Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois)

Soldier Field

Soldier Field, a historic landmark nestled on the Near South Side of Chicago, Illinois, is a multi-purpose stadium renowned for its rich history and distinctive architecture. As the proud home of the National Football League’s Chicago Bears and Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire FC, it stands as a central hub for sports and entertainment in the city. Beyond its regular tenants, Soldier Field hosts a diverse array of events, from major concerts to international sporting competitions. This guide provides essential information for visiting Soldier Field, understanding its unique characteristics, and navigating the experience of attending events here.

History and Design

Originally named Municipal Grant Park Stadium, Soldier Field officially opened on October 9, 1924. It was renamed Soldier Field on November 11, 1925, in dedication to U.S. soldiers who died in combat during World War I, with a formal rededication on November 27, 1926. Designed by the architectural firm Holabird & Roche in a Neoclassical style, the stadium is notable for its Doric columns rising above the East and West entrances, giving it a monumental appearance reminiscent of ancient Roman amphitheatres.

Initially, the stadium featured a U-shaped configuration with 74,280 permanent seats, with temporary seating allowing capacity to exceed 100,000 for major events. In 1971, the Chicago Bears made Soldier Field their full-time home. A significant renovation project between 2002 and 2003 modernised the stadium’s interior, adding new amenities and seating configurations, though it reduced the overall capacity. Despite the modernisation, efforts were made to preserve its historic exterior, leading to its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1987 (though it was later delisted in 2006 due to the extent of the renovation).

Venue Highlights and Amenities

Soldier Field offers a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences to enhance the fan experience:

  • Distinctive Architecture: The iconic colonnades and classical design elements provide a unique backdrop for events, setting it apart from many contemporary stadiums.
  • Seating: While the smallest stadium in the NFL by capacity, it offers a close-up view of the action.
  • Field Surface: Features a natural grass playing surface.
  • Premium Seating: Includes various luxury suites and club seating options, offering enhanced views and hospitality services.
  • Museum Campus Location: Situated within Chicago’s Museum Campus, it is surrounded by attractions such as the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, making it part of a larger cultural destination.

Key Information

Official Name: Soldier Field
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA (Near South Side, part of Museum Campus)
Opened: October 9, 1924
Reconstructed: 2003
Capacity: 63,500
Tenants: Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
Cost: $13 million (original construction); $660 million (2003 renovation)
Address: 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Major Events Hosted

Soldier Field has been the stage for a wide array of significant events throughout its nearly century-long history:

  • NFL: Home to the Chicago Bears since 1971.
  • MLS: Home to Chicago Fire FC (1998-2006 and since 2020).
  • FIFA World Cup (1994): Hosted several matches during the men’s tournament.
  • FIFA Women’s World Cup (1999): Hosted matches during the women’s tournament.
  • CONCACAF Gold Cup: Hosted multiple championships.
  • Special Olympics: Hosted the inaugural World Games of the Special Olympics in 1968 and its second World Games in 1970.
  • Historic Rallies: Hosted speeches by prominent figures including Amelia Earhart, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Concerts: A popular venue for major music concerts, attracting global superstars.
  • College American Football: Served as a venue for numerous college and high school football games, including the Chicago College All-Star Game.
  • Boxing: Site of the famous “Long Count Fight” between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney in 1927.

Getting to Soldier Field

Soldier Field’s location in downtown Chicago’s Museum Campus makes it accessible via various transport methods. Public transport is highly recommended, especially on event days, due to traffic and limited parking.

