Soldier Field in Chicago

Soldier Field is one of the most iconic venues in American sports, located on Chicago’s lakefront and home to the Chicago Bears. The stadium combines a century-old neoclassical exterior with a modern interior and hosts NFL games, soccer, concerts, and special events.

Overview

Soldier Field opened in 1924 as a municipal stadium dedicated to American soldiers who served in World War I. The Chicago Bears have played here since 1971. A major renovation in 2002–2003 replaced the interior bowl while preserving the historic exterior colonnades, resulting in the smallest capacity in the NFL. Located at 1410 S Museum Campus Drive along Lake Michigan, the stadium sits next to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago’s museum campus.

Fast facts

• Location: Chicago, Illinois (1410 S Museum Campus Dr)
• Teams: Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
• Capacity: 62,500 (smallest in the NFL)
• Opened: October 9, 1924
• Renovated: 2002–2003
• Original cost: $13 million
• Renovation cost: $632 million
• Surface: Natural grass
• Premium Seating: 133 luxury suites and 8,000 club seats

Architectural Features

Designed in the Doric style with massive colonnades running along both sidelines, Soldier Field is a National Historic Landmark:

• The original exterior peristyle columns date to 1924 and are preserved as a landmark
• The 2003 interior renovation added a modernist bowl that contrasts with the historic facade
• A lake-facing orientation with views of Lake Michigan from the upper concourse
• The Midway — a climate-controlled hospitality space with four full bars

Chicago Foodie Scene

Levy Restaurants operates food and beverage at Soldier Field, featuring Chicago specialties:

• South Marche with Chicago dogs and deep-dish pizza
• Gastro Pub 1410 with hoagies and wings
• Portage Park with Polish sausages
• Buona Beef Italian beef sandwiches
• DMK Burgers, Bronzeville BBQ, and County BBQ
• New self-checkout lanes with AI-driven cameras

Major Events

• Home to the Chicago Bears since 1971
• Named a National Historic Landmark in 2004
• Host of Major League Soccer (Chicago Fire) matches
• Regular concerts and international soccer
• Bears planning a new domed stadium in the suburbs for the early 2030s