Getting the somewhat ridiculous One Central development next to Soldier Field seems like a necessary step to getting that built, though the NIBYism in the South Loop related to that project from people who might lose their lake views has been downright hilarious.
So, what the hell are they going to do with SeatGeek now that the Fire are leaving the place? The Red Stars are still going to be there, but that ain't much help. Attendance isn't pretty for league women's soccer with only a few 14K draws to balance out the abysmal 3K or less average otherwise. What about the USL Chicago project? Obviously with Ricketts out of the picture, would someone else be interested in keeping the project alive? Naturally, nobody's gonna miss the place, but it'd be a shame to see it go to waste.
a friend of mine just commented that if arlington park does in fact close down at the end of this summer, it would be a great location for a fire stadium. lots of parking, right next to highways and train station, downtown area right down the street, and an area large enough for a stadium, training facilities, etc. without having to tear down additional buildings in the area. would really piss off the south side fans, though... also, not in the city.
If you think the whiners in the city who don't have cars complain about how far bridgeview is wait until the fire move to Arlington heights.
Its a relief. I dont have to look to Crain's Chicago Business for my favorite Fire stories anymore. I can start looking for stories about DP attacking midfielders now.
Wasn't next to Arlington Park one of the original options back in 2003? I know it did not make the "final" three (Bridgeview, staying at Soldier Field, and, I think Hoffman Estates). My choice would be either next two, or, better yet, immediately accross the Dan Ryan from the White Sox. Lots of space, lots of parking, four el stops from downtown, adjacent to the expressway, five minutes from Lake Shore Drive, great visibility, could help further the revitalization of the area. Michael Reese would be second (less accessible, but could squeeze in "sky shots" including the lake front). That would help quite a bit, but not enough.
How about by to Soldiers Field? Northerly Island? https://www.google.com/maps/place/S...c99cebaff8029c!8m2!3d41.8623132!4d-87.6166884 Edit: I don't know when those pictures were taken, but looks like they are doing something on the site. Maybe a SSS for us?
You make cry, even suggesting that. It would likely be the most beautiful stadium location in the world. Build the stadium and build a festival site next to it (like Henry Maier Festival Park/Pabst Pavilion in Milwaukee). Screw "Taste of Chicago" bring back ChicagoFest (modeled on the great Summer Fest in Milwaukee). Add ethnic festivals, music festivals and related events. We would have one of the great sports and festival locations in America. Scheduling around the festivals and the Bears would be tricky but doable. Put in light rail from Roosevelt "El" to the Museum Campus/Soldier Field, and Northerly Island and Chicago would have one of the great Entertainment/sports/festival districts in America. By the way, I have advocated for this since the day ole' Richie Daley took some earth moving equipment to the runways at Meigs Field. Call it Daley Park or some such nonsense. Hell, call it Meigs Field again, just to piss him off.
Does CHA actually own the land anymore? I did a quick PIN search for about 10 properties on the block I proposed and none listed the owner. How about this in swap? https://chicago.curbed.com/2016/4/5/11369638/lincoln-park-massive-modern-mansion https://www.chicagoarchitecture.org...22-million-mansueto-mansion-off-lincoln-park/
Northerly Island as a park is nice, but feels like it could be better as much as I hate taking away public green space, I dig xtomx's plan don't know if the fact that it has to be public land changes the calculation, but a replacement of Huntington Bank Pavilion with a soccer stadium/concert venue would be sweet would require a good bit of infrastructure upgrades to make it work
Agreed, but there is so much new public green space around Soldier Field. I was there last month and it is really nice. "Make no Little Plans" That used to mean something in Chicago. Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and our grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty. -Daniel Burnham
I believe I suggested it. and there is plenty of land south of the pavilion to fit a SSS, that is if they still want to keep the pavilion. and and xtomx said, yes it would be one of the best beautiful stadium locations in the world.
speaking of Burnham and the lakefront... curious how the hypothetical would shake out after the Lucas Museum stuff could probably make a better case for public benefit with the right concessions, but still an uphill climb
All this talk of Northerly Island is so short sighted and small minded. Burnham’s Plan called for I believe FIVE islands. The city hasn’t finished his plan yet. Keep the current green space and improve it but add a new island that allows us to have a stadium and even MORE new green space for the city. Another island with access to an unlimited amount of fresh water? Make an island with 1000 fountains in and around the stadium. It could be one of the new wonders of the world.
I also remember this: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/burnham-daniel-park Either works for a stadium.