‘This terminal is courtesy of (your company)’ — Chicago seeks input on O’Hare, Midway sponsorships

Naming rights and sponsorships for O’Hare and Midway assets, from elevators to terminals, could be in the future for businesses seeking to build their brands.

As it looks to generate new revenues, the Chicago Department of Aviation on Wednesday invited companies and industry stakeholders to provide feedback on sponsorships at O’Hare and Midway international airports.

Interested parties have until 5 p.m. Feb. 17 to respond to the city’s request for information which seeks “ideas, market insights and expressions of interest” regarding potential sponsorships at the two airports.

“As a global gateway and trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies and internationally recognized brands, the CDA is committed to thinking commercially and leveraging every opportunity to strengthen airport revenue in ways that support our airline partners and the traveling public,” CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray said in a statement.

“By inviting the industry’s best ideas and gauging market interest, we are laying the groundwork for innovative sponsorship and naming opportunities across both existing facilities and major new developments” such as O’Hare’s new Concourses D and E, and the airport’s future Global Terminal.

Officials noted a request for information is not the same as a request for proposals and contracts will not be awarded as a result. Rather, it’s intended to assist the city in planning and gauging interest in the value of possible sponsorships and naming rights.

In addition to major structures, sponsorships could include EV charging stations, family restrooms, children’s play areas and airport bus stops.

To learn more, visit flychicago.com/concessionsresources/sponsorship-rfi.html.