Blog Corporate Synergy: Six Deals To Spiff Up CTA Train Stations

Tomorrow morning, the city’s newest Apple Store will open at the triangle of North, Clybourn, and Halsted in Lincoln Park. And, according to the Chicago Tribune, along with the new store comes an Apple-sponsored refurbishing of the North/Clybourn Red Line Stop. For $4 million invested in improvements, Apple has splashed the station with tons of ads, and also has first refusal of naming rights for the station should the CTA ever reach the point that they have to sell off station naming rights to make ends meet (which is feeling more like a “when” than an “if” these days). That got us thinking about other corporate ad-rights-for-CTA-rehab deals for some underwhelming CTA train stops.

United Airlines and the O’Hare Blue Line Stop
Not only is United Airlines’ headquarters based here in Chicago, but it also has the swankiest terminal at one of the world’s busiest airports. (The pedway alone is a fun trip.) So it would make sense for them to spiff up the O’Hare Blue Line stop. Of course, the stop is in the airport itself, so why not consider extending the deal to multiple stations along the Blue Line? After all, that merger with Continental should mean more money—and more incentive to make the rush to find out your flight’s been delayed feel worthwhile.

Southwest Airlines and the Midway Orange Line Stop
Similar to the United and Blue Line deal: Southwest is the dominant carrier at the airport, so they make the most sense—but maybe other carriers, like AirTran and Delta, would feel like chipping in. And maybe part of the refurbishment could include shortening the marathon walk from train station to terminal.

Macy’s and the State/Lake elevated stop
Sure the State/Lake Red Line stop is pretty spiffed up, but what about the claustrophobic elevated platforms that service the Brown, Purple, Orange, Green, and Pink Lines? Desperately in need of an upgrade and more space to ease awaiting commuters’ fear of falling on the tracks—as well as being just a block north of Macy’s—the station is ripe for a goodwill gesture from Macy’s, especially as the store still battles those who long to bring back Marshall Field’s.

Chase Bank and the Monroe Blue Line stop
If United doesn’t feel like extending its sponsorship of the Blue Line beyond a certain point, let Chase take over. Heck, the bank’s logo is already blue, so that only adds to the branding incentive. With the Chase Tower looming just above ground, exiting riders will always have an ominous reminder of who bought those shiny new heaters and on-board ATMs (with an accompanying $5 fee, of course).

Oprah and the “New” Morgan Green/Pink Line stop
Sure, Oprah’s kind of splitting town soon. But what better way to leave a legacy than for her and Harpo, Inc. to sponsor the upcoming Green/Pink Line stop at Morgan and Lake? Located a few blocks from Harpo’s current home, the stop isn’t really new: A station existed at the same spot for many years and was closed in 1948. But by attaching her name to it, maybe she’ll inspire Chicagoans living and traveling on the under-serviced West Side to extol the de facto Chicago Queen with the phrase, “Praise be to Oprah.”

The Sports Teams Of Chicago and the Red Line
Sure, it’s easy to sneer at the idea of Budweiser or Miller sponsoring the stops for the Cubs (Addison Red Line), the White Sox (Sox-35th Red Line), or the Bears (Roosevelt Red, Orange, and Green Lines), but it makes perfect sense. Those beers already advertise heavily with the teams, they have the deep pockets necessary for upgrades that can accommodate the hordes of boozy fans cramming the platforms after each game, and a sponsored stop could lead to even more sponsorship opportunities. Case in point: This year’s Cubs-Sox Crosstown Classic series was sponsored by, of all companies, BP. We’re guessing fans would have a lot less to complain about if it was the Bud Light Crosstown Cup.

As for the Bulls and Blackhawks, no station exists at the nearest logical intersection (Damen and Lake, along the Green and Pink Lines). This is a perfect opportunity to encourage fans to explore the three or four blocks surrounding the United Center—allegedly the nation’s most dangerous neighborhood.