Chicago’s Soldier Field relies on Viega ProPress® for its $18 million renovation projectAffectionately named the “Spaceship” around Chicago, Soldier Field’s renovation project was anything but science � ction. In 2001, the time had come for a stadium face-lift and a mechanical systems overhaul. Because of the age of the stadium, a 20-month modernization project was undertaken to update the mechanical systems and add more amenities, which consisted of areas including a ground-� oor service level with training rooms, locker rooms and administrative of� ces, club level bathrooms, concessions, lounges, food service and suite levels.

The stadium opened its doors in 1924 as the Grant Park Municipal Stadium and, one year later, at the request of the Chicago Gold Star Mothers, the stadium became Soldier Field. Aptly renamed, the � eld serves as a memorial to American soldiers who died in past wars. The Chicago Bears moved from Wrigley Field and began using the facility in 1971. They played their � rst game in the renovated Soldier Field on September 29, 2003.

With a consistent crew of 45 pipe� tters, Hill Mechanical Corp. was the contractor tasked to complete the mechanical renovation. The complete mechanical systems overhaul consisted of 27,000 linear feet of 1⁄2" to 4" piping that needed to be installed in short order and Hill Mechanical campaigned for Viega ProPress since the early design specs. Working with Minneapolis-based engineering � rm Ellerbe Becket, Hill Mechanical fought hard to utilize Viega ProPress, which was not in the original specs.

Hill Mechanical worked directly with SG Supply and Viega to give various product seminars and product demonstrations to both the engineering and construction team on the front end of the project to get the design team to approve the usage of Viega ProPress in the new facility. It was imperative that Hill Mechanical use Viega ProPress from a time-saving standpoint.

“The construction schedule was the fastest a stadium had ever been built,” said Russ Nelson, Senior Project Manager, Hill Mechanical Corp.

They also rely on Viega ProPress in many instances where its contractors are working in con� ned spaces, as well as fast-track projects. Soldier Field was no different. Due to the mechanical room and closet-size constraints, Viega ProPress was a vital component to Hill Mechanical completing the project schedule on time and within budget.

“We had to install over 27,000 linear feet of pipe in a 20-month schedule,” said Nelson. “If the 25 pipe� tters dedicated to Viega ProPress had to braze or sweat all joints, the job could not have been accomplished on time.”

CUSTOMER: Soldier Field

APPLICATION: Mechanical systems

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

CONTRACTOR: Hill Mechanical Corporation

The construction schedule was the fastest a stadium had ever been built. We had to install over 27,000 linear feet of pipe in 20 months.

“We had to install over 27,000 linear feet of pipe in 20 months.”

©2014 Viega LLC

Today, the stadium grounds host more than 200 event usage days per year. With a stadium capacity of 61,500, that’s an impressive amount of yearly traf� c going through those turnstiles.

So it’s comforting to know that, to this day, Nelson said, “We haven’t heard a single negative comment regarding the Viega ProPress installation.”

The Mechanical System Inside the Numbers

Piping — 27,000 linear feetSheet Metal — 600,000 lbs.Fans — 402Heat Pumps — 307Hot Water Boilers — 7Evaporative Fluid Coolers — 4Heat Exchangers — 14Electric Reheat Coils — 286Condensing Units — 16Pumps — 72Unit Heaters — 282Large Tonnage Packaged Air Handlers — 31VAV boxes — 133Grilles — 3,797

For more information on Viega products, visit www.Viega.us, or call toll free: 800-976-9819.