Wikipedia

SeatGeek Stadium

This article is about the soccer stadium near Chicago, Illinois, formerly known as Toyota Park. For the two soccer stadiums in Texas seeToyota StadiumandToyota Field.For other uses, seeToyota Park (disambiguation).

SeatGeek Stadiumis asoccer-specific stadiuminBridgeview, Illinois,about 12 miles southwest of downtownChicago.It is the home stadium of theChicago Red Stars[9]of theNational Women's Soccer League,Chicago Fire FC IIofMLS Next Pro,and theChicago HoundsofMajor League Rugby.The stadium has also hosted theChicago FireofMajor League Soccer,Chicago MachineofMajor League Lacrosse,Chicago Blissof theLegends Football League,Chicago State Cougarsmen'sand women's soccer teams of theNCAA Division I,andChicago House ACof theNational Independent Soccer Association.OriginallyToyota Parkwhen it opened on June 11, 2006, the facility has a capacity of 20,000 and was developed at a cost of around $100 million. Thenaming rightsagreement withSeatGeekwent into effect following the Fire's2018 season.[10][11][2]

SeatGeek Stadium
SeatGeek Stadium (then Toyota Park) in 2013
SeatGeek Stadium is located in Chicago metropolitan area
SeatGeek Stadium
SeatGeek Stadium
Location in theChicago metro area
SeatGeek Stadium is located in Illinois
SeatGeek Stadium
SeatGeek Stadium
Location inIllinois
SeatGeek Stadium is located in the United States
SeatGeek Stadium
SeatGeek Stadium
Location in theUnited States
Former namesToyota Park (2006–2018)
Address7000 SouthHarlem Avenue
LocationBridgeview, Illinois
Coordinates41°45′53″N87°48′22″W/ 41.76472°N 87.80611°W/41.76472; -87.80611
OwnerVillage of Bridgeview
OperatorSpectra[1][2]
CapacitySoccer:20,000[3][4]
Concerts:28,000
Field size120 x 75 yards
SurfaceKentucky Bluegrass[5]
Construction
Broke groundNovember 30, 2004;20 years ago(2004-11-30)
OpenedJune 11, 2006;18 years ago(2006-06-11)
Construction cost$98 million
($148 million in 2023 dollars[6])
ArchitectRossetti Architects
Project managerICON Venue Group[7]
Structural engineerJohn A. Martin & Associates[8]
Services engineerA. Epstein & Sons International[8]
General contractorTurner Construction[7] Harbour Contractors
Tenants
Chicago Red Stars(WPS,NWSL) (2009–2010, 2016–present)
Chicago State Cougarssoccer (NCAA DI) (2021)
Chicago Fire FC II(MLS Next Pro) (2022–present)
Chicago Hounds(MLR) (2023–present)
Chicago Fire(MLS) (2006–2019)
Chicago Machine(MLL) (2007–2009)
Roosevelt Lakerssoccer (NAIA) (2010–2019)
Chicago Bliss(LFL) (2011–2012, 2015–2017)
Northwestern Wildcatssoccer (NCAA DI) (2015)
Chicago House AC(NISA) (2021)

History

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The Chicago Fire entered Major League Soccer as anexpansion teamin 1998, playing its first four seasons atSoldier Fieldin Chicago, which they shared with theNational Football League(NFL)'sChicago Bears.Beginning in 2002, the club moved to Cardinal Stadium (nowBenedetti–Wehrli Stadium) inNapervillefor two seasons while Soldier Field was renovated, leading to calls for asoccer-specific venue.The Fire received several bids before announcing Bridgeview as the winner in 2003. Construction on the Bridgeview venue began on November 30, 2004,[12]and was completed on June 11, 2006.[citation needed]

Naming rights

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In 2006,Toyotaentered into a ten-year naming rights agreement and renamed the new stadium Toyota Park.[2]In 2016, it was reported that Toyota had opted against renewing their naming rights.[13]Despite this, the stadium continued to be known as Toyota Park through the 2018 season. Afterwards, new sponsorSeatGeekassumed stadium naming rights starting with the 2019 Fire season.[10]

