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Soldier Field Guide

NFL · Chicago · 61,500 capacity

Last updated: 3/3/2026

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
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Soldier Field is accessible via CTA Red, Orange, and Green Lines to Roosevelt Station, which is a 3/4 mile walk or transfer to the #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express bus.
Family friendly
Soldier Field provides baby changing stations in all restrooms and is equipped with family restrooms.
Capacity
61,500

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Soldier Field on the calendar. See Chicago home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Soldier Field

The Loop or Near North areas are suggested for hotels, as they offer numerous restaurants and bars catering to sports fans before events.

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 Guaranteed 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). Guaranteed 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.

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Soldier Field is accessible via CTA Red, Orange, and Green Lines to Roosevelt Station, which is a 3/4 mile walk or transfer to the #146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express bus. CTA bus route #128 Soldier Field Express also runs from Ogilvie and Union Train Stations. Pace provides Soldier Field Express Buses from six suburban locations for Chicago Bears home games and weekend concerts.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Rideshare drop-off for all events is located at the 18th Street turnaround just west of Lake Shore Drive. Rideshare pick-up post-event is at the corner of Balbo and Columbus for the first hour post-event, or at Roosevelt and Michigan Avenue.

Parking: It is recommended to pre-purchase parking in advance via SoldierFieldParking.com or the Park Mobile app. Fans without full Bears season coupons can park at McCormick Place Lot B and utilize free shuttles to the stadium on game days. It is advised not to use general directional apps on event day due to special road closures and traffic patterns.

After the event

The Miller Lite Midway, a climate-controlled sports bar, remains open approximately one hour after the conclusion of Chicago Bears home games. For other late-night options, visitors are encouraged to explore restaurants and bars in the Loop or Near North areas of Chicago.

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Soldier Field is located on the Museum Campus in Chicago, Illinois, along the shores of Lake Michigan.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in designated stadium-controlled parking lots on the Museum Campus (e.g., Waldron Deck, South Lot, Adler Planetarium Lot, Burnham Harbor Lot, and McCormick Place Lot B) and is a long-standing tradition. Specific rules apply, including a limit of one parking space per vehicle, no tents, no open flames, and no tailgating during games or after night games. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in Family Friendly lots.
  • Signature food: Soldier Field offers Chicago staples such as Italian beef and sausage combo, Polish sausages, and features local eateries like DMK Burger Bar, Robinson's No. 1 Ribs, and Mr. Beef. Other unique items include the 'Monster Mary' (Bloody Mary), brisket-topped mac and cheese, and craft sausages. Gourmet donuts and churros are available for desserts.
  • Fan tradition: Tailgating in the designated parking lots on the Museum Campus is a long-standing tradition for fans attending events at Soldier Field.
  • Pregame institution: The Miller Lite Bears Fan Zone (Stadium Green, southeast of Soldier Field)