 SMG has managed Soldier Field, home turf of the Chicago Bears—since 1994 and was at the helm during stadium’s major renovation in 2003. Now, the leading U.S. venue management company has not only been named the successful bidder for a multi-year management contract to continue its Soldier Field operations, but has entered into a partnership with the nation’s third largest independent concert promoter, C3 Presents, to attract more unique events to Soldier Field.
The Chicago Park District , which owns the facility, recommended SMG to its Board of Commissioners after issuing a request for proposals late last year. The Board unanimously approved the award at its monthly meeting in February. 
"SMG takes great pride in being given an opportunity to continue a great partnership with the Chicago Park  District," said Wes Westley, President/CEO SMG. "We are proud of our success. More importantly, we are very enthusiastic about the future. We will work hard every day, as we do at every venue we operate, to run a world-class stadium while also providing results-driven management at the best possible value."
Since opening in 2003, the new Soldier Field has been host to more than 1,300 events in the last five years.  Those include major concert events, international sporting events, community and charity runs and private family and business affairs. Soldier Field also includes the Cadillac Club a 47,000-square-foot meeting and events space that can host events for up to 5,000 people, which is also covered by the SMG contract.
The non-exclusive agreement with C3 Presents will allow the nation’s largest facilities management company and the nation’s third largest independent promoter to team up to bring more events to Chicago’s Soldier Field. The  partnership, however, does not limit SMG’s ability to host events at Soldier Field through other promoters.
"Our partnership with SMG in Chicago is an exciting one. We are looking forward to working with SMG and the Chicago Park District to bring new events to Soldier Field and to Chicago," said Charlie Jones, partner, C3 Presents. | 
