Soldier Field

Last updated

Soldier Field
Soldier Field Logo.svg
Soldier Field S.jpg
Soldier Field in 2022
Location map Chicago.png
Red pog.svg
Soldier Field
Location in Chicago
USA Illinois relief location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Soldier Field
Location in Illinois
Usa edcp relief location map.png
Red pog.svg
Soldier Field
Location in the United States
Former namesMunicipal Grant Park Stadium (1924–1925)
Address1410 Special Olympics Drive
Location Chicago, Illinois
Coordinates 41°51′44″N87°37′00″W / 41.8623°N 87.6167°W / 41.8623; -87.6167 [1]
Public transit
Owner Chicago Park District
Operator SMG
Executive suites133
Capacity
  • 66,944 (1994)
  • 61,500 (2003) [2]
Acreage 7 acres (2.8 ha) [3]
Surface
Construction
Broke groundAugust 11, 1922 (1922-08-11)
Built1922–1924
OpenedOctober 9, 1924;99 years ago (1924-10-09)
Renovated2002–2003
ClosedJanuary 19, 2002 (2002-01-19)–September 26, 2003 (2003-09-26) (renovations)
ReopenedSeptember 29, 2003 (2003-09-29) (renovations)
Construction costUS$13 million (original; [3] $222 million in 2015 dollars) [4]
US$632 million (renovations; [5] $1.01 billion in 2015 dollars [4] )
Architect
Project managerHoffman Associates (renovations) [6]
Structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti (renovations)
Services engineer Ellerbe Becket (renovations) [6]
General contractor Turner/Barton Malow/Kenny (renovations) [6]
Tenants
List
Website
soldierfield.com
DesignatedFebruary 27, 1987
DelistedFebruary 17, 2006

Soldier Field is a multi-purpose stadium on the Near South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1924 and reconstructed in 2003, the stadium has served as the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) since 1971, [lower-alpha 1] as well as Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) from 1998 to 2005 and since 2020. [lower-alpha 2] It also regularly hosts stadium concerts and other large crowd events. The stadium has a football capacity of 61,500, making it the second-smallest stadium in the NFL. Soldier Field is also the oldest stadium established in both the NFL and MLS.

Contents

The stadium's interior was rebuilt as part of a major renovation project in 2002, which modernized the facility but lowered its seating capacity, eventually causing it to be delisted as a National Historic Landmark in 2006. Soldier Field has served as the home venue for a number of other sports teams in its history, including the Chicago Cardinals of the NFL and University of Notre Dame football. It hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, and multiple CONCACAF Gold Cup championships. In 1968, it hosted the inaugural World Games of the Special Olympics, as well as its second World Games in 1970. Other historic events have included large rallies with speeches, including by Amelia Earhart, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr..

History

Sculpture of a sailor and his family, gazing eastward over Lake Michigan Child,Mother,Father,MilitaryFamily.jpg
Sculpture of a sailor and his family, gazing eastward over Lake Michigan

On December 3, 1919, Chicago-based architectural firm Holabird & Roche was chosen to design the stadium, [11] which broke ground on August 11, 1922. [12] The stadium cost $13 million to construct (equivalent to $223 million in 2022), a large sum for a sporting venue at that time (in comparison, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum had cost less than US$1 million in 1923 dollars). On October 9, 1924, the 53rd anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the stadium was officially dedicated as "Grant Park Stadium", [13] although it had hosted a few events before then, including a field day for Chicago police officers on September 6, and the stadium's first football game, between Louisville Male High School and Austin Community Academy High School, on October 4. [11] On November 22, the stadium hosted its first college football game, in which Notre Dame defeated Northwestern University 13–6. [11]

On November 11, 1925, the stadium's name was changed to Soldier Field, in dedication to U.S. soldiers who had died in combat during World War I. Its formal rededication as Soldier Field was held during the 29th annual playing of the Army–Navy Game on November 27, 1926. [14] [15] Several months earlier, in June 1926, the stadium hosted several events during the 28th International Eucharistic Congress.

The stadium's design is in the Neoclassical style, with Doric columns rising above the East and West entrances. [16] In its earliest configuration, Soldier Field was capable of seating 74,280 spectators, and was in the shape of a U. Additional seating could be added along the interior field, upper promenades, and on the large, open field and terrace beyond the north endzone, [17] bringing the seating capacity to over 100,000. [18]

Chicago Bears move in

The 1961 Chicago Bears practicing for the Armed Forces exhibition game at Soldier Field. The team would later move into the stadium full-time in 1971. 8X10A 1961 Chicago Bears o-line practice 1.jpg
The 1961 Chicago Bears practicing for the Armed Forces exhibition game at Soldier Field. The team would later move into the stadium full-time in 1971.

Before they moved into the stadium, the Chicago Bears had played select charity games at Soldier Field as early as 1926, when they played their former crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cardinals. [11] The Cardinals also used the stadium as their home field for their final season in the city in 1959.

In 1971, the Bears moved into Soldier Field full-time, originally with a three-year commitment. [19] [20] The team previously played home games at Wrigley Field, the home stadium of the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB), but were forced to move to a larger venue due to post-AFL–NFL merger policies requiring that stadium capacities seat at least 50,000 spectators as well as lighting for potential night games. The Bears had initially intended to build a stadium in Arlington Heights, but the property did not fit the league's specifications. [21]

On September 19, 1971, the Bears played their first home game at Soldier Field, in which they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 17–15. In 1978, the Bears and the Chicago Park District agreed to a 20-year lease and renovation of the stadium; both parties pooled their resources for the renovation. [22] The playing surface was AstroTurf from 1971 until 1987, and was replaced with natural grass in 1988. [23] On February 27, 1987, Soldier Field was designated a National Historic Landmark. [24]

Replacement talks

In 1989, Soldier Field's future was in jeopardy after a proposal was created for a "McDome", which was intended to be a domed stadium for the Bears, but was rejected by the Illinois Legislature in 1990. Because of this, Bears president Michael McCaskey considered relocation as a possible factor for a new stadium. The Bears had also purchased options in Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village and Aurora. In 1995, McCaskey announced that he and Northwest Indiana developers agreed to construction of an entertainment complex called "Planet Park", which would also include a new stadium. However, the plan was rejected by the Lake County Council, and in 1998, then-Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley proposed that the Bears share Comiskey Park with the Chicago White Sox. [25]

