Soldier Field guide: What to know about the Chicago Bears’ home stadium (2024)

Editor’s note: This article is part of theStadium Guidesseries, a comprehensive guide to your NFL team’s stadium experience.

Buy tickets on StubHub to Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field here.

Soldier Field is the home of the Chicago Bears … for now.

The Bears moved from Wrigley Field, the famous home of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs, to Soldier Field in 1971. The team and the City of Chicago renovated it in 2002 while preserving its historic colonnades. The Chicago Park District operates Soldier Field.

The Bears, though, are looking to build a new home. The team hopes that will happen on Chicago’s lakefront close to Soldier Field. The organization’s plans, which were released in April, are impressive, but the team has gained little traction with them.

The Bears also own Arlington Park — a massive 326-acre site that was previously a popular race track — in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

So Soldier Field remains the Bears’ home for now.

The Athletic has compiled 32 stadium guides, one for each NFL team, to give fans vital information about the game-day experience. We’ve also asked readers to weigh in on the best food, beer and tailgate options at each stadium, among other things, to help football fans enjoy their visit.

Insider tips

2024 must-watch game at stadium: vs. Green Bay Packers, Nov. 17

The Bears’ most important home games will always be against the rival Packers. Green Bay has won 10 straight and 15 of the last 16 in the NFL’s longest-running series. The Bears’ last win over the Packers came at Soldier Field on Dec. 16, 2018, with Mitch Trubisky getting the best of Aaron Rodgers. We’ll see if rookie Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, can help change the momentum in the rivalry.

Fan tradition to know: ‘Bear Down, Chicago Bears’

The team’s fight song, written in 1941, is played after every score, yes, even field goals. Also, the crowd asks the PA announcer where timeouts are (on the field).

Adam Jahns’ favorite thing

The sights, sounds and smells before a game. For Bears fans, the fun and games begin in the surrounding parking lots where Italian beef sandwiches, Italian and Polish sausages and hot dogs — without ketchup, of course — make for popular menu items. There is something very nostalgic about games at Soldier Field, which has hosted numerous events and concerts while nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan. The colonnades stand out and the Museum Campus — which also includes the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum — is truly a special place in the middle of the city.

The Athletic’s stadium ranking: 23

Jon Machota ranked all 30 NFL stadiums in August 2023 and this is what Bears beat writer Adam Jahns said about Soldier Field:

Soldier Field sits in the heart of Chicago, right on the lakefront and in the middle of the Museum Campus. It offers great views of the city’s famous skyline from its seats. While scenic, Soldier Field’s location does result in nightmarish traffic problems, especially for prime-time games. In a city known for its robust food scene, Soldier Field has routinely fallen short with its offerings.

Fans’ game day advice

The Athletic surveyed NFL fans for their feedback on the following questions:

What is the ‘best bang for your buck’ seating section?

The 300 level outside the 20s. Because the third level is cantilevered over the first two, you are really close to the field and have a higher angle to see plays develop. — Adam S.

What’s the can’t-miss food?

Robinson’s Ribs in the northeast pavilion. Always tastes great, higher portion sizes, great open space. — Matt J.

What’s the best beer option?

There’s 312 in there. There might be more, but I just try to drink at the tailgate only. — Rich B.

Where is the best spot to take a photo?

In the 300 level right on the railing overlooking the field. Facing north from the south end zone, you can get a nice view of the field and some of the city. — Randy R.

What are the kid-friendly activities/options at the stadium?

Beginning two hours before kickoff, the Dr. Pepper Patio/South Courtyard, inside Gate 0, features a DJ, Staley’s Corner for kids, Bears Kids Club activities, appearances by Staley Da Bear and Chicago Bears Drumline.

Where is the best place to tailgate?

The South/Red Lot. Best tailgating lot and only about a half-mile walk to the stadium. Easy to get in and out from that lot (it’s right off of I-55) and pretty easy to get to and into the stadium from there as well. — Brian W.

What to know if you go

Stadium address: 1410 Special Olympics Dr., Chicago, Ill. 60605.

Year opened: 1924.

Roof?: No roof.

Playing surface: Bermuda-style grass.

Stadium capacity: 62,500.

2023 average attendance per game (per Pro Football Reference): 61,769.

Tickets: $341 is the average StubHub ticket cost at Soldier Field for a 2024 NFL game, according to StubHub. There is a waiting list for season tickets. To join, the Bears require a $100-per-seat non-refundable deposit.

Bag policy: Clear bags that are plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed. These can include clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags. Purses, bags, clutches and fanny packs that are not clear and do not exceed 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches are permitted after being inspected.

Outside food policy: Outside food for personal consumption is permitted if the container adheres to the NFL bag policy.

ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires at least 1 percent of stadium seats to be wheelchair accessible. For more information on all accessibility services at Soldier Field, click here.

Tailgating policy: Tailgating is allowed on all surface lots of the Museum Campus, the upper level of the Waldron Deck and the Southwest Parking Facilities (McCormick Place 31st Street Lot B, Lot D, and Lot E only). Parking is for ticketed guests only. Tailgating during the games or after night games (including McCormick Place 31st Street, Lot B, Lot D, and Lot E) and consuming alcohol in the “Family Friendly” No Alcohol lots are all prohibited.

Parking: Parking lots open four hours before kickoff and must be vacated two hours after the game. McCormick Place and Millennium garages offer free shuttle service for games.

Transportation options: Driving, rideshare, shuttle from parking garages, CTA, Pace express buses and Metra.

Learn more: https://www.chicagobears.com/game-day/az-guide

The Stadium Guides series is part of a partnership with StubHub.

The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos: Justin Casterline and Aaron M. Sprecher / Getty Images)