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Originally Posted by the urban politician
The bigger question is, what will happen to Soldier Field?
How will the cost of its maintenance be supported?
Sure you can have big concerts, etc but ultimately not having the Bears is a tremendous financial loss.
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I will quote myself from an earlier post:
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As for Soldier Field, the city can target unique NCaa games like an annual rivalry matchup with the HBC (historically black colleges). Call it the Walter Payton Bowl
(Jackson State). And bring in an annual Army, Navy or Air Force match up as the home team against a regional foe like Western Michigan or Iowa State. Also an annual
Northwestern game, U of I game, Northern ILL. game. Just being realistic that Notre Dame will never give up a home date in an 80000+ stadium for 62000 Soldier Field game.
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Laser targeting of select NCAA games allows visiting teams to capitalize on SF unique attributes, like the lakefront, skyline, Alumni base and major media draws, cultural institutions and more. Major NCAA team are not going to forgoe their home games for a smaller draw. Notre Dame could already play at SF if they desired, but they do not. So target teams that will not be dismayed by the capacity issue. But will be attracted to expanding their brand into Chicagoland and the upper Midwest region. SF may not sell out but if 30K fans from 2 different colleges attend then it is still a win. And more hotels rooms would be sold than any current Bears games since Chicago home fans do not need overnight stays.
I disagree with Steely that SF needs any reno for soccer. I have attended 3 games this year and it is an excellent venue for viewing the sport. But if dismantling skyboxes and upper decks returns the colonnade's to prominence and still allows for 40K seats then fine. The games I have in mind would still be feasible.