Renovations

Beginning in 1978, the plank seating was replaced by individual seats with backs and armrests. In 1982, a new press box, as well as 60 skyboxes, were added to the stadium, boosting its capacity to 66,030. In 1988, 56 more skyboxes were added, increasing capacity to 66,946. Capacity was slightly increased to 66,950 in 1992. By 1994, however, capacity was slightly reduced to 66,944. During the renovation, seating capacity was reduced to 55,701 by building a grandstand in the open end of the U shape. This moved the field closer to both ends in order to move the fans closer to the field, at the expense of seating capacity. [14] The front row 50-yard line seats were only 55 feet (17 m) away from the sidelines, the shortest distance of all NFL stadiums until MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 with a distance of 46 feet (14 m).[ citation needed ]

2002–03 renovation and landmark delisting

Soldier Field aerial view (1988) before interior redesign Soldier Field Chicago aerial view.jpg
Soldier Field aerial view (1988) before interior redesign

In 2001, the Chicago Park District, which owns the structure, faced substantial criticism when it announced plans to alter the stadium with a design by Benjamin T. Wood and Carlos Zapata of Wood + Zapata in Boston. The stadium grounds were reconfigured by local architecture firm Lohan Associate, led by architect Dirk Lohan, grandson of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The stadium's interior would be demolished and reconstructed while the exterior would be preserved in an example of facadism. A similar endeavor of constructing a new stadium within the confines of a historic stadium's exterior was done with Leipzig's Red Bull Arena, which similarly built a modern stadium while preserving the exterior of the original Zentralstadion. Fans and radio hosts, such as WSCR's Mike North, criticized the small seating capacity of the new venue, and others have criticized the Park District's lack of care to the field surface after the first seasonal freeze and a refusal to consider a new-generation artificial surface, leaving the Bears to play on dead grass.

Aerial view of Soldier Field during renovation, April 2002 Soldierfield2002.jpg
Aerial view of Soldier Field during renovation, April 2002

On January 19, 2002, the night of the Bears' playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, demolition began as tailgate fires still burned in trash cans in the parking lots. The removal of 24,000 stadium seats in 36 hours by Archer Seating Clearinghouse, a speed record never exceeded since, was the first step in building the new Soldier Field. Nostalgic Bears fans recalling the team's glory seasons (especially 1985), as well as some retired players, picked up their seats in the South parking lot. The foremen on the job were Grant Wedding, who installed the seats himself in 1979, and Mark Wretschko, an executive for the factory who made the new seats. As Soldier Field underwent renovation, the Bears spent the 2002 NFL season playing their home games at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois. On September 29, 2003, the Bears played their first game at the renovated Soldier Field, in which they were defeated by the Green Bay Packers, 38–23. The total funding for the renovation cost $632 million; taxpayers were responsible for $432 million while the Chicago Bears and the NFL contributed $200 million. [26] [27]

Soldier Field after interior rebuild, with maintained exterior below. The Soldier Field.jpg
Soldier Field after interior rebuild, with maintained exterior below.

Several writers and columnists attacked the Soldier Field renovation project as an aesthetic, political and financial nightmare. The project received mixed reviews within the architecture community, with criticism from civic and preservation groups. [28] Prominent architect and native Chicagoan Stanley Tigerman called it "a fiasco. [29] Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin dubbed it the "Eyesore on the Lake Shore," [30] [31] [32] while others called it "Monstrosity on the Midway" or "Mistake by the Lake". [33] The renovation was described by some as if "a spaceship landed on the stadium". [34] [35] Lohan responded:

I would never say that Soldier Field is an architectural landmark. Nobody has copied it; nobody has learned from it. People like it for nostalgic reasons. They remember the games and parades and tractor pulls and veterans' affairs they've seen there over the years. I wouldn't do this if it were the Parthenon. But this isn't the Parthenon. [29]

Proponents of the renovation argued it was direly needed because of aging and cramped facilities. The New York Times named the renovated Soldier Field one of the five best new buildings of 2003. [36] Soldier Field was given an award in design excellence by the American Institute of Architects in 2004. [37]

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. [38] [39] The recommendation to delist was prepared by Carol Ahlgren, an architectural historian at the National Park Service's Midwest Regional Office in Omaha, Nebraska, who was quoted in Preservation Online stating, "if we had let this stand, I believe it would have lowered the standard of National Historic Landmarks throughout the country. ... If we want to keep the integrity of the program, let alone the landmarks, we really had no other recourse." The stadium lost the landmark designation on February 17, 2006. [40]

Subsequent developments

Soldier Field in 2022 from the east Soldier Field W 2022.jpg
Soldier Field in 2022 from the east

In May 2012, Soldier Field became the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED status, a program intended to award environmentally sustainable buildings. [41]

On July 9, 2019, the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS) announced an agreement with the Village of Bridgeview to release the team from their lease with SeatGeek Stadium, where they had played since 2006. As a result, the Fire returned to Soldier Field for the 2020 MLS season. [42]

On June 17, 2021, the Chicago Bears submitted a bid for the Arlington Park Racetrack property, making a move from Soldier Field to a new venue more possible. [43] On September 29, the Bears and Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that they had reached an agreement for the property. [44]

On September 5, 2022, the Kentucky bluegrass was replaced with Bermuda grass after poor field conditions were noted in an August 13 preseason game. [45]

Public transportation

The closest Chicago 'L' station to Soldier Field is the Roosevelt station on the Orange, Green and Red lines. The Chicago Transit Authority also operates the #128 Soldier Field Express bus route to the stadium from Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station. There are also two Metra stations close by: the Museum Campus/11th Street station on the Metra Electric Line, which also is used by South Shore Line trains, and 18th Street, which is only served by the Metra Electric Line. Pace also provides access from the Northwest, West and Southwest suburbs to the stadium with four express routes from Schaumburg, Lombard, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Palos Heights and Oak Lawn.

Facility contracts

The pouring rights of non-alcoholic beverages at Soldier Field were held by The Coca-Cola Company from at least 1992 until 2012, when the Bears signed a contract with Dr Pepper Snapple Group (later Keurig Dr Pepper), making it the only stadium in the NFL then (with Cleveland Browns Stadium striking a similar deal in 2018) to have such rights held by the company. [46] [47] With the 2003 renovation, the Bears gained power in striking sponsorship deals at Soldier Field; the Miller Brewing Company was given the pouring rights of alcoholic beverages, while Delaware North Sportservice was named the food and beverage service provider. [48] [49] Aramark took over service operations at the stadium when the latter contract expired in 2013. [50]

Events

American football

Single events

Soldier Field during the 1926 Army-Navy Game The Army-Navy football game at Soldier's Field (cropped).jpg
Soldier Field during the 1926 Army–Navy Game

NFL playoffs

College football

Northern Illinois Huskies play select games at Soldier Field, all of which have featured them hosting a team from the Big Ten Conference. Northern Illinois University (NIU) is located in DeKalb, 65 miles (105 km) to the west on Interstate 88.

