Soldier Field is a historic lakefront stadium on Chicago's Museum Campus, its colonnades a nod to the past even after a modern renovation. Home to the Chicago Bears, it delivers old-school, cold-weather football right by Lake Michigan and downtown. Parking is limited, so plan transit.
Getting There
Fly into O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW), both connected to downtown by the CTA. From downtown, the stadium is a short trip.
Parking is limited at the lakefront, so most fans take transit or rideshare — CTA buses and a short walk from Roosevelt (Red/Orange/Green) get you there.
Where to Stay
Stay in downtown Chicago (the Loop or South Loop) (walkable-ish to the Museum Campus and connected by transit) for the ideal base.
Downtown gives you Chicago's food and nightlife plus an easy trip to the lakefront stadium.
Parking & When to Arrive
On-site parking is limited and pricey, and tailgating happens in the lots, so prepaid is essential if you drive. Transit or rideshare is usually easier.
Roof & Climate
Open air, no roof over the seating bowl.
Soldier Field is open air, with no roof over the seating bowl and no weather protection over the seats. Check the forecast and dress for game-day conditions.
Where Visiting Fans Sit
It's a historic stadium with good sightlines and no major obstructed views after its renovation, with the lake and skyline nearby.
Lower levels are pricier while the upper deck is good value (and windy). Bears crowds are passionate but fine for visiting fans.
Food & What to Bring
The NFL's league-wide bag policy: one clear bag up to 12×6×12 (or a one-gallon clear freezer bag), plus a small non-clear clutch up to 4.5×6.5.
From the NFL's stadium bag policy on NFL.com, checked September 2026. Stadiums can add their own rules, so check the team's site before you go.
Get a Chicago dog and Italian beef and other Chicago staples — the city's food travels well to the concourse.
Check the bag policy, as the NFL clear-bag rule applies. It's open-air on the lake, so dress very warmly for late-season games — the wind bites.
Comparing parks? We checked bag policies at all 30 MLB ballparks.
The Pregame Scene
The lakefront tailgate is the pregame here, out in the lots by the Museum Campus.
For bars and food, head downtown (the South Loop or the Loop) before making your way to the lake.
Insider Tips
Take transit or rideshare — lakefront parking is a headache. Bundle up for the wind, and tailgate early if you drive.
Stay downtown, get a Chicago dog, and treat it as a Chicago trip. A historic, atmospheric (and cold) away stadium.
Build your Soldier Field trip
Choose each piece: flights into ORD or MDW, a hotel downtown near transit, Bears tickets, and a rental car only if you plan to tailgate (parking is limited). Save it to My trips to keep your dates. Nothing books until you're ready.