The naming rights agreement signed in 2018 was the first such agreement SeatGeek entered into.[1][2]It was reported that as part of the deal, SeatGeek would also serve as the venue's primary ticketing service starting in 2019.[1]The company reportedly promised that they would work to "bring more live programming, including premier concerts, music festivals and international sporting events" to the stadium.[1][11]

Future

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The Fire and Bridgeview began negotiating a re-evaluation of the stadium lease in 2018, shortly afterJoe Mansuetoacquired his stake in the team.[14]In early April 2019, several media reports emerged about a potential contract buyout that would allow the Fire to move back to Chicago, playing temporarily at Soldier Field once again.[14][15]On May 8, 2019, Fire president Nelson Rodriguez confirmed that the team was negotiating a tentative deal with the village to terminate their lease, which was slated to run through 2036, at an estimated cost of $65 million.[16]The terms of the deal were confirmed on July 9, 2019. In consideration for releasing the Fire and MLS from the lease, the Fire will put money toward a "multisport recreation and entertainment center" at the site.[17]The Red Stars have no plans to move.[18]On January 27, 2021,Chicago House ACof theNISAannounced that they had selected SeatGeek Stadium as their home.[19]

Nevertheless, in2022,because of Soldier Field availability, the Fire played late-season matches at the stadium and may still play other matches there in future seasons while it solves its Chicago stadium situation. Moreover, itsMLS Next ProaffiliateChicago Fire FC IIis based out of Bridgeview.

Design

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Incorporating traditional stadium features from American and European facilities, SeatGeek Stadium includes predominantly covered seating, a brickfacadeand stone entry archway, and first rows placed fewer than three yards from the field. It includes 42 executive suites, six larger party suites, the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame, and the Fire club offices, as well as a large stadium club/banquet room measuring over 9,000 square feet (840 m2).

A practice facility with two fields (one natural grass; the other artificial turf) for the Fire club and its youth programs lies next to the stadium. The stadium's design allows expansion of 50% more seating at negligible expense. Its 120-by-75-yard (110 by 69 m) natural grass field's $1.7 million turf management system comprises full heating, drainage, and aeration capabilities.

A permanent stage allows the stadium to host concerts and quickly change configurations. A typical conversion from soccer to stage takes no more than 18 hours. The field accommodates 8,000 additional chairback seats for concerts and other stage events. SeatGeek Stadium is currently operated bySpectra.[1][2]

In July 2016, two large-scale murals were designed and painted by artist Tony Passero on the east and west walls of the stadium's stage suites. The murals measure 14 feet high by 27 feet in length, and are named "Offense" and "Defense".[20]

Major soccer events

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Date Teams Competition Attendance
September 10, 2008[21] United States3–0Trinidad and Tobago 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification–CONCACAF 11,452
October 11, 2016[22] Mexico1–0Panama Friendly 19,017
June 8, 2021 Canada4–0Suriname 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification - CONCACAF 0
June 15, 2021 Canada3–0Haiti 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification - CONCACAF 0
Panoramic view of SeatGeek Stadium (then Toyota Park) on June 8, 2013, during a regular season match between the Chicago Fire and thePortland Timbers.DowntownChicagois visible on the horizon on the left.

On November 27, 2010, SeatGeek Stadium was the venue for the2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification matchbetweenUSAandItaly;USA defeated Italy 1–0 and advanced to theWorld Cup.[23][24]SeatGeek Stadium was the venue for the2006 MLS All-Star Game,in which the MLS side defeatedChelsea F.C.1–0.[25]The stadium also hosted the2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup's final, in which the Chicago Fire defeated theLA Galaxy3–1.[26]

SeatGeek Stadium hosts annual friendly matches between Chicago Fire and the popular European and Mexican clubs, which in the past includedTottenham Hotspur F.C.,A.C. Milan,Everton,C.D. Guadalajara,Club America,Santos Laguna,and others. SeatGeek Stadium hosted four matches during the group stage of the2014 CONCACAF Women's Championship.

