(12-10-2022 09:16 AM)epasnoopy Wrote: Our athletic department says nothing, sounds about right...
Why would they consider bidding in 2027 when they showed no interest in making a comment when asked about losing the bid?? They clearly don't care.
Doesn't the IHSA require field turf in the stadium to be eligible for hosting the games?
I know I laughed at the idea that they make a team put in a new field with a Illinois state outline on it, but having field turf seems like something realistic they would require.
Plus, if the Bears no longer play in Soldier Field, then that venue loses all of its allure, right?
Heck, I would think the new stadium in Arlington Heights would be a more realistic venue if enough money was put behind a bid to make the IHSA overlook it's location.
And the more I think about it, the more Soldier Field seems unrealistic. While there are plenty of hotels that are in proximity to Soldier Field, the price per room there (plus all other amenities) is way higher than any other location. If the plan is to play there and then expect the teams and fans who are having or wanting to spend a night or two to stay in the suburbs, then why have it at Soldier Field in the first place especially when the most high profile tenant of the place is the Fire? Which...the natural playing surface is the reason StubHub Park is never a consideration as well.
Edit:
Also...doesn't IHSA put an emphasis on an indoor training facility to stage teams and whatnot? That was one of the plusses of both NIU and UofI and what was mentioned as being built at ISU, right? And I think ISU had a fieldhouse right next to the stadium for this purpose as well, if I'm not mistaken.
Other than "Soldier Field", I don't see any reason why that would be a viable location, let alone the frontrunner for the next bid.
Which is why I'm fully accepting that Soldier Field will be the next host of the IHSA State Football Championships. I have no doubts this will happen.