Soldier Field Information

Soldier Field
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive • Chicago, IL

Soldier Field is located near Chicago's downtown and is currently the home to the NFL's Chicago Bears. The stadium reopened on September 27, 2003 after a complete rebuild which is the second in the stadium's history and why you may hear fans call it the New Soldier Field.

Soldier Field has been host to many Army-Navy games to nearly sellout or near sellout crowds. The stadium was the site for many sporting events and exhibitions, but it wasn't home for the Bears until 1971. The field is a memorial to American soldiers who died in wars, hence the name Soldier Field. It was designed in 1919 and completed in the 1920's. It officially opened on October 9, 1924 as Municipal Grant Park Stadium changing its name to Soldier Field on November 11, 1925. The design of the stadium is modeled after Greco-Roman tradition with Doric columns rising above the stands; however after being rebuilt the stands now dwarf the columns. Anyway, due to this design the Chicago sportswriter, Jay Mariotti, said that Soldier Field looked like a "spaceship hit the Parthenon".

Notable Events:

Municipal Grant Park Stadium hosts first game on October 4, 1924. The game was between Louisville Male High School and Chicago Austin High School. Louisville won 26-0.

On September 25, 1927 the second heavyweight championship between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney was fought.

In 1956 Glenn Roberts won the only NASCAR Grand National race held here.

In 1985 the NFC Championship game was here as the Chicago Bears went on to make their first Super Bowl appearance and beat the Rams 24-0.

In 1994 FIFA World Cup

The Grateful Dead performed their final concert on July 9, 1995.

September 10, 2005 the Rolling Stones played the largest concert in the stadium's history.

Future Events:

September 1, 2007 Northern Illinois will face University of Iowa in the first Division 1 College football game since the renovations.

Weather
Because temperatures along the lakefront can be 10-15 degrees lower than inland, always wear a warmer jacket or coat than usual. If your going to the game in late fall or early winter, be prepared to bring boots, blankets, and gloves or mittens, because the wind chill index is often below zero.

Concessions
If there's something Chicago fans like just as much as their Bears, it's their food, and Soldier Field has plenty of options. Ballpark Franks and Kosher Hot Dogs make good starters. The best dog in the house is the Chicago-style, which comes with tomato, onion, relish, mustard, celery salt, pickle, and hot pepper.

Parking
Soldier Field parking lots are open 4 hours prior to game time. Soldier Field parking lots are located north and south of the stadium. Parking is also available at the Monroe Garage, 31st Street lot, McCormick Garage, and the Adler Planetarium lot. All of the lots (except for the North Garage) are available for non-reserved parking. Gates into the stadium open 1 1/2 hours prior to game time.

Daily (non-event) parking for all lots is $15

Daily parking in Adler lot is $10 before 9:30 a.m. and $15 during the day and $8 after 4:00 p.m.

Special event prices vary and are subject to change

Parking coupons must be placed on the rear-view mirror

Guests with coupons must park in the North Garage, Waldron Garage and South lot.

Cash will not be accepted at these entrances (North Garage, Waldron Garage or South lot)

If you are paying with cash go to Adler Planetarium or Burnham Harbor lots

Buses & RVs must park in the Adler Planetarium Lot

Bus & RVs $85 per Bears game

Lots open four hours prior to kickoff and close three hours after the game is over

Parking Garages: North Garage, South Parking Lot, Waldron Garage, Adler Planetarium Lot, Burnham Harbor Lot

Soldier Field Seating Chart

(Click for Larger view of Venue)

Directions

From O'Hare
Take 90 East (Kennedy Expressway) to Congress Street. Exit east to Columbus Drive. Go right (south) on Columbus until it merges into Lake Shore Drive South. Follow signs to Soldier Field parking.

From Midway
Exit out Midway and turn left onto Cicero Avenue (north). Take Cicero to I-55 West (Stevenson Parkway). Get off on Lake Shore Drive North and follow signs to Soldier Field.

From the North
Take Lake Shore Drive South (US41). Exit at westbound Randolph Street, then south on Columbus Drive to Monroe Drive and the Grant Park Monroe Drive Parking Garage, or continue on Lake Shore Drive to the stadium.

From the Northwest
Take eastbound Interstate 90/94 southbound (Kennedy Expressway) to Ohio Street exit, Ohio Street east to Fairbanks/Columbus, and south on Columbus to the Grant Park Monroe Drive Parking Garage.

From the West
Take I-290 E (Eisenhower Expressway) to eastbound Interstate 90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) southbound to northbound Interstate 55 (Stevenson Expressway) to southbound Lake Shore Drive (US41). Exit Lake Shore Drive at 31st Street to McCormick Place Parking.

From the Southwest
Take I-55 N (Stevenson Expressway) to southbound Lake Shore Drive (US41). Exit Lake Shore Drive to 31st St. exit and McCormick Place Parking.

From the South
Take Lake Shore Drive North (US41) to 31st Street exit and McCormick Place Parking, or continue to the stadium. OR: Take northbound Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94) to I-55 N (Stevenson Expressway) to southbound Lake Shore Drive (US41). Exit Lake Shore Drive at 31st Street to McCormick Place Parking.

From the Central Area
Use east-west streets to Columbus Drive or Lake Shore Drive (US41) and south to Soldier Field.

Tips

Prepare for the weather, it could change

Know how to get to and from the stadium

Arrive early

Remember which parking lot you are in

Bring some extra cash

DON’T forget your tickets!

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