Rugby union

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SeatGeek Stadium hosted its first international rugby match in 2007, with theUnited States Eagleslosing 6–10 to provincial sideMunster.[27]In June 2008 the stadium hosted three matches of theChurchill Cup,includingUnited StatesvsCanada,England SaxonsvsScotland A,andIreland WolfhoundsvsArgentina Jaguares.On June 6, 2009, the stadium hosted a2009 mid-year rugby test seriesmatch betweenUnited StatesandWalesin a warmup match for the US in its campaign to qualify for the2011 Rugby World Cup.[28]

Date Winner Score Opponent Competition Attendance Ref.
August 25, 2007 Munster 26–10 United States 2007 Setanta Challenge Cup 8,260 [29]
June 21, 2008 Canada 26–10 United States 2008 Churchill Cup Bowl Final — [30]
Ireland A 33–8 Argentinian XV 2008 Churchill Cup Plate Final —
England Saxons 36–19 Scotland A 2008 Churchill Cup Final —
June 13, 2009 Wales 48–15 United States June tests 6,264 [31]
November 4, 2016 Māori All Blacks 54–7 United States end-of-year tests 18,700 [32]
July 5, 2024 Romania United States mid-year tests

Other sports events

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SeatGeek Stadium served as the home site forRoosevelt Universitymen's and women's soccer matches from 2010 until 2019, when the team moved their matches toIllinois Institute of Technology's on-campus stadium.[33][34]It was announced in December 2019 that the Chicago Blitz of theExtreme Football Leaguewould play their inaugural season at SeatGeek Stadium.[35]

The first college football game at the stadium took place on September 7, 2013, between DIII schools John Carroll and Saint Norbert, a game which John Carroll won 41–0.[36]

For their 2021 season, theChicago State Cougarsmen'sand women's soccer teams played at the stadium.[37]

Concerts and music festivals

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The concert stage at SeatGeek Stadium, as seen during the 2010 B96 Pepsi Summer Bash

From 2006[38]to 2015,[39]SeatGeek Stadium has been the host venue for Chicago radio stationB96's annual summer concert, TheB96 Pepsi Summer Bash.[40]TheCrossroads Guitar Festivalwas held on July 28, 2007, and again on June 26, 2010.

Concerts

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Date Artist(s) Opening act(s) Tour Tickets sold Revenue Additional notes
July 8, 2007 Dave Matthews Band Guster 2007 Summer Tour — — [41]
June 6, 2008 Dave Matthews Band Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings 2008 Summer Tour — — [42]
July 24, 2008 Jimmy Buffett — The Year of Still Here Tour — —
July 26, 2008
June 13, 2009 Kelly Clarkson — All I Ever Wanted Summer Fair Tour — — This concert was a part of the "B96 Pepsi SummerBash"[43]
July 31, 2009 Korn Powerman 5000
Filter		 Escape from the Studio Tour — —
August 8, 2009 Jimmy Buffett — The Summerzcool Tour — — Ilo Ferreria,Jake ShimabukuroandJoe PerryofAerosmithwere special guests.[44]
August 11, 2009 Phish — Late Summer Tour 2009 — —
August 15, 2009 Jimmy Buffett — The Summerzcool Tour — — Ilo Ferreriawas the special guest. This show featured a unique medley of "Tryin’ to Reason with Hurricane Season" with a verse of "Banana Republics" in the middle before going back to "Tryin’ to Reason with Hurricane Season."[45]
June 11, 2010 Phish — Early Summer Tour 2010 — —
August 14, 2010 Jimmy Buffett — Under the Big Top Tour — —
June 9, 2011 Kenny Chesney Billy Currington
Uncle Kracker		 Goin' Coastal Tour — —
July 23, 2011 Jimmy Buffett Ilo Ferreira Welcome to Fin Land Tour — — This show was plagued by many technical issues before the power finally went out after Fins. Jimmy performed the first encore while they waited for power to be restored. Once restored, the band came back for the second encore.[46]
August 26, 2012 Evanescence
Chevelle
Halestorm
Cavo
New Medicine		 — Carnival of Madness — — [47]
July 12, 2013 Bob Dylan Wilco
My Morning Jacket
Richard Thompson Electric Trio		 Americanarama Festival of Music 11,075 / 13,068 $689,308
July 14, 2017 Kiss — Kissworld Tour — — This concert was part of Chicago Open Air.