  • By Air:
    • O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Chicago’s primary international airport, located northwest of the city. Connections to downtown are available via the CTA Blue Line.
    • Midway International Airport (MDW): Closer to downtown, located southwest of the city. Connections to downtown are available via the CTA Orange Line.
  • By Public Transport (CTA & Metra):
    • CTA ‘L’ Trains: The Red, Orange, and Green Lines stop at Roosevelt Station (between State Street and Wabash Avenue), which is approximately a 15-minute walk east through Museum Campus to the stadium. Transfers can also be made to specific bus routes from here.
    • CTA Buses: Soldier Field is served by the #128 Soldier Field Express and #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express buses, which stop directly in front of the stadium. The #128 bus provides express service from Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center.
    • Metra Commuter Trains: Several Metra rail lines extend from Chicago’s suburbs to downtown. From LaSalle Street Station, Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, and Millennium Station, you can connect to CTA buses or walk to the stadium. The South Shore Line also runs trains on the Metra Electric Line, with a stop at McCormick Place (18th Street), just a short walk north to Soldier Field.
    • Pace Soldier Field Express Buses: During the regular NFL season, Pace provides express bus services from various suburban locations directly to Soldier Field. Check the Pace website for routes and schedules.
  • By Car & Parking:
    • Address for Navigation: 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL 60605.
    • Parking: Parking facilities immediately surrounding the stadium typically require a pre-paid parking pass and open a few hours before events. Drive-up parking may be available at the Adler Planetarium Lot on a first-come, first-served basis. Oversized vehicles (buses, campers) may require specific reservations.
    • Road Closures: Be aware that roads around the stadium can experience closures and heavy traffic on event days.
    • Taxi/Rideshare: Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are located near the stadium (e.g., 18th Street turnaround west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and Balbo and Columbus Drives). Expect longer wait times after events.

Tickets & Stadium Tours at Soldier Field

Tickets to Events at Soldier Field

Tickets for events at Soldier Field are sold through various official channels, depending on the event type.

  • Chicago Bears Tickets:
    • Tickets for Chicago Bears home games are available via the official Chicago Bears website, Ticketmaster, and NFL-authorised resale marketplaces.
    • Season tickets are the primary way to guarantee seats for all home games.
    • Single-game tickets are released closer to the season, subject to availability.
  • Chicago Fire FC Tickets:
    • Tickets for Chicago Fire FC home matches can be purchased through the official Chicago Fire FC website, Ticketmaster, and authorised resale marketplaces.
    • Season tickets offer the best access to all home matches.
    • Single-match tickets are typically available closer to the start of the season.
  • Concert & Other Event Tickets:
    • Tickets for concerts, international football (soccer) matches, and other special events are typically sold through major ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster or directly via the event promoter.
  • Premium Seating & Suites:
    • Luxury suites and club seats offer enhanced amenities and are available for season-long leases or individual event rentals. Contact the Soldier Field premium seating department for details.
  • Important Note: Always purchase tickets through official channels to avoid fraudulent sales and ensure authenticity.

Stadium Tours

Soldier Field offers public guided tours that provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at this historic venue. Tours typically include access to:

  • South Courtyard: Learn about the stadium’s exterior and memorials.
  • Visitor’s Locker Room: Get a glimpse into the locker room where visiting teams prepare.
  • Interview Room: See where post-game press conferences are held.
  • Skyline Suite: Experience the views from a premium hospitality area.
  • Colonnades: Walk among the iconic architectural features.
  • Field Access: Step onto the pitch level (subject to availability and event preparations).
  • VIP Tour (Optional): Some tours may offer additional experiences like a 15-minute on-field experience and a look inside the stadium video control room.
  • Booking Tours:
    • Tours are generally available on non-event days.
    • It is highly recommended to book your tour tickets in advance through the official Soldier Field website’s public tours section. Check the website for specific tour schedules, pricing, and availability. Private tours for groups of 10 or more are also available.

Where to Stay Near Soldier Field

Chicago offers a vast array of accommodation options. For visiting Soldier Field, staying in the downtown area, particularly the South Loop or near McCormick Place, provides excellent access.

Booking Tips:

  • Book Well in Advance: Accommodation in Chicago, especially during major events or peak tourist season, can book up quickly and prices may increase.
  • Consider Travel Time: Factor in commuting time from your accommodation to Soldier Field, even if staying outside the immediate South Loop area.
  • Check Cancellation Policies: Ensure you understand the cancellation policies of any bookings you make.
  • Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilise well-known and reputable booking websites like Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options. Always verify reviews and ratings before booking.
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Soldier Field

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Soldier Field, here are essential official resources for your trip:

Enjoy your visit to Soldier Field!

Last Updated on July 21, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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