations, rebuilds and even having been built over, until nothing but the open space of the original remained. In Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X, one of the games missions takes place in Chicago. Soldier Field can be seen along with the rest of the city.
Is the current Soldier Field an architectural mistake?
Though after the 2003 renovations were finished, the U.S. government thought the stadium had been changed so much that it was taken off of the National Register of Historic Places. Frankly speaking, the current Soldier Field is an architectural mistake.
Is Soldier Field a National Historic Site?
Soldier Field was given an award in design excellence by the American Institute of Architects in 2004. On September 23, 2004, as a result of the renovation, a 10-member federal advisory committee unanimously recommended that Soldier Field be delisted as a National Historic Landmark.