Though Soldier Field has been around since 1924, known in its first two years as “Municipal Grant Park Stadium,” the Chicago Bears didn’t make the grounds their permanent home until the 1971 season, previously forcing the Cubs’ Wrigley Field baseball stadium to double as a multi-sport facility. Serving primarily as a site for special exhibitions and events over the first 40 years of its existence, the arena first donned its “Soldier Field” moniker in a formal dedication ceremony before the 1926 Army vs. Navy game, its name serving to honor the countless American soldiers who have died in battle serving our great nation.In 1971, with the Bear’s permanent arrival, a stay that has been continuous save for a year hiatus in 2002-2003 during which time stadium was closed for renovation, Soldier Field rose to national prominence. In preparation for their arrival, the field was moved closer to both ends of the U-shaped structure, in order to provide more appropriate sight lines for football fans, though overall this reduced the capacity of the stadium by 17,000 seats, holding only 57,000 spectators for early Bears games. Seating capacity expanded over the next few decades, peaking at nearly 67,000 following a 1994 addition. However, when the major renovations took place during the 2002-2003 season, calling for major upgrades to otherwise rundown facilities and upgrades to match the luxury offering found in other stadiums league wide. The resulting structure attempted to blend the classic Soldier Field architecture with a modern feel. While the famous Greek columns that adorn the stadiums lake front faade remain intact, rising from its rows now rests a blue and white glass-heavy add-on, giving room to upgraded press and luxury boxes. The strange appearance of the new-age top and old world bottom has helped earn the updated stadium the nickname “The Spaceship on Soldier Field,” eliciting mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Still, Soldier field now offers first class amenities for football fans and commentators, though it remains the smallest capacity stadium in the NFL, seating only 61,000 fans per game.