Music festivals

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Illeniumclosing out the night on the stadium stage atNorth Coast Music Festival2022
Festival grounds atNorth Coast Music Festival2022
Festival Dates Headliner(s)
Chicago Open Air July 14–17, 2016 Rammstein
Disturbed (band)
Slipknot (band)
Chicago Open Air July 14–16, 2017 Kiss (band)
Korn
Ozzy Osbourne
Chicago Open Air May 18–19, 2019 System of a Down
Tool (band)
North Coast Music Festival September 3–5, 2021 Kaskade
Louis the Child (DJs)
GRiZ
Ganja White Night
Zeds Dead
Rezz
North Coast Music Festival September 2–4, 2022 Armin van Buuren
Fisher (musician)
Illenium
Diplo
Porter Robinson
Kaytranada
The Summer Smash June 24–27, 2023 Kid Cudi
Future
Playboi Carti

Accessibility

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Paceoperates the #387 SeatGeek Stadium Express nonstop from theMidway Orange Line Stationfor Chicago Fire matches and special events.[48]A $2.475 million transit center operated by Pace was constructed at the east end of the stadium's parking lot in 2014.[49][50]

The Fire had also provided bus transportation from nine different bar locations in the city to and from the games.[51]However upon moving back to Soldier Field that service is no longer offered for SeakGeek Stadium.

