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SeatGeek Stadium

Coordinates: 41°45′53″N 87°48′22″W / 41.76472°N 87.80611°W / 41.76472; -87.80611
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This article is about the soccer stadium near Chicago, Illinois, formerly known as Toyota Park. For the two soccer stadiums in Texas see Toyota Stadium and Toyota Field. For other uses, see Toyota Park (disambiguation).
SeatGeek Stadium
SeatGeek Stadium (then Toyota Park) in 2013
SeatGeek Stadium is located in Chicago metropolitan area
SeatGeek Stadium
SeatGeek Stadium
Location in the Chicago metro area
SeatGeek Stadium is located in Illinois
SeatGeek Stadium
SeatGeek Stadium
Location in Illinois
SeatGeek Stadium is located in the United States
SeatGeek Stadium
SeatGeek Stadium
Location in the United States
Former namesToyota Park (2006–2018)
Address7000 South Harlem Avenue
LocationBridgeview, Illinois
Coordinates41°45′53″N 87°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 Cougars soccer (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 Lakers soccer (NAIA) (2010–2019)
Chicago Bliss (LFL) (2011–2012, 2015–2017)
Northwestern Wildcats soccer (NCAA DI) (2015)
Chicago House AC (NISA) (2021)

SeatGeek Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, about 12 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. It is the home stadium of the Chicago Red Stars[9] of the National Women's Soccer League, Chicago Fire FC II of MLS Next Pro, and the Chicago Hounds of Major League Rugby. The stadium has also hosted the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer, Chicago Machine of Major League Lacrosse, Chicago Bliss of the Legends Football League, Chicago State Cougars men's and women's soccer teams of the NCAA Division I, and Chicago House AC of the National Independent Soccer Association. Originally Toyota Park when it opened on June 11, 2006, the facility has a capacity of 20,000 and was developed at a cost of around $100 million. The naming rights agreement with SeatGeek went into effect following the Fire's 2018 season.[10][11][2]

History

[edit]

The Chicago Fire entered Major League Soccer as an expansion team in 1998, playing its first four seasons at Soldier Field in Chicago, which they shared with the National Football League (NFL)'s Chicago Bears. Beginning in 2002, the club moved to Cardinal Stadium (now Benedetti–Wehrli Stadium) in Naperville for two seasons while Soldier Field was renovated, leading to calls for a soccer-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, Toyota entered 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 sponsor SeatGeek assumed 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 after Joe Mansueto acquired 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 AC of the NISA announced that they had selected SeatGeek Stadium as their home.[19]

Nevertheless, in 2022, 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, its MLS Next Pro affiliate Chicago Fire FC II is 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 brick facade and 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 by Spectra.[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 States  3–0  Trinidad and Tobago 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification–CONCACAF 11,452
October 11, 2016[22] Mexico  1–0  Panama Friendly 19,017
June 8, 2021 Canada  4–0  Suriname 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification - CONCACAF 0
June 15, 2021 Canada  3–0  Haiti 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 the Portland Timbers. Downtown Chicago is visible on the horizon on the left.

On November 27, 2010, SeatGeek Stadium was the venue for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification match between USA and Italy; USA defeated Italy 1–0 and advanced to the World Cup.[23][24] SeatGeek Stadium was the venue for the 2006 MLS All-Star Game, in which the MLS side defeated Chelsea F.C. 1–0.[25] The stadium also hosted the 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup's final, in which the Chicago Fire defeated the LA Galaxy 3–1.[26]

SeatGeek Stadium hosts annual friendly matches between Chicago Fire and the popular European and Mexican clubs, which in the past included Tottenham 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 the 2014 CONCACAF Women's Championship.

Rugby union

[edit]

SeatGeek Stadium hosted its first international rugby match in 2007, with the United States Eagles losing 6–10 to provincial side Munster.[27] In June 2008 the stadium hosted three matches of the Churchill Cup, including United States vs Canada, England Saxons vs Scotland A, and Ireland Wolfhounds vs Argentina Jaguares. On June 6, 2009, the stadium hosted a 2009 mid-year rugby test series match between United States and Wales in a warmup match for the US in its campaign to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.[28]

Date Winner Score Opponent Competition Attendance Ref.
August 25, 2007 Munster 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

[edit]

SeatGeek Stadium served as the home site for Roosevelt University men's and women's soccer matches from 2010 until 2019, when the team moved their matches to Illinois Institute of Technology's on-campus stadium.[33][34] It was announced in December 2019 that the Chicago Blitz of the Extreme Football League would 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, the Chicago State Cougars men's and women's soccer teams played at the stadium.[37]

Concerts and music festivals

[edit]
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 station B96's annual summer concert, The B96 Pepsi Summer Bash.[40] The Crossroads Guitar Festival was held on July 28, 2007, and again on June 26, 2010.

