Soldier Field Stadium Guide: Full Bears and concerts schedule, seat map, parking, bags policy, close hotels and more to know

Table of contents:

• Soldier Field key facts
• Soldier Field seating map
• Soldier Field bag policy
• Soldier Field parking and transportation options
• Hotels near Soldier Field
• Full event schedule at Soldier Field
• FAQ

A gem in the midwest, Chicago brings beautiful architecture, history and spirited fans to the coast of Lake Michigan. Sitting on the water, Soldier Field has served as the city's premiere sports and entertainment venue since 1924.

Approaching 100 years of use this October, Soldier Field is the oldest stadium in the NFL and the home venue for the Bears and Chicago Fire FC. Throughout the last century, Soldier Field has hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, the inaugural World Games of the Special Olympics, as well as speeches by Amelia Earhart, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr.

Are you planning a trip to Chicago and hoping to stop by Soldier Field? We're here to help. 

Here is everything you need to know about Soldier Field, including a full schedule of upcoming events that will be held at the venue. 

BUY NOW: See cheapest tickets for every event at Soldier Field on StubHub

Soldier Field key facts

• Address: 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
• Capacity: 62,000
• Built: 1922-1924, 2002-2003
• Opened: October 9, 1924

Soldier Field is located at 1410 Special Olympics Drive in Chicago, Illinois.

Soldier Field seating map

Football seating map

You can see the full layout for football games below. If you need information on accessible seating for individuals with disabilities, you can check out accessibility resources on the Soldier Field website. 

Concert seating map

Soldier Field alters its seating map for concerts. The map below gives you the general layout for a concert, though it can change depending on how a performer sets up the stage

Soldier Field bag policy 

All bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC (12x6x12 measurements). You can also bring a small clutch bag into Soldier Field (4.5x6.5x2 measurements). 

Soldier Field offers a bag check service for guests with bags that don't meet the stadium's bag policy. Bag check lockers are located at 18th Street. 

If you have questions about specific prohibited and approved bags, visit the Soldier Field website.

Soldier Field parking options and cost

There are several parking options at and around Soldier Field. It is recommended to purchase parking passes in advance for events at Soldier Field, but it is not required for all parking options. Fans with season coupon parking can park in the North Garage, Waldron Deck and South Parking Lot. Those without can park at the Southwest Parking Facilities at McCormick Place Lot B or in the Millennium Park Garage and utilize the free shuttles to the stadium. 

Parking lots typically open four hours before the start of Bears home games. Specific times for other events can be found on the Soldier Field website. 

Parking at Soldier Field can cost anywhere between $20 and $100 on game and event days, depending on the type of parking and location.

Tailgating is permitted in all stadium-controlled parking lots on the campus, as well as on the upper level of the Waldron Deck. 

Soldier Field transportation, rideshare and taxi options

If you are using a rideshare app, taxi or bus service to travel to an event at Soldier Field, you can direct the vehicle to the designated drop-off and pick-up zones. Rideshare drop-off is located at the 18th Drive turnaround located just west of the exit ramp at 18th Drive, and pick-up is located at Columbus and Balbo just North of the stadium. 

There are several public transportation options to Soldier Field. The stadium is easily accessible by the CTA Red, Green and Orange lines at the Roosevelt Station, which is about a 3/4 mile walk away. Fans coming from the South Side or south suburbs can use Metra's Soldier Field stop at the 18th Street Station. 

Hotels near Soldier Field

There are several hotels within minutes of Soldier Field. The Hilton Garden Inn McCormick Place, Hampton Inn McCormick Place, Hilton Garden Inn Downtown South Loop or Hilton Chicago are all good options within a mile of Soldier Field, close to other tourist attractions and sights in the city. 

Bears schedule at Soldier Field 2024

Here is a look at the Bears schedule in 2024 along with the cheapest tickets to Bears games available on StubHub.

(Home games at Soldier Field in bold)

Event schedule at Soldier Field 2024-25

Below is a list of other events and concerts being held at AT&T Stadium this year. For a more comprehensive schedule, visit the Soldier Field website. 

• Oct. 19: Chicago Fire FC vs. Nashville SC
• Aug. 25, 2025: Oasis Live

FAQs

Does Soldier Field use mobile tickets?

Soldier Field uses mobile tickets for all events. Guests must display their passes on mobile phones in order to enter. Screenshots and print outs of the ticket will not be scanned or accepted. 

Where do I enter Soldier Field?

Guests may enter at any of the 21 general admission gates labelled numerically around the stadium.

Can I re-enter Soldier Field?

Re-entry is not allowed at Soldier Field, unless it is under certain special circumstances. Visitors with service animals or those experiencing a personal emergency may be able to exit and re-enter the venue if absolutely necessary.

Can I bring my purse into Soldier Field?

You can only bring a regular purse into Soldier Field if it's a small clutch bag (4x6x2 measurements) or meets the clear bag policy. 

Can I bring my baby or child to an event/game at Soldier Field?

Yes, but all guests 32 inches tall or above must have a ticket in order to attend a Bears home game. All infants must be seated on an adult's lap and not interfere with the sightlines of other guests.

Can I bring outside food or beverages into Soldier Field?

No, you can't bring outside food and beverages into Soldier Field. The stadium will only allow one factory-sealed 20 ounce water bottle or one empty, reusable non-metal 20 ounce bottle per person into the venue. 

Can I bring my vape into Soldier Field?

No, you can't bring a vape into Soldier Field. Soldier Field is a completely non-smoking facility. All guests are prohibited from smoking (including electronic cigarettes, vaporizers or similar products) inside or outside the stadium.

Does Soldier Field have wifi?

Yes, Soldier Field has free, available wifi for all guests and attendees.  

Does Soldier Field sell alcohol?

Soldier Field has alcoholic beverages available for purchase at concessions and bars around the stadium. You can view the available concessions in the stadium by clicking here. 

Is Soldier Field a cashless stadium?

Yes, Soldier Field is a cashless stadium. Only credit, debit and gift cards are accepted at concessions.

Does Soldier Field have a sportsbook?

No, Soldier Field does not have a sportsbook at the venue. 

Airports near Chicago

The closest airport in Chicago is Chicago Midway International (MDW). It is approximately 10 miles from Soldier Field. Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is also a reliable option, about 30 miles away. 

Tourist attractions near Chicago

There's plenty to see and do when visiting Chicago. Many travelers enjoy the River Walk, visiting Navy Pier and the Bean, or driving a little north to Wrigleyville to catch a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field.