Through a public and private partnership Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears, underwent a complete renovation in 2002. The original stadium opened in October 1924 as Municipal Grant Park Stadium and was renamed in 1925. The recent overhaul was part of Chicago's--and Daley's--efforts to improve the quality of life and restore the lakefront. "Soldier Field is a good example of how a major city can build a major project to improve the quality of life," Daley said.

Built in the 1920s, Soldier Field became home to the Bears in 1971; however, according to Daley, the stadium was not built for football--for example, the majority of seats were in the end zones. He added that everyone in Chicago agreed the city needed a new stadium and in 2000 the Lakefront Revitalization Project was proposed. "Soldier Field became part of a much larger plan to redevelop the lakefront," Daley explained. The $606-million renovation brought along an additional 5,000 jobs and the stadium became a landmark along the lakefront with other public and cultural sites--including the recently unveiled Millennium Park. "It's more than just a stadium; it is the redevelopment of the lakefront," he added.

In addition to the lakefront revitalization, the city saw economic development in surrounding areas, with development of new townhomes and conversion of older buildings. "As a result, the Downtown lakefront has become a magnet for residents and businesses," Daley said.

Local and state officials hope that will happen here with the New York Sports and Convention Center, proposed to rise on the West Side next to the Javits Convention Center. "The stadium in Downtown Chicago shows this can work and the two can co-exist," said William Rudin, chairman of ABNY.

State Sen. Malcolm A. Smith (14th District) favors the proposed development and believes the benefits of the stadium--which is a central part of the city's bid for the 2012 Olympics--outweigh the negatives. However, he said transportation and access concerns are premium issues.

Instant Insights /

Chicago Mayor: City-Stadium Relationship Works

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