  • On September 1, 2007, NIU faced the University of Iowa in the first Division I College Football game at Soldier Field since the 2002 renovations. The Hawkeyes defeated the Huskies 16–3.
  • On September 17, 2011, the Huskies returned to play the Wisconsin Badgers in a game that was called "Soldier Field Showdown II". The eventual Big Ten champion Badgers topped NIU 49–7.
  • On September 1, 2012, NIU hosted the Iowa Hawkeyes in a season opener that was called "Soldier Field Showdown III". The Hawkeyes narrowly defeated the Huskies 18–17.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football used the stadium as home field for the 1929 season while Notre Dame Stadium was being constructed. The school has used Soldier Field for single games on occasion both prior to and since the 1929 season, and boasts an undefeated 10–0–2 record there. At Soldier Field, Notre Dame has played Northwestern four times, USC and Wisconsin twice, and Army, Drake, Great Lakes Naval Base, Navy, and Miami once each. [54]

Motorsport

Motorsport race at Soldier Field in 1951 1951+A016019 (3552594501) (2).jpg
Motorsport race at Soldier Field in 1951

Beginning in the 1940s and through the late-1960s (except for during World War II), motorsport races regularly were held on a short track at the stadium. In 1956 and 1957, NASCAR held races at the stadium, including a NASCAR Cup race [55] [56]

In the early-to-mid 1980s saw the US Hot Rod Association host Truck and Tractor Sled Pull Competitions and Monster Truck exhibitions here. The engines on some of the vehicles would echo through the skyscrapers in downtown Chicago as they made their pull. Damage to the stadium turf on a few of the event occasion's led USHRA to move events to the Rosemont Horizon (known today as Allstate Arena).[ citation needed ]

Ice hockey

On February 7, 2013, the stadium hosted a high school hockey game between St. Rita High School from the city's Southwest side and Fenwick High School from suburban Oak Park. [57]

Soldier Field during the 2014 NHL Stadium Series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins 2014 NHL Stadium Series, Soldier Field.JPG
Soldier Field during the 2014 NHL Stadium Series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Miami RedHawks played a doubleheader on February 17, 2013, with the Wisconsin Badgers and Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Hockey City Classic, the first outdoor hockey game in the history of the stadium. [58] A Chicago Gay Hockey Association intra-squad game was held in affiliation with the Hockey City Classic. [59]

On March 1, 2014, the Chicago Blackhawks played against the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the NHL Stadium Series. The Blackhawks defeated the Penguins 5–1 before a sold-out crowd of 62,921. [60] The team also held its 2015 Stanley Cup Championship celebration at the stadium instead of Grant Park, where other city championships have typically been held, due to recent rains. [61]

On February 7, 2015, Soldier Field hosted another edition of the Hockey City Classic. The event had been delayed due to unusually warm weather (42 °F (6 °C)) and complications with the quality of the ice. The 2015 edition of the Hockey City Classic featured a match between Miami University and Western Michigan, followed by a match between the Big Ten's Michigan and Michigan State [62] [63] [64] [65] [66] [67] [68] [69] On February 5, the organizers of the Hockey City Classic organized the Unite on the Ice event benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The event was centered upon a celebrity hockey game with former NHL and AHL players, as well as a public free skate at Soldier Field. Participants in the celebrity game included Éric Dazé, Jamal Mayers and Gino Cavallini. Denis Savard was in attendance, serving as an honorary coach during the game. [70] On February 15, 2015, Soldier Field hosted another Chicago Gay Hockey Association intra-league match in association with the Hockey City Classic. [59]

DateAway TeamResultHome TeamSpectators
February 7, 2013 St. Rita High School 0–3 Fenwick High School unknown
February 17, 2013 Miami (OH) 1–2 Notre Dame 52,051
Minnesota 2–3 Wisconsin 52,051
March 1, 2014 Pittsburgh Penguins 1–5 Chicago Blackhawks 62,921
February 7, 2015 Miami (OH)4–3 Western Michigan 22,751
Michigan State 1–4 Michigan 22,751

Soccer

1994 FIFA World Cup

Soldier Field before a soccer game, 2004 The Refurbished Soldier Field.jpg
Soldier Field before a soccer game, 2004
DateTime (CDT)Team #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
June 17, 19942:00PMFlag of Germany.svg  Germany 1–0Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia Group C (opening match) 63,117
June 21, 19943:00PMFlag of Germany.svg  Germany 1–1Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Group C 63,113
June 26, 199411:30AMFlag of Greece.svg  Greece 0–4Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Group D 63,160
June 27, 19943:00PMFlag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia 1–3Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Group C 63,089
July 2, 199411:00AMFlag of Germany.svg  Germany 3–2Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Round of 16 60,246

1999 FIFA Women's World Cup

DateTime (CDT)Team #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
June 24, 199917.00Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 2–0Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Group B65,080
19.00Flag of the United States.svg  United States 7–1Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria Group A65,080
June 26, 199916.00Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana 0–2Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden Group D34,256
18.30Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 4–0Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Group C34,256

CONCACAF Gold Cups

Soldier Field during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup UsavsHonduras.JPG
Soldier Field during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup

2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup

DateTeam #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
21 June 2007Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 1–2Flag of the United States.svg  United States Semifinals50,760
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 1–0Flag of Guadeloupe (local).svg  Guadeloupe
June 24, 2007Flag of the United States.svg  United States 2–1Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico Final60,000

2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup

DateTeam #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
23 July 2009Flag of Honduras (1949-2022).svg  Honduras 1–2Flag of the United States.svg  United States Semifinals55,173
Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica 1–1 (3–5 pen)Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico

2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup

DateTeam #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
12 June 2011Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador 6–1Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba Group A62,000
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 4–1Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica

2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup

DateTeam #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
July 28, 2013Flag of the United States.svg  United States 1–0Flag of Panama.svg  Panama Final57,920

2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup

DateTeam #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
July 9, 2015Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg  Trinidad and Tobago 3–1Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala Group C54,126
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 6–0Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba

2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup

DateTime (CDT)Team #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
July 7, 20198:15 PMFlag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 1–0Flag of the United States.svg  United States Final 62,493

2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup

DateTime (CDT)Team #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
June 24, 20239:06 PMFlag of the United States.svg  United States 1–1Flag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica Group A 36,666

Copa América Centenario

DateTime (CDT)Team #1ResultTeam #2RoundSpectators
June 5, 20164:00PMFlag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica 0–1Flag of Venezuela (state).svg  Venezuela Group C 25,560
June 7, 20167:00PMFlag of the United States.svg  United States 4–0Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Group A 39,642
June 10, 20168:30PMFlag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 5–0Flag of Panama.svg  Panama Group D 53,885
June 22, 20167:00PMFlag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 0–2Flag of Chile.svg  Chile Semi-finals 55,423

