Soldier Field in Chicago

Last verified July 11, 2026 Venue data verified against the stadium's and team's official sources. How we keep this current

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

Employment context

Jobs and market context for Soldier Field in Chicago

Use the venue profile for background, then read the city guide and current postings for role, schedule, and application context.

Location