Soldier Field
4.5(16K)google
3.6(512)yelp
SportsFootballCity Landmark
Overview
Soldier Field (historically often referred to as Soldiers' Field) is a multi-purpose stadium on the Near South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1924, the stadium has served as the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) since 1971, as well as Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) since 2020. It also regularly hosts stadium concerts and other large crowd events.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeSeptember to January during an NFL Chicago Bears home game is the ultimate time to experience this stadium. Arrive 3 hours early to join thousands of passionate fans for an authentic Midwest tailgating barbecue on the South Lawn. On non-game days, opt for a sunny summer afternoon guided architectural tour of the historic colonnades.
Getting ThereLocated on the Museum Campus at 1410 Special Olympics Drive. Avoid driving on game days. Take the CTA Red, Orange, or Green Line to Roosevelt station, then follow the dedicated pedestrian paths east for a 15-20 minute walk. Alternatively, take the Metra Electric Line to the 18th Street station, which connects to the stadium via a pedestrian bridge.
Travel Tips
- Major stadium events trigger extreme transit isolation and a strict perimeter ban on rideshares; passengers must hike at least 15 minutes clear of the security zone to designated pick-up corridors near Roosevelt station.
- The stadium enforces an unyielding Homeland Security Clear Bag Policy, limiting luggage to transparent plastic or PVC totes under 12x6x12 inches; standard opaque purses or lens bags are banned without exception.
- Perched directly on the exposed lakefront, the stadium is fully vulnerable to brutal, freezing autumn offshore gales; packing heavy thermal balaclavas and activated charcoal hand-warmers is a strict safety survival requirement.
Reviews
Positive
- As home to the Chicago Bears, the contrast of historic Roman colonnades with a modern stadium frame delivers powerful structural visuals.
- Match-day energy is fiercely electric; the venue features heavy security deployment and tight crowd controls, ensuring top-tier safety.
- Set along the gorgeous Museum Campus lakefront, the exterior strolls offer expansive panoramic views of Lake Michigan and green lawns.
- Beyond NFL games, the major stadium concerts feature top-tier sound systems and lighting arrays, making the heavy ticket expense worth it.
Heads up
- As one of the oldest and smallest NFL stadiums, grandstand seating is quite tight, and restrooms face agonizing queues during game breaks.
- Transit is a nightmare for drivers; game-day gridlock paralyzes nearby routes, and stadium lot passes require early buying at exorbitant rates.
- It requires a lengthy walk from the nearest downtown subway terminal; exiting the stadium in Chicago's cold wind feels exhausting due to weaker links.
- Concessions like hot dogs, draft beer, and merchandise carry severe stadium premiums, hitting the wallet hard with tourist markups.