Single events

Special Olympics

The first Special Olympics games were held at Soldier Field on July 20, 1968. The games involved over 1,000 people with intellectual disabilities from 26 U.S. states and Canada competing in track and field and swimming. In 1970, the second international games occurred, when Special Olympics returned to Soldier Field. [72] [73]

Rugby union

On November 1, 2014, the stadium hosted its first international rugby union test match between the United States Eagles and New Zealand All Blacks as part of the 2014 end-of-year rugby union tests. [74] Over half of the 61,500 tickets were sold within two days. [75] The All Blacks beat the Eagles 74–6. [76] The stadium hosted its second international rugby union match on September 5, 2015, with the United States hosting Australia as part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches shortly before both teams were due to travel to England for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. [77] The Eagles were defeated 47–10. On November 5, 2016, Ireland beat New Zealand 40–29 at Soldier Field as part of the 2016 end-of-year rugby union internationals – the very first time Ireland had beaten the All Blacks in a test match in 111 years of play. [78]

DateWinnerScoreOpponentAttendance
November 1, 2014 New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg74–6Flag of the United States.svg  United States 61,500
September 5, 2015 Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg47–10Flag of the United States.svg  United States 23,212
November 5, 2016 Ireland  IRFU flag.svg40–29Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 60,000
November 3, 2018 New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg Black Ferns (NZ Women's Rugby team67–6Flag of the United States.svg  United States Women's team30,051
Ireland  IRFU flag.svg54–7Flag of Italy.svg  Italy
Māori All Blacks  Flag of New Zealand.svg59–22Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Soldier Field during the Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead tour, 2015 Fare Thee Well - Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead 9.jpg
Soldier Field during the Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead tour, 2015
German band Rammstein performs at Soldier Field, September 3rd 2022 as part of their North America Stadium Tour Rammstein Soldier Field.jpg
German band Rammstein performs at Soldier Field, September 3rd 2022 as part of their North America Stadium Tour

Concerts

DateArtistOpening act(s)Tour / concert nameAttendance / CapacityRevenueNotes
August 21, 1937 Lily Pons
Rudy Vallee
Jascha Heifetz
Bobby Breen
Chicagoland Music Festival
August 15, 1964 Johnny Cash
June Carter
August 9, 1966 Barbra Streisand An Evening with Barbra Streisand TourFirst solo headliner
July 18, 1970
Performers
WCFL's Big Ten Summer Music Festival
June 4, 1977 Emerson, Lake & Palmer Foghat
The J. Geils Band
Climax Blues Band
ELP Works
June 19, 1977 Pink Floyd In the Flesh Tour $670,000 [79]
July 9, 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd Point Blank 77,197
July 10, 1977 Ted Nugent Lynyrd Skynyrd
REO Speedwagon
Journey
.38 Special
Super Bowl of Rock #3First solo male headliner
August 13, 1977 Peter Frampton Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
Rick Derringer
UFO
September 24, 1977 Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo Benefit
July 8, 1978 The Rolling Stones Journey
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Peter Tosh
The Rolling Stones US Tour 1978 70,725 / 70,725$919,425 [80]
August 26, 1978 Parliament-Funkadelic The Bar-Kays
Con Funk Shun
A Taste of Honey
Funk Fest
July 19, 1980 Smokey Robinson The O'Jays
August 10–18, 1983 ChicagoFest
August 9, 1985 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Born in the U.S.A. Tour 71,222 / 71,222$1,228,500
July 31, 1987 Madonna Level 42 Who's That Girl World Tour 47,407 / 47,407$1,066,658
July 29, 1990 Paul McCartney The Paul McCartney World Tour 55,630 / 55,630$1,807,975
June 22, 1991 Grateful Dead
June 25, 1992 Steve Miller Band
June 26, 1992
June 18, 1993 Sting
June 19, 1993
July 12, 1994Pink Floyd The Division Bell Tour 51,981 / 51,981$2,056,105
July 23, 1994Grateful Dead Traffic
July 24, 1994
September 11, 1994The Rolling Stones Lenny Kravitz Voodoo Lounge Tour 90,303 / 90,303$4,194,320
September 12, 1994
July 8, 1995Grateful Dead The Band
July 9, 1995Final concert by the band. [81]
July 11, 1995 Pearl Jam Bad Religion
Otis Rush
Vitalogy Tour Played on the Grateful Dead's stage
September 14, 1996 Little Feat Taj Mahal
June 27, 1997 U2 Fun Lovin' Criminals PopMart Tour 116,912 / 127,500$5,956,587
June 28, 1997
June 29, 1997
July 18, 1997 Vans Warped Tour
September 23, 1997The Rolling Stones Blues Traveler Bridges to Babylon Tour 107,186 / 107,186$6,260,000
September 25, 1997
May 10, 1998 George Strait Country Music Festival Tour
April 25, 1999
May 13, 2000 Wilco
June 29, 2000 Dave Matthews Band Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals
Ozomatli
The Summer 2000 Tour115,006 / 115,006$5,175,270
June 30, 2000
June 16, 2001 NSYNC BBMak
3LW
Dream
PopOdyssey 85,650 / 103,903$4,739,359
June 17, 2001
July 6, 2001 Dave Matthews Band Buddy Guy
Angélique Kidjo
The Summer 2001 Tour103,675 / 103,675$4,834,864
July 7, 2001
September 10, 2005The Rolling Stones Los Lonely Boys A Bigger Bang 55,046 / 55,046$7,231,427
July 21, 2006 Bon Jovi Nickelback Have a Nice Day Tour 52,612 / 52,612$3,988,455
October 11, 2006The Rolling Stones Elvis Costello and the ImpostersA Bigger Bang33,296 / 33,296$4,020,721
June 21, 2008 Kenny Chesney Keith Urban
LeAnn Rimes
Luke Bryan
Gary Allan
The Poets and Pirates Tour46,463 / 48,585$4,063,663
October 11–12, 2008Chicago Country Music Festival
June 13, 2009 Kenny Chesney Lady Antebellum
Miranda Lambert
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
Sun City Carnival Tour 48,763 / 50,109$3,184,606
September 12, 2009U2 Snow Patrol U2 360° Tour 135,872 / 135,872$13,860,480
September 13, 2009
June 12, 2010 The Bamboozle Roadshow 2010 Event held in parking lot
June 19, 2010 Eagles Dixie Chicks
JD & the Straight Shot
Long Road Out of Eden Tour 29,233 / 32,420$3,186,493
July 7, 2010 deadmau5 Rye Rye
Brazilian Girls
July 30, 2010Bon Jovi Kid Rock The Circle Tour 95,959 / 95,959$8,606,259
July 31, 2010
July 5, 2011U2 Interpol U2 360° Tour64,297 / 64,297$5,786,335
August 23, 2011 Wayne Baker Brooks Sugar Blue
July 7, 2012Kenny Chesney
Tim McGraw
Jake Owen
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Brothers of the Sun Tour 51,100 / 51,100$5,109,399
July 12, 2013Bon Jovi The J. Geils Band Because We Can 45,178 / 45,178$4,690,204
July 22, 2013 Jay-Z
Justin Timberlake
DJ Cassidy Legends of the Summer 52,671 / 52,671$5,715,152
August 10, 2013 Taylor Swift Ed Sheeran
Casey James
Austin Mahone
The Red Tour 50,809 / 50,809$4,149,148
July 24, 2014 Beyoncé
Jay-Z
On the Run Tour 50,035 / 50,035$5,783,396
August 29, 2014 One Direction 5 Seconds of Summer Where We Are Tour 104,617 / 104,617$9,446,247During the August 29 show, the band performed a cover of "Happy Birthday" by Mildred J. Hill dedicated to Liam, and "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson.
August 30, 2014
August 31, 2014 Luke Bryan Dierks Bentley
Lee Brice
Cole Swindell
DJ Rock
That's My Kind of Night Tour 50,529 / 50,529$3,754,362
June 6, 2015Kenny Chesney
Miranda Lambert
Brantley Gilbert
Chase Rice
Old Dominion
The Big Revival Tour 43,630 / 48,278$3,776,207Chesney was the main headliner, and Lambert joined as the co-headliner only for the Chicago show.
July 3, 2015Fare Thee Well Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead 210,283 / 210,283$30,683,27450th anniversary concerts [82]
July 4, 2015
July 5, 2015
July 18, 2015Taylor Swift Vance Joy
Shawn Mendes
HAIM
The 1989 World Tour 110,109 / 110,109$11,469,887 Andy Grammer and Serayah were special guests.
July 19, 2015 Sam Hunt, Andreja Pejić and Lily Donaldson were special guests.
August 23, 2015One Direction Icona Pop On the Road Again Tour 41,527 / 41,527$3,382,655
May 27, 2016Beyoncé Rae Sremmurd The Formation World Tour 89,270 / 89,270$11,279,890
May 28, 2016 DJ Scratch
July 1, 2016 Guns N' Roses Alice in Chains Not in This Lifetime... Tour 82,172 / 96,088$8,843,684
July 3, 2016
July 23, 2016 Coldplay Alessia Cara
Foxes
A Head Full of Dreams Tour 95,323 / 95,323$10,215,572The July 23 show was cut short due to inclement weather. [83]
July 24, 2016
June 3, 2017U2 The Lumineers The Joshua Tree Tour 2017 105,078 / 105,078$13,435,925
June 4, 2017
June 18, 2017 Metallica Avenged Sevenfold
Local H
Mix Master Mike
WorldWired Tour 51,041 / 51,041$6,093,976
August 17, 2017Coldplay AlunaGeorge
Izzy Bizu
A Head Full of Dreams Tour52,726 / 52,726$6,026,402
June 1, 2018Taylor Swift Camila Cabello
Charli XCX
Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour 105,208 / 105,208$14,576,697
June 2, 2018
July 28, 2018Kenny Chesney Thomas Rhett
Old Dominion
Brandon Lay
Trip Around The Sun Tour52,189 / 52,189$5,751,195
August 10, 2018Beyoncé
Jay-Z
Chloe X Halle and DJ Khaled On the Run II Tour 86,602 / 86,602$12,303,099During the second show, "Summer" was added to the setlist. "Apeshit" was also performed for the first time in its entirety with choreography and background dancers.
August 11, 2018
October 4, 2018 Ed Sheeran Snow Patrol
Lauv
÷ Tour 47,263 / 47,263$4,339,350
May 11, 2019 BTS Love Yourself World Tour 88,156 / 88,156$13,345,795 [84]
May 12, 2019
June 21, 2019 The Rolling Stones St. Paul and the Broken Bones No Filter Tour 98,228 / 98,228$21,741,564
June 25, 2019 Whiskey Myers
August 26, 2021 Kanye West Kanye West Presents: The Donda Album Experience Third listening event before the release of his album Donda.
May 28, 2022Coldplay H.E.R. Drama Music of the Spheres World Tour 107,072 / 107,072$10,969,930
May 29, 2022
June 25, 2022 Kenny Chesney Florida Georgia Line

