OVERVIEW

After 9/11/2001 the City of Chicago designated restricted airspace for the city’s downtown area. Northerly Island was serving as the private airport, known as Meigs Field, for business executives. With these restrictions now in place, there was no longer a need for the small airport on the lakefront. Clear Channel Entertainment (now Live Nation) sought after the vacated land to bring a level of outdoor concert entertainment never before seen in downtown Chicago. An outdoor concert venue was designed to sit on Chicago’s waterfront, replacing former corporate airport. Seating for 8,500 people in an open air stadium that incorporates the city’s skyline behind the stage was erected by Harbour Contractors.

Harbour Contractors, Inc. provided construction management for the venue and helped to ensure that it was delivered on time for the first concert.