CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - In what appears to be a last-ditch attempt to keep the at Soldier Field, Mayor Lightfoot reportedly is looking into building a domed roof over Soldier Field.
Crain’s Chicago Business says a mayoral committee is expected to recommend that the city “explore the feasibility” of adding a dome to Soldier Field. A draft of the Lakefront Museum Campus Working Group’s report was obtained by Crain’s, and it suggests that taxpayers would probably have to assist in the funding of the project.
Sources told Crain’s the cost could range from $400 million to $1.5 billion. The committee’s report could be made public as early as Thursday, Crain’s said.
Lightfoot demurred Wednesday when asked about the news story, other than to suggest the modification would be part of a broader lakefront overhaul.
“This isn’t just about Soldier Field, it’s not just about the Bears. It’s about how do we maximize the visitor experience in our iconic lakefront from the Shedd Aquarium, if you will, down to McCormick Place," she said.
The committee draft, according to Crain’s, proposes creating the world’s largest “Kris Kringle Market” on the campus as well as moving the Northerly Island concert venue next to Soldier Field.
A spokesman for the Bears told Crain’s the franchise has not had any recent conversations with the mayor’s office about a Soldier Field roof or other improvements.
The official said the Bears are focussing their efforts in closing the purchase deal they made last September for the former Arlington racetrack property in Arlington Heights. The team’s lease at Soldier Field expires at 2033, but it is believed that the Bears would try to get out the lease sooner.
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