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Soldier Field Guide

NFL · Chicago · 61,500 capacity

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Last updated: 5/16/2026

Soldier Field occupies the southern edge of Grant Park, with Lake Michigan on one side and the Museum Campus on the other. Roosevelt Station on the CTA Red, Orange, and Green Lines sits three-quarters of a mile away — a flat, scenic walk along the lakefront — and free bus service on the #146 covers the last stretch on game days. Tailgating fills the south lots hours before kickoff, and staying in the South Loop puts both the stadium and Chicago's best deep-dish within walking distance.

At a glance

Bag policy
Clear bag policy
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
Re-entry is not permitted; once you exit the stadium, y…
Gates open
Gates open 2h before
Outside food
Sealed water only
Getting here
Accessible via CTA 'L' (Red, Orange, Green lines to Roosevelt station) and Metra Electric District line (Museum Campus/11th St station).
Family friendly
Nursing rooms available; family restrooms located throughout the stadium.
Capacity
61,500
Home teams:Chicago BearsChicago Fire FC

Upcoming trip that includes this venue

A real multi-game weekend from current index data that includes Soldier Field.

Includes this venue

Chicago

MLSNFLNBA
3 games

Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8

Estimated trip cost US$1,502.50 per person

Party estimate US$3,005 · 2 adults · 1 room

Tickets for party US$1,820 · Hotel for party US$1,185

2026-11-07 to 2026-11-09 · Transport is excluded or varies. Separate bookings; provider prices and availability can change.

Per-person amount is rounded from the party estimate.

MLS game at Soldier Field
MLSSat, Nov 7 · 9:00 PM
NFL game at Soldier Field
NFLSun, Nov 8 · 1:20 AM
NBA game at United Center
NBASun, Nov 8 · 8:30 PM

MLSNFLNBA

Plan trip

Estimated trip cost US$1,502.50 per person

Party estimate US$3,005 · 2 adults · 1 room

Tickets for party US$1,820 · Hotel for party US$1,185

2026-11-07 to 2026-11-09 · Transport is excluded or varies. Separate bookings; provider prices and availability can change.

Per-person amount is rounded from the party estimate.

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Where to stay for Soldier Field

South Loop or Downtown/Loop

The Loop

The Loop is the central hub of Chicago's transit system, offering unparalleled access to all sports venues via various 'L' lines and buses. It's a bustling area with numerous restaurants, theaters, and major attractions.

Perfect transit score, serving as the hub for all 'L' lines (Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple Lines). Easy access to Metra trains at Ogilvie and Union Stations.

South Loop

The South Loop offers excellent proximity to Soldier Field and Wintrust Arena, with easy access to Rate Field and the Museum Campus. It's an urban neighborhood with new developments and often more space for your money.

Well-served by the Red, Green, and Orange CTA lines. Soldier Field is a few blocks east of the Roosevelt stops (Red, Green, Orange Lines). Wintrust Arena is near Cermak-McCormick Place (Green Line) and Cermak-Chinatown (Red Line). Rate Field is near the Sox-35th Red Line stop and 35th-Bronzeville-IIT Green Line stop. Several bus routes are available, including #128 Soldier Field Express and #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express for Soldier Field.

River North

River North is a trendy and safe neighborhood just north of The Loop, offering a high concentration of hotels, upscale dining, and vibrant nightlife. It's an excellent choice for first-time visitors seeking a lively urban experience with convenient access to major attractions.

The Red Line runs directly through River North, with Brown and Purple Lines serving its western edge. Express buses along Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive provide additional fast transit options.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park offers a charming blend of city convenience and neighborhood feel, with beautiful green spaces like Lincoln Park and the lakefront trail. It's considered a safe and appealing area for those seeking a more local experience while still being well-connected to the city.

Features access to the Red and Brown CTA 'L' lines, along with an extensive bus network, including Lake Shore Drive express routes.

Parking, transit, and arrival strategy

Transit and approach

Accessible via CTA 'L' (Red, Orange, Green lines to Roosevelt station) and Metra Electric District line (Museum Campus/11th St station).

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Rideshare/taxi drop-off (pre-game) is at the 18th Street turnaround just west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive and also at Balbo Drive at Columbus Drive. Post-event pickup is ONLY at Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive, north of the stadium (after 1 hour, on-campus pickup may resume).

Parking: Pre-purchasing parking passes online via the official Soldier Field portal is highly recommended as lots often sell out.

After the event

Flo & Santos

Works well with these Chicago venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Located on the Museum Campus along the Lake Michigan shoreline, south of downtown Chicago.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in all stadium-controlled parking lots on Museum Campus, including garages. Open flames (grilling or otherwise) are not permitted in enclosed lots (North Garage and lower Waldron Garage). Your total tailgate setup is limited to eight feet behind each parking space; aisles must remain clear. No tents, firepits, or propane heaters of any type are allowed in any lot.
  • Signature food: Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
  • Fan tradition: Extensive tailgating in the stadium parking lots regardless of weather conditions.
  • Pregame institution: Kroll's South Loop (1736 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616)