Old Dominion Michael Franti & Spearhead

Here and Now Tour 52,792 / 52,792$6,054,015
July 24, 2022 The Weeknd Kaytranada
Mike Dean
After Hours til Dawn Stadium Tour 48,887 / 48,887$7,961,796 [85] [86]
August 5, 2022 Elton John N/A Farewell Yellow Brick Road 48,813 / 48,813$7,118,811
August 19, 2022 Red Hot Chili Peppers The Strokes
Thundercat
2022 Global Stadium Tour 47,019 / 47,019$7,500,942 [87]
August 20, 2022 Bad Bunny N/A World's Hottest Tour 50,854 / 50,854$14,109,590
September 3, 2022 Rammstein Duo Abélard Rammstein Stadium Tour 47,263 / 48,000$9,051,337
June 2, 2023Taylor Swift Girl in Red
Owenn
The Eras Tour First female act in history to sell out three shows on a single tour. [88]
June 3, 2023
June 4, 2023 Muna
Gracie Abrams
July 22, 2023Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour 97,686 / 97,686$30,115,863 [89]
July 23, 2023
July 29, 2023Ed Sheeran Khalid
Cat Burns
+-=÷× Tour 73,015 / 73,015$8,054,888
September 15, 2023 Karol G Agudelo
Young Miko
Mañana Será Bonito Tour
June 15, 2024 Kenny Chesney
Zac Brown Band
Megan Moroney
Uncle Kracker
Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour
June 27, 2024 The Rolling Stones Hackney Diamonds Tour
June 30, 2024
August 9, 2024 Metallica Pantera
Mammoth WVH
M72 World Tour
August 11, 2024 Five Finger Death Punch
Ice Nine Kills
August 24, 2024 Pink Sheryl Crow
KidCutUp
The Script
P!NK: Summer Carnival


Other events

Eucharistic Congress in 1926 XXVIII International Eucharistic Congress, First General Meeting, Solemn Pontifical High Mass.jpg
Eucharistic Congress in 1926
President Franklin D. Roosevelt at Soldier Field, 1944 FDR-Soldier-Field-October-28-1944.jpg
President Franklin D. Roosevelt at Soldier Field, 1944
Gen. Douglas MacArthur at Soldier Field, 1951 Douglas MacArthur speaking at Soldier Field HD-SN-99-03036.JPEG
Gen. Douglas MacArthur at Soldier Field, 1951
Opening ceremonies of the 2006 Gay Games at Soldier Field Gay Games 2006, Chicago.jpg
Opening ceremonies of the 2006 Gay Games at Soldier Field