See also

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References

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  1. ^abcdeBora, Ryan (April 21, 2018)."SeatGeek Grabs Naming Rights For Chicago MLS Stadium; Promises More 'Live Programming'".pollstar.Pollstar.RetrievedMay 5,2018.
  2. ^abcdeThomas, Ian; Eric, Fisher (April 20, 2018)."SeatGeek lands naming rights to Chicago Fire's stadium".bizjournals.Chicago Business Journal.RetrievedMay 5,2018.
  3. ^"Toyota Park | Chicago Fire".Archived fromthe originalon 2017-05-23.Retrieved2017-05-18.
  4. ^"Fun Within Reach".Toyota Park. Archived fromthe originalon December 30, 2018.RetrievedDecember 10,2015.
  5. ^"Field of Dreams: Toyota Park has men's soccer whistling bluegrass".DePaulia. Archived fromthe originalon December 21, 2016.RetrievedDecember 21,2016.
  6. ^1634–1699:McCusker, J. J.(1997).How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda(PDF).American Antiquarian Society.1700–1799:McCusker, J. J.(1992).How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States(PDF).American Antiquarian Society.1800–present:Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis."Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–".RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
  7. ^ab"Toyota Park".Iconvenue. June 11, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon August 8, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 9,2012.
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  9. ^"Chicago Red Stars to Play 2016 Season at Toyota Park".Chicago Red Stars. Archived fromthe originalon December 13, 2015.RetrievedDecember 10,2015.
  10. ^ab"Indebted Chicago Suburb Catches a Break With Naming Rights Deal".Bloomberg.19 April 2018.RetrievedApril 19,2018.
  11. ^abLong, Zach (April 19, 2018)."Next season, you'll watch the Chicago Fire at SeatGeek Stadium".Time Out.RetrievedMay 5,2018.
  12. ^Gehring, Stephanie (November 21, 2004)."Stadium work under way".Southtown Star.p. A13.RetrievedMay 31,2019– via Newspapers.
  13. ^Rivera, Guillermo (August 10, 2016)."Fire sale? – at least three groups interested".chicagonow.Chicago Now. Archived fromthe originalon April 11, 2019.RetrievedMay 5,2018.
  14. ^abMikula, Jeremy (April 7, 2019)."Fire eye return to Soldier Field".Chicago Tribune.p. 8.RetrievedMay 31,2019.
  15. ^Santaromita, Dan (April 5, 2019)."Chicago Fire consider stadium lease buyout, return to Soldier Field".Pro Soccer USA.Tribune Publishing.Archived fromthe originalon April 7, 2019.RetrievedMay 31,2019.
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  19. ^Hanania, Ray (27 January 2021)."Chicago NISA Club names SeatGeek Stadium home".Suburban Chicagoland.Retrieved27 January2021.
  20. ^"Mural installation brings abstract perspective to Chicago Fire matchday".Chicago Fire. September 26, 2016.
  21. ^"USA vs Trinidad and Tobago".September 10, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon August 4, 2013.
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  23. ^uefa."Italy fall to United States as lineup confirmed".RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
  24. ^FIFA."FIFA USA beat Italy to seal final spot".RetrievedAugust 3,2012.[dead link‍]
  25. ^mlssoccer."MLS All-Star Game 2006".Archived fromthe originalon July 27, 2012.RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
  26. ^ussoccer."Chicago Fire Defeat L.A. Galaxy, 3–1, to Win Fourth U.S. Open Cup Title".Archived fromthe originalon July 20, 2012.RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
  27. ^"Munster Claim Setanta Challenge Cup".Munster Rugby.27 August 2007.Retrieved25 August2021.
  28. ^bbc.co.uk."United States 15–48 Wales".RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
  29. ^"Eagles' Wings Clipped By Impressive Munster".Irish Rugby.Retrieved17 November2022.
  30. ^"United States of America (10) 10 - 26 (0) Canada (FT)".espnscrum.Retrieved29 February2024.
  31. ^Helfgot, Mike (7 June 2009)."USA Rugby no match for Wales".Chicago Tribune.Archivedfrom the original on 11 June 2009.Retrieved11 June2009.
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  33. ^"ATHLETIC FACILITIES".rooseveltlakers.Roosevelt University.RetrievedJune 14,2015.Men's and Women's Soccer Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL
  34. ^Basic, Adnan."Women's soccer look to build despite challenging start to the season".rutorch.Roosevelt University.RetrievedMay 22,2020.
  35. ^"A NEW ERA IN WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT, THE X LEAGUE".extfl.Extreme Football League.RetrievedDecember 31,2019.
  36. ^"John Carroll 41, St. Norbert 0".7 September 2013.{{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal=(help)
  37. ^"Chicago State Soccer at SeatGeek Stadium".youtube.Chicago State Athletics. 15 March 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 2021-12-21.Retrieved5 May2021.
  38. ^allaccess."B96 Announces Summer Bash Lineup In Chicago".RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
  39. ^"The Mix – B96 Bash, Selena Gomez and more cool weekend picks".Chicago Sun-Times.2016-06-23.Retrieved2022-08-18.
  40. ^b96.radio."B96 Pepsi SummerBash".Archived fromthe originalon March 17, 2011.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  41. ^"DMBAlmanac ²".
  42. ^"DMBAlmanac ²".
  43. ^Conner, Thomas (May 7, 2009)."Kelly Clarkson, Asher Roth, more at B96 Bash".Chicago Sun-Times.Archived fromthe originalon December 8, 2011.RetrievedDecember 8,2011.
  44. ^"Jimmy Buffett Set List – Tuesday, August 8th, 2006 – Indianapolis, IN – Verizon Wireless Music Center".Jimmy Buffett World.Retrieved18 May2023.
  45. ^"Saturday, August 15th, 2009 – Bridgeview, IL – Toyota Park".Jimmy Buffett World.Retrieved18 May2023.
  46. ^"Jimmy Buffett Set List – Bridgeview, IL – 7/23/11".Jimmy Buffett World.
  47. ^Soref, Dave."Evanescence, Chevelle head up Carnival of Madness 2012 tour".Sound Spike Media LLC. Archived fromthe originalon 2 October 2012.Retrieved16 June2013.
  48. ^pacebus."Toyota Park Express Bus Service".RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
  49. ^"Pace selects Toyota Park for new transit center"(PDF).October 2013.
  50. ^"Lipinski announces construction of new transit center at Toyota Park".November 12, 2013.
  51. ^"2016 Chicago Fire Pub To Pitch Bus Schedule".Chicago Fire.RetrievedJune 28,2016.
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