One of the most storied cities in sports has to be Chicago. The entire range of emotions is inspired by Windy City teams, from the ridiculous (the curse of the Cubs) to the sublime (Michael Jordan). There were the Black Sox of 1919; there was Gale Sayers, boasting perhaps football’s finest highlight reel of all time. For a hundred years, there have been agony and ecstasy by Lake Michigan, generations of screaming fans whose loyalties have divided neighborhoods, even families. If you have ever rooted for Chicago, you know what it is to be truly human.
While the teams have inspired curses, prayers and shouts of exultation, the city’s sports arenas are themselves storied, the stuff of legend, of poetry. Just ask Bob Costas — he could go on for days. Yet, even an analyst’s long-windedness could be excused if the subject is Wrigley Field — the most hoary diamond this side of the Green Monster. And then there is Soldier Field.
Each autumn, for the last 75 years or so, the Chicago Bears have called Soldier Field home. As with Wrigley, this is one of the sport’s most legendary, most aged fields. There is an aura here that you won’t find in a dome.
If you’re picturing creaky, wooden benches, however, think again — Soldier Field has been retrofitted. On September 27, 2003, the new Soldier Field was unveiled. While the legendary architectural columns are still there, the updated stadium now boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including luxury boxes. The $600-million improvements also include better sightlines and an incredible Stadium Club. There are also video boards and creature comforts, such as improved concession areas. There is even a new Sledding Hill, located to the southeast of the stadium, a 33-foot landscaping marvel that boasts beautiful lake views and vistas of the city. The 220-foot slope offers winter entertainment — and if there isn’t enough snow to get your sled moving, never fear, they’ve got snowmaking equipment to make it all perfect.
Soldier Field is also home to another windy city football team — actually, a futbol team. The MLS Chicago Fire is celebrating its tenth season at Soldier Field, bringing the world’s most popular sport to this sports-crazed city. From October through May, the Fire is blazing.
Meanwhile, the NFL Bears boast a new look to go with the new stadium. Led by quarterback Kordell Stewart, the Bears continue to look toward the future. Stewart has a tradition to live up to — the spirits of legends such as Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka and Walter Payton roam throughout Soldier Field, and they come out every Sunday from September through the end of the year. But you probably can’t hear them, because of all those diehard fans chanting Chicago’s favorite cry: ‘Da Bears!
(Published in Chicago magazine)
Photo courtesy of Mulad