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 The Bears temporarily played at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois for the 2002 NFL season while Soldier Field was undergoing renovations.
  2. 1 2 The Fire temporarily played at Cardinal Stadium (now Benedetti–Wehrli Stadium) in Naperville, Illinois, from 2002 to 2003, while Soldier Field was being renovated.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago Bears</span> National Football League franchise in Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) North Division. The Bears have won nine NFL Championships, including one Super Bowl, and hold the NFL record for the most enshrinees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the most retired jersey numbers. The Bears have also recorded the second-most victories of any NFL franchise, only behind the Green Bay Packers, who they have a long-standing rivalry with.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yankee Stadium (1923)</span> Former baseball stadium in the Bronx, New York

The original Yankee Stadium was located in the Bronx in New York City. It was the home of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 2008, except for 1974–1975 when it was renovated. It hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the home of the New York Giants National Football League (NFL) team from October 21, 1956 through September 23, 1973. The stadium's nickname is "The House That Ruth Built" which is derived from Babe Ruth, the baseball superstar whose prime years coincided with the stadium's opening and the beginning of the Yankees' winning history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lambeau Field</span> Outdoor football stadium located in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Lambeau Field is an American football outdoor multi-purpose stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The home field of the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL), it opened 67 years ago in 1957 as City Stadium, replacing the original City Stadium at Green Bay East High School as the Packers' home field. Informally known as New City Stadium for its first eight seasons, it was renamed in August 1965 in memory of Packers founder, player, and long-time head coach, Earl “Curly” Lambeau, who had died two months earlier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Financial Field</span> American football stadium in Philadelphia

Lincoln Financial Field is an American football stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the home stadium of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and the Temple Owls football team of Temple University. The stadium is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and South Darien streets alongside I-95. It is part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and has a seating capacity of 67,594.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Montana</span> American football player (born 1956)

Joseph Clifford Montana Jr. is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers. Nicknamed "Joe Cool" and "the Comeback Kid", Montana is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. After winning a national championship at Notre Dame, Montana began his NFL career in 1979 at San Francisco, where he played for the next 14 seasons. With the 49ers, Montana started and won four Super Bowls and was the first player to be named the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times. He also holds Super Bowl career records for most passes without an interception and the all-time highest passer rating of 127.8. In 1993, Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played for his last two seasons and led the franchise to its first AFC Championship Game. Montana was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kezar Stadium</span> Outdoor athletic and football stadium in San Francisco

Kezar Stadium is an outdoor athletics stadium in San Francisco, California, located adjacent to Kezar Pavilion in the southeastern corner of Golden Gate Park. It is the former home of the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) and of the San Francisco Dragons of Major League Lacrosse. It serves as the home of San Francisco City FC of USL League Two.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum</span> Stadium in Los Angeles, California, US

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. Conceived as a hallmark of civic pride, the Coliseum was commissioned in 1921 as a memorial to Los Angeles veterans of World War I. Completed in 1923, it will become the first stadium to have hosted the Summer Olympics three times when it hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics; the stadium previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on July 27, 1984, a day before the opening ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alamodome</span> Multi-purpose domed stadium in San Antonio, Texas, United States

The Alamodome is a 64,000-seat domed indoor multi-purpose stadium in San Antonio, Texas. It is located on the southeastern fringe of downtown San Antonio. The facility opened on May 15, 1993, having been constructed at a cost of $186 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michigan Stadium</span> Football stadium on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Michigan Stadium, nicknamed "The Big House," is the football stadium for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is the largest stadium in the United States and the Western Hemisphere, the third-largest stadium in the world, and the 34th-largest sports venue in the world. Its official capacity is 107,601, but it has hosted crowds in excess of 115,000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Notre Dame Stadium</span> Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana

Notre Dame Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana, the home field of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

The 1975 NFL season was the 56th regular season of the National Football League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">State Farm Stadium</span> Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

State Farm Stadium is a multi-purpose retractable roof stadium in Glendale, Arizona, west of Phoenix. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) and the annual Fiesta Bowl. It replaced Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe as the home of the Cardinals, and is adjacent to Desert Diamond Arena, former home of the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sports in Chicago</span>

Sports in Chicago include many professional sports teams. Chicago is one of eleven U.S. cities to have teams from the five major American professional team sports. Chicago has been named as the "Best Sports City" by Sporting News three times: 1993, 2006, and 2010.

The 2010 NFL season was the 91st regular season of the National Football League (NFL) and the 45th of the Super Bowl era.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bears–Packers rivalry</span> National Football League rivalry

The Bears–Packers rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The two teams have a combined 70 members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, have won a combined 22 NFL championships, and includes five Super Bowl championships. They hold the top two spots for most wins all-time; the Bears had the record from 1921 until 2022, when the Packers took over in a game between the two teams, who were tied at 786 wins going into the game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Chicago Bears season</span> NFL team season

The 2011 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 92nd overall season in the National Football League (NFL), and the 8th under head coach Lovie Smith. The Bears, defending NFC North Division champions, attempted a return to the playoffs after falling in the NFC Championship Game to their arch-rival Green Bay Packers. The club was scheduled to partake in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game but due to the lockout, the game was cancelled. The Bears traveled to Wembley Stadium in London to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL International Series and played the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day evening in the only scheduled game on that day. Despite starting the season with a 7–3 record, the Bears went 1–5 the rest of the way, finishing the season with an 8–8 record and not qualifying for the playoffs. The season would begin somewhat of a lengthy playoff drought for the organization, as they would not return to the playoffs again until 2018.

The National Football League (NFL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) are respectively the most popular professional and amateur football organizations in the United States. The National Football League was founded in 1920 and has since become the largest and most popular sport in the United States. The NFL has the highest average attendance of any sporting league in the world, with an average attendance of 66,960 people per game during the 2011 NFL season. It is played between the champions of the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC), and its winner is awarded the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Though the city currently has no National Football League team, Milwaukee is considered a home market for the Green Bay Packers. The team split its home schedule between Green Bay and Milwaukee from 1933 to 1994, with the majority of the Milwaukee games being played at Milwaukee County Stadium.

