Past, Present & Future

Under the direction of Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Park District officials, the renovation of Soldier Field was completed in 2003.  Since its re-opening, Soldier Field and the surrounding parkland have hosted thousands of events.  Corporate activities from meetings, tradeshows and receptions to black-tie events have been held in the stadium's unique hospitality area.  Festivals, charitable events, weddings and birthday parties have also taken place at the stadium.  International soccer events contiune to call Soldier Field home highlighted by the U.S. Men's and Women's National Teams, Real Madrid, Manchester United, the 2007 Gold Cup Final and 2009 Gold Cup Semifinals.  The city's annual Prep Bowl, the Chicago Classic and Northern Illinois University football have also played on the natural grass of Soldier Field.  The Chicago Bears have performed well in their new home and capped off their 2006 season by winning the NFC Championship game to advance to the Super Bowl. 

The public has enjoyed events such as The Rolling Stones, U2, Kenny Chesney and Bon Jovi concerts, American Idol auditions, the 2006 International Gay Games Opening Ceremonies, US Snowboarding competition, Avon Breast Cancer Walk, Soldier Field 10 Mile Race, Spring Egg-Stravaganza, Drift Car Racing Championships and many more!  

As we enter a new era with a focus on a global community and a consciencious effort to safeguard our environment, it is the responsibility of the Soldier Field family and its patrons to decrease the impact of the stadium on its environment through reusing and recycling materials whenever possible.  SMG and Soldier Field have implemented many opportunities that allow everyone to decrease the negative environmental impact of the Soldier Field complex including the following:

• Reuse of all materials removed from the playing field during re-sodding
• Recycling of all aluminum with Soldier Field's 30-yard aluminum compactor
• Recycling of all cardboard with Soldier Field's cardboard bailer
• Recycling of all delivery pallets
• Recycling of all plastic bottles in a 30-yard open-top dumpster on event days and special plastic pick-ups on non-event days
• Recycling of office paper
• Recycling of glass
• Recycling of all light bulbs and batteries
• Recycling of all lost cell phones and eye glasses
• Recycling of all toner cartridges from office printers and fax machines

Education is fostered by SMG's partnership with Soldier Field's primary tenant, the Chicago Bears, through public service announcements and appearances.  Only by educating and offering opportunities for staff and patrons to reduce, reuse and recycle while visiting the stadium and parkland can we make a more positive impact on our community.  Soldier Field is being recognized as a leader in this effort in the United States and around the globe.