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Soldier Field - home of Chicago Bears in Chicago, IL
NFL

Soldier FieldChicago, Illinois

Chicago Bears

👥
Capacity
61,500
🏆
Conference
NFC North
📅
Opened
1924
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Soldier Field

Soldier Field is a historic landmark and the home of the Chicago Bears, nestled on the lakefront near downtown Chicago. Opened in 1924, it is famous for its classic colonnades and its controversial 2003 modernization into a world-class multi-purpose venue.

🏛️Soldier Field History

Origins

Originally built as a memorial to American soldiers who died in combat, designed to host massive civic events and festivals.

Major Renovations

2003$632M complete interior reconstruction; preserving the exterior colonnades but losing National Historic Landmark status
1982Added first luxury suites and modernized the seating bowl

Notable Moments

Sep 22, 1927The "Long Count" - historic heavyweight rematch between Dempsey and Tunney
Jan 26, 1986Bears win NFC Championship en route to Super Bowl XX victory
Jul 20, 1968Birthplace of the first Special Olympics

🎟️Visiting Soldier Field

Best Seats

The lower deck (sections 107-113) puts you closest to the action. The upper deck of the east side provides incredible views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

Parking Tips

Parking is difficult and expensive near the Museum Campus. Use the CTA "L" (Green, Orange, or Red lines) to Roosevelt and walk or take the #128 Soldier Field Express bus from Union/Ogilvie stations.

Game Day

Tailgating is a deep tradition in the Waldron Deck and South Lots. Visit the "Doughboy" statue and the classic colonnades, which are open to fans before the game.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Reggie’s Rock Club

$$

South Loop institution with live music, cheap beer, and a famous game-day shuttle to Soldier Field.

📍 1.4 miles2105 S State St

💡 Use the free shuttle to skip parking hassle and enjoy postgame drinks.

The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen

$$

Massive sports bar near the Loop with giant screens and game-day crowds.

📍 1.1 miles1301 S Wabash Ave

💡 Head upstairs for a better view of the big screens.

First Draft

$$

Beer-forward sports bar in South Loop known for rotating local taps and Bears-friendly energy.

📍 0.9 miles111 W Roosevelt Rd

💡 Grab a seat at the bar early if you want to watch the early slate.

🍽️Restaurants

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

$$

Chicago deep-dish legend with buttery crust and rich tomato sauce.

📍 1.1 miles805 S State St

💡 Order ahead—deep dish takes time, especially on game days.

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

$$$

Historic firehouse turned upscale steakhouse, known for classic Chicago hospitality.

📍 1 mile1401 S Michigan Ave

💡 Reserve early for afternoon games—this spot books up fast.

Eleven City Diner

$$

Retro diner with Jewish deli favorites like matzo ball soup and corned beef.

📍 1.1 miles1112 S Wabash Ave

💡 Perfect for brunch before noon kickoffs.

🏨Hotels

Hilton Chicago

$$$

Historic South Loop hotel overlooking Grant Park, an easy walk to the stadium.

📍 0.8 miles720 S Michigan Ave

💡 Request a park-view room and walk along the lakefront to the game.

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

$$

Modern hotel connected to McCormick Place with quick access to Museum Campus.

📍 1.6 miles2233 S Martin Luther King Dr

💡 Use rideshare or the lakefront path for a quick trip to Soldier Field.

🎭Attractions

Museum Campus

$$

Home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.

📍 0.3 miles1400 S Lake Shore Dr

💡 Arrive early to tour one museum before the game.

Grant Park & Buckingham Fountain

$

Iconic downtown green space with skyline views and the famous fountain.

📍 0.7 miles301 S Columbus Dr

💡 Great photo spot before walking to the stadium.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Waldron Deck

$60
Garage📍 0.2 miles

💡 Closest parking to the stadium; arrive early to get in.

🎉

South Lot

$50
Tailgate📍 0.3 miles

💡 Popular tailgating area with a strong Bears fan atmosphere.

🚌

CTA Soldier Field Express

$4
Shuttle📍 1.5 miles

💡 Ride the #128 bus from Union/Ogilvie to skip parking entirely.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Soldier Field? Share it with us.

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Stadium Rankings

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#36 Oldest Stadium
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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.