References

  1. "Soldier Field". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. "Soldier Field". ESPN.com. January 9, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  3. 1 2 "Stadium History and Timeline". Official website. Soldier Field. 2010. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  4. 1 2 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–" . Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  5. Riess, Steven A. (2005). "Soldier Field". The Electronic Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago Historical Society. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  6. 1 2 3 "After a quick build, showtime in Chicago". SportsBusiness Journal. October 6, 2003. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  7. Hall, Andrew (January 18, 2015). "Report: Annual Blue-Gold Spring Game May Be Moved to Soldier Field". slapthesign.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  8. Ford, Liam T. A. (2009). Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City (1st ed.). Chicago: University Of Chicago Press. p. 91. In 1929 a new stadium was under construction at Notre Dame, and the team played its entire home season at Soldier Field
  9. Ford, Liam T.A. Ford (2009). Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City (1st ed.). Chicago: University Of Chicago Press. p. 236. UIC started playing football at Soldier Field in 1966
  10. Ford, Liam T. A. Ford (2009). Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City (1st ed.). Chicago: University Of Chicago Press. p. 236. their last home game at Soldier Field, on November 3, 1973
  11. 1 2 3 4 Rumore, Kori; Mather, Marianne (October 1, 2021). "Soldier Field: Timeline of events since 1924". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  12. "Start Work On New Municipal Stadium In Grant Park, Chicago". The Christian Science Monitor. August 16, 1922.
  13. "60,000 Voice City's Spirit at Stadium Fete", Chicago Tribune, October 10, 1924, p. 5
  14. 1 2 3 "Historical timeline of Soldier Field". Chicago Bears. 2009. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  15. "110,000 to see game today". Chicago Daily Tribune. November 27, 1926. p. 1.
  16. "Soldier Field", Chicago Architecture Info. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  17. "Truman telss Chicago crowd U.S. must remain strong". Chicago Sunday Tribune. April 7, 1946. p. 10, part 1.
  18. "Closing meeting at Chicago's Soldier Field". Sydney Morning Herald. Australia. (photo). November 25, 1962. p. 64.
  19. Rollow, Cooper (March 14, 1971). "Bears find home; it's Soldier Field". Chicago Tribune. p. 1, part 3.
  20. "Bears sign to play in Soldier Field". Milwaukee Journal. March 14, 1971. p. 21. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  21. "Proposal For Bears To Move To Arlington Heights Has Come Up Over And Over Again, Since Before They Moved To Soldier Field In 1971". WBBM-TV. September 29, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  22. Lugardo, Sara (December 16, 2012). "History of Tailgating in Chicago". WBBM-TV . Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  23. "Bears' games at Soldier Field may be moved". Schenectady Gazette. New York. Associated Press. August 16, 1988. p. 26.
  24. "Grant Park Stadium (Soldier Field) – National Historic Landmarks". National Park Service. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  25. Taylor, Roy (2003). "Soldier Field History". Bearshistory.com. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  26. Martin, Andrew; Ford, Liam; Cohen, Laurie (April 21, 2002). "Bears play, public pays". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  27. Chapman, Steve (September 16, 2003). "No cheers for Chicago's ugly, expensive new stadium". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  28. Barboza, David (June 16, 2003). "Chicago Journal; Soldier Field Renovation Brings Out Boo-Birds". The New York Times . Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  29. 1 2 Sharoff, Robert (November 2002). "Field of Pain". Chicago Magazine .
  30. Kamin, Blair (April 5, 2001). "Soldier field plan: On further Review, the Play Stinks". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  31. Kamin, Blair (June 11, 2001). "The Monstrosity of the Midway; Mr. Mayor: Stop the Madness and Admit That the Lakefront Is No Place for the Bears". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  32. Kamin, Blair (July 11, 2001). "A tale of Hungry Bears and White Elephants". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  33. Barboza, Barboza (June 16, 2003). "Chicago Journal; Soldier Field Renovation Brings Out Boo-Birds". The New York Times .
  34. "Ranking the best and worst NFL stadiums". For The Win. October 16, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  35. Chapman, Steve (September 14, 2003). "A stadium deal that is hard to bear". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  36. Muschamp, Herbert (December 23, 2003). "Architecture: The Highs; The Buildings (and Plans) of the Year". The New York Times . Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  37. Mayer, Larry. "Soldier Field wins prestigious award". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  38. "Soldier Field loses National Historic Landmark status". General Cultural Resources News. eCulturalResources. April 24, 2006. Archived from the original on December 5, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  39. Murray, Jeanne (October 20, 2006). "Leveling the Playing Field". Preservation Magazine. National Trust for Historic Preservation. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  40. "Weekly List of Actions taken on properties: 4/17/06 through 4/21/06". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 28, 2006. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  41. "Soldier Field earns top building honor". Chicago Bears. May 31, 2012. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  42. Mikula, Jeremy (July 9, 2019). "Chicago Fire reach deal with Bridgeview to leave SeatGeek Stadium for $65.5 million". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  43. Alyssa, Bariberi (June 17, 2021). "Bears submit bid to purchase Arlington International Racecourse for potential new stadium". bearswire. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  44. Florio, Mike (September 29, 2021). "Bears announce purchase of property in Arlington Heights". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  45. "Chicago is Ditching Kentucky Bluegrass and Re-Sodding Soldier Field With Bermuda Grass". September 6, 2022.
  46. Karp, Gregory (April 16, 2012). "Soldier Field drops Coke for Dr Pepper Snapple Group". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  47. Kleps, Kevin (August 14, 2018). "Browns to partner with Keurig Dr Pepper on exclusive beverage deal". Crain's Cleveland Business . Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  48. Kirk, Jim (November 12, 2002). "Bears tap Miller in battle for beer nod". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  49. "What fans eat the most at Soldier Field". Crain's Chicago Business . October 29, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  50. Ecker, Danny (May 7, 2013). "Aramark in line for Soldier Field concessions contract". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  51. "1926 Army-Navy Game". Library Archives. United States Naval Academy. November 26, 2001. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  52. "NFC Championship - Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears - January 12th, 1986". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  53. "NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears - January 8th, 1989". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  54. Somogyi, Lou (October 5, 2012). "SOLDIER (FIELD) OF FORTUNE". Blue & Gold Illustrated. University of Notre Dame. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  55. "Soldier Field History: Auto Racing". Fleet Feet Chicago. February 18, 2016. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  56. Hembree, Mike (September 14, 2021). "Believe it or Not, Soldier Field in Chicago Once Hosted a NASCAR Cup Race". Autoweek.