Concerts

[edit]
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 Shimabukuro and Joe Perry of Aerosmith were special guests.[44]
August 11, 2009 Phish — Late Summer Tour 2009 — —
August 15, 2009 Jimmy Buffett — The Summerzcool Tour — — Ilo Ferreria was 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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Illenium closing out the night on the stadium stage at North Coast Music Festival 2022
Festival grounds at North Coast Music Festival 2022
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

[edit]

Pace operates the #387 SeatGeek Stadium Express nonstop from the Midway Orange Line Station for 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

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Bora, Ryan (April 21, 2018). "SeatGeek Grabs Naming Rights For Chicago MLS Stadium; Promises More 'Live Programming'". pollstar.com. Pollstar. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e Thomas, Ian; Eric, Fisher (April 20, 2018). "SeatGeek lands naming rights to Chicago Fire's stadium". www.bizjournals.com. Chicago Business Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  3. ^ "Toyota Park | Chicago Fire". Archived from the original on 2017-05-23. Retrieved 2017-05-18.
  4. ^ "Fun Within Reach". Toyota Park. Archived from the original on December 30, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  5. ^ "Field of Dreams: Toyota Park has men's soccer whistling bluegrass". DePaulia. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved December 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–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Toyota Park". Iconvenue.com. June 11, 2006. Archived from the original on August 8, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  8. ^ a b "Built for Sports and Showbiz". Sports Business Journal. Street's and Smith's. July 10, 2006. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  9. ^ "Chicago Red Stars to Play 2016 Season at Toyota Park". Chicago Red Stars. Archived from the original on December 13, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "Indebted Chicago Suburb Catches a Break With Naming Rights Deal". Bloomberg.com. 19 April 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
  11. ^ a b Long, Zach (April 19, 2018). "Next season, you'll watch the Chicago Fire at SeatGeek Stadium". Time Out. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  12. ^ Gehring, Stephanie (November 21, 2004). "Stadium work under way". Southtown Star. p. A13. Retrieved May 31, 2019 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  13. ^ Rivera, Guillermo (August 10, 2016). "Fire sale? – at least three groups interested". www.chicagonow.com. Chicago Now. Archived from the original on April 11, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  14. ^ a b Mikula, Jeremy (April 7, 2019). "Fire eye return to Soldier Field". Chicago Tribune. p. 8. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
  15. ^ Santaromita, Dan (April 5, 2019). "Chicago Fire consider stadium lease buyout, return to Soldier Field". Pro Soccer USA. Tribune Publishing. Archived from the original on April 7, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
  16. ^ Mikula, Jeremy; Mahr, Joe (May 8, 2019). "Bridgeview says the Chicago Fire will pay $65 million in a proposed deal to leave SeatGeek Stadium". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
  17. ^ "Chicago Fire reach deal with Bridgeview to leave SeatGeek Stadium for $65.5 million". Chicago Tribune.
  18. ^ @JohnDHalloran (May 9, 2019). "Twitter post" (Tweet) – via Twitter. [dead link‍]
  19. ^ Hanania, Ray (27 January 2021). "Chicago NISA Club names SeatGeek Stadium home". Suburban Chicagoland. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  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 from the original on August 4, 2013.
  22. ^ "Peralta nets winner as Mexico tops Panama". October 11, 2016.
  23. ^ uefa.com. "Italy fall to United States as lineup confirmed". Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  24. ^ FIFA.com. "FIFA USA beat Italy to seal final spot". Retrieved August 3, 2012. [dead link‍]
  25. ^ mlssoccer.com. "MLS All-Star Game 2006". Archived from the original on July 27, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  26. ^ ussoccer.com. "Chicago Fire Defeat L.A. Galaxy, 3–1, to Win Fourth U.S. Open Cup Title". Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  27. ^ "Munster Claim Setanta Challenge Cup". Munster Rugby. 27 August 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  28. ^ bbc.co.uk. "United States 15–48 Wales". Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  29. ^ "Eagles' Wings Clipped By Impressive Munster". Irish Rugby. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  30. ^ "United States of America (10) 10 - 26 (0) Canada (FT)". espnscrum. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  31. ^ Helfgot, Mike (7 June 2009). "USA Rugby no match for Wales". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 11 June 2009. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  32. ^ Clifton, Pat (November 5, 2018). "Eagles Deserve Better Than The Rugby Weekend". www.rugbytoday.com.
  33. ^ "ATHLETIC FACILITIES". rooseveltlakers.com. Roosevelt University. Retrieved June 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.com. Roosevelt University. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  35. ^ "A NEW ERA IN WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT, THE X LEAGUE". extfl.com. Extreme Football League. Retrieved December 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". www.youtube.com. Chicago State Athletics. 15 March 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  38. ^ allaccess.com. "B96 Announces Summer Bash Lineup In Chicago". Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  39. ^ "The Mix – B96 Bash, Selena Gomez and more cool weekend picks". Chicago Sun-Times. 2016-06-23. Retrieved 2022-08-18.
  40. ^ b96.radio.com. "B96 Pepsi SummerBash". Archived from the original on March 17, 2011. Retrieved February 21, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ "DMBAlmanac.com²".
  42. ^ "DMBAlmanac.com²".
  43. ^ Conner, Thomas (May 7, 2009). "Kelly Clarkson, Asher Roth, more at B96 Bash". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on December 8, 2011. Retrieved December 8, 2011.
  44. ^ "Jimmy Buffett Set List – Tuesday, August 8th, 2006 – Indianapolis, IN – Verizon Wireless Music Center". Jimmy Buffett World. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  45. ^ "Saturday, August 15th, 2009 – Bridgeview, IL – Toyota Park". Jimmy Buffett World. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  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 from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  48. ^ pacebus.com. "Toyota Park Express Bus Service". Retrieved August 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. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Toyota Park (Bridgeview).
Preceded by Home of
Chicago Fire FC
2006–2019 		Succeeded by
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