Breaking down each Soldier Field renovation proposal

Option 3: A multi-purpose stadium

Given that the Chicago Bears don’t seem interested in remaining at Soldier Field, this seems like the most likely option for the stadium’s future.

Though it’s worth noting that the Bears are contractually prohibited from pursuing other options as part of their purchase of Arlington Racecourse, it’s seemed for a while that the team has one foot out the door and is ready to move to the suburbs quicker than a middle class family of four.

In option 3, the venue would be renovated to be a smaller-capacity soccer stadium in which the Chicago Fire would be the main tenant with additional events taking place in warm weather months such as concerts.

As seen in the rendering, the playing surface would be raised significantly, seemingly being placed at the bottom of the 200 or 300 level.

This would likely be the most cost-effective option, as the existing structure wouldn’t require much updating other than renovating the lower level under the playing field and making the appropriate modifications to accommodate for the raised playing surface.

Should the Bears terminate their lease early, the team would have to pay $84 million to the City of Chicago. That funding could be used to update Soldier Field to accommodate the Chicago Fire as their main tenant. The Bears can break their lease as soon as 2026.

This option would also be ideal for the Chicago Fire, as they would get a soccer-specific stadium in downtown Chicago.