  57. St. Rita to Play Fenwick at Soldier Field (October 23, 2012). "St. Rita to Play Fenwick at Soldier Field — St. Rita of Cascia High School". Stritahs.com. Retrieved April 6, 2020.[ permanent dead link ]
  58. Banks, Paul M. (July 11, 2012). "College Hockey Doubleheader coming to Soldier Field: Hockey City Classic!". ChicagoNow. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 25, 2012.
  59. 1 2 Forman, Ross (January 24, 2015). "CGHA to skate at Soldier Field after Hockey City Classic". Windycitymediagroup.com. Windy City Times . Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  60. "Toews Powers Blackhawks To Snowy 5-1 Win Over Penguins". CBS Chicago. March 1, 2014.
  61. Bradley, Ben (June 16, 2015). "Blackhawks rally tickets to be available Wednesday". Abc7chicago.com. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  62. "Michigan to Play Michigan State Outdoors at Soldier Field in Chicago". Mgoblue.com. August 12, 2014. Archived from the original on September 1, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  63. "Michigan, MSU to play outdoor hockey at Soldier Field". Freep.com. August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  64. "Spartans Fall to Michigan at Soldier Field". Msuspartans.com. February 8, 2015. Archived from the original on February 10, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
  65. "WMU Hockey Comes Up Short at Soldier Field". Westernherald.com. Western Herald. February 8, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  66. "Michigan downs Michigan State, 4–1, in Hockey City Classic at Soldier Field". btn.com. Big Ten Network. February 8, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  67. Sipple, George (February 8, 2015). "Sipple: Hockey City Classic in Chicago full of problems". Freep.com. Detroit Free Press . Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  68. "Saturday, February 7, 2015 Miami (MIA) vs Western Michigan (WMU)". Collegehockeystats.net. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  69. "Michigan 4, Michigan State 1". Uscho.com. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  70. Romano, Sara (February 4, 2015). "PUBLIC SKATING, CHARITY GAME AT SOLDIER FIELD THURSDAY". news.medill.northwestern.edu. Northwestern University. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
  71. Liverpool Hold Off Olympiacos at Soldier Field Archived July 29, 2014, at the Wayback Machine ICC.com July 28, 2014 Retrieved July 28, 2014
  72. "The Beginning of a Worldwide Movement". Special Olympics. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  73. "A Joyful New Movement Gains Momentum". Special Olympics. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  74. "All Blacks: Chicago likely test venue". nzherald.co.nz. NZ Herald News. April 5, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  75. Wise, Chad (June 18, 2014). "More than 30,000 tickets sold for All Blacks matchup at Soldier Field". USA Rugby. Archived from the original on June 24, 2014.
  76. Wise, Chad (November 1, 2014). "All Blacks Showcase World-Class Rugby at Soldier Field". USA Rugby. Archived from the original on January 18, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  77. "2015 Rugby World Cup Pool Matches". Australian Rugby Union. Archived from the original on October 12, 2015. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
  78. Petrie, Richard (November 5, 2016). "Autumn internationals: Ireland 40-29 New Zealand". BBC.
  79. "Top Box Office" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 89, no. 26. July 2, 1977. p. 44. ISSN   0006-2510.
  80. "Top Box Office". Billboard . July 22, 1978. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  81. Scott, John W.; Dolgushkin, Mike; Nixon, Stu. (1999). DeadBase XI: The Complete Guide to Grateful Dead Song Lists. Cornish, New Hampshire: DeadBase. ISBN   1-877657-22-0.
  82. Waddell, Ray (July 4, 2015). "Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Sets Attendance Record at Chicago's Soldier Field", Billboard. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  83. Legaspi, Althea (July 24, 2016). "Rain can't dampen Coldplay party at Soldier Field". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  84. "HOT TICKETS: JUNE 6, 2019". Venues Now. June 6, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  85. "Tour". The Weeknd's Official Website. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  86. "The Weeknd Announces Lineup of Openers to Replace Doja Cat on Stadium Tour". Complex . Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  87. "2022 GLOBAL STADIUM TOUR UPCOMING DATES". redhotchilipeppers.com. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  88. "Soldier Field Concert History". January 5, 2023.
  89. "Year-End Top 300 Concert Grosses" (PDF). Pollstar. 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  90. "Planes Thrill Crowd at Military Show". Chicago Daily Tribune. June 25, 1932.
  91. "1,500 Soldiers Will Move into Loop Wednesday". Chicago Daily Tribune. June 13, 1932.
  92. Laughlin, Kathleen (June 25, 1932). "Amelia Flies to City; Given Noisy Ovation". Chicago Daily Tribune.
  93. "Chicago Fair Opened by Farley; Rays of Arcturus Start Lights". New York Times . May 28, 1933.
  94. O'Donnell Bennett, James (May 28, 1933). "Exposition Starts with Pageant in Soldiers' Field". Chicago Daily Tribune.
  95. Gentry, Guy (October 28, 1944). "700,000 Tickets Out for F.D.R. Rally Tonight". Chicago Daily Tribune.
  96. "Record Crowd Hears President Give Peace Program". Chicago Defender . November 4, 1944.
  97. "Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, "Campaign Address at Soldier Field, Chicago" October 28, 1944". Associated Press.
  98. Edwards, Willard (October 29, 1944). "F.D.R. Promises New Deal No. 2; Dewey Hits at War 'Credit' Claim". Chicago Daily Tribune.
  99. Franklin D. Roosevelt, "Campaign Address at Soldier Field", October 28, 1944
  100. "Postwar Goal: 60 Million Jobs". Los Angeles Times . October 29, 1944.
  101. "Record Crowd In Chicago". Chicago Defender . November 4, 1944.
  102. Kennedy, David M. (1999). Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929–1945 . New York City: Oxford University Press. pp.  767–769, 774–775. ISBN   978-0-19-503834-7.
  103. "Freedom Summer in Chicago: An Anticlimax". Uic.edu. University of Illinois at Chicago Library. Archived from the original on February 27, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  104. Cohen, Adam; Taylor, Elizabeth (2000). American Pharaoh: Mayor Richard J. Daley: His Battle for Chicago and the Nation . Boston: Little, Brown. p. [ page needed ]. ISBN   0-316-83403-3. OCLC   42392137.
  105. Oehmke, Ted (January 6, 2000). "Cell Phones Ruin the Opera? Meet the Culprit". The New York Times. Retrieved May 26, 2009.
  106. "Soldier Field – Building #84001052". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 1984. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  107. "National Register of Historic Places Listings". National Park Service. April 28, 2006. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  108. Noel, Josh; Elejalde-Ruiz, Alexia (July 16, 2006). "Pride, Support, Protest Mark Opening", Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  109. "President Obama throws football at Soldier Field". Chicago Bears. May 21, 2012. Archived from the original on June 19, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  110. "Watch: Penguins visit the home of the Bears". NBC News. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  111. Siege #1
  112. Avengers (vol. 4) #1
  113. "Powers of Ten". Film and description. Organisation Européenne pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN). June 14, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2011. The zoom-out continues, to a view of 100 meters (10^2 m), then 1 kilometer (10^3 m), and so on, increasing the perspective. The picnic is revealed to be taking place near Soldier Field on Chicago's waterfront, and continuing to zoom out to a field of view of 10^24 meters, or the size of the observable universe.
  114. Turan, Kenneth (October 20, 2006). "Movie Review: Flags of Our Fathers". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2010.

Further reading