SHADE GUIDE

Soldier Field

Chicago BearsMLB
Museum Campus,
61,500 seats
0° orientation
Open Air
Built 1924
Soldier Field stadium information: Home of the Chicago Bears in MLB. Located in Museum Campus, with a capacity of 61,500 seats. The stadium has open air and faces 0 degrees. Built in 1924.

Overview

Historic lakefront stadium home to the Chicago Bears since 1971. Known for its neoclassical columns and modern renovation.

Stadium Highlights

  • Smallest stadium in the NFL by capacity
  • National Historic Landmark
  • Stunning lakefront location
  • Museum Campus South location

Unique Features

  • Preserved historic colonnades
  • UFO-like modern seating bowl
  • Lakefront views
  • Downtown skyline backdrop

Shade & Sun Protection Guide

Best Shaded Sections by Time

Morning Games

  • 300-level west side
  • Club seats west

Afternoon Games

  • 300-level east side
  • United Club east

Evening Games

  • Most sections shaded by 4pm

Shade Tips

  • Lake winds provide cooling but increase sun exposure
  • Upper deck provides more shade coverage
  • West side best for afternoon games

Monthly Weather Patterns

September

70°F 65% 30% rain

Pleasant with lake breeze

Sun sets behind west stands

October

55°F 60% 35% rain

Cool and windy

Lower sun angle provides more shade

November

40°F 65% 40% rain

Cold with lake effect

Limited sun exposure

December

30°F 70% 35% rain

Very cold, possible snow

Bundle up, sun not a factor

January

25°F 70% 30% rain

Frigid with wind chill

Minimal sun, maximum layers

Seating Guide

Premium Seating Options

Club Levels

United Club

United Club ticket holders only

  • Indoor/outdoor seating
  • Premium food
  • Private bars
PNC Club

PNC Club members

  • Field level views
  • All-inclusive food/drinks
  • Padded seats

Seating Tips

100-level sidelines

Closest to action but exposed to elements

experience

300-level

Better protection from weather

shade

North end zone

See Bears enter/exit field

experience

United Club

Climate-controlled option for cold games

experience

Budget-Friendly Options

  • 400-level corners
  • End zone upper deck

Food & Drink

Signature Items

  • Italian beef
  • Polish sausage
  • Garrett Popcorn

Local Favorites

  • Portillo's hot dogs
  • Lou Malnati's pizza
  • Chicago-style hot dogs

Beer & Beverages

  • Goose Island
  • Revolution Brewing
  • Miller Lite
  • Budweiser

Local breweries: Goose Island, Revolution, Half Acre

Getting There

Address

1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

Parking Options

Waldron Deck

Distance: 0.3 milesPrice: $50-60✓ Covered

Closest parking structure

Adler Lot

Distance: 0.5 milesPrice: $30-40

Museum Campus Lots

Distance: 0.2-0.5 milesPrice: $40-50

Alternative Transportation

Public Transit

  • CTA Red/Orange/Green Lines to Roosevelt
  • Multiple bus routes

Ride Share: Drop-off at Museum Campus Drive

Game Day Tips

Dress for lake weather

Temperatures feel 10-15 degrees colder with wind

Arrive early for tailgating

Limited space fills quickly

Use public transit

Parking is expensive and limited

Layer up for cold games

Stadium is exposed to lake winds

Typical Game Day Schedule

  • Gates Open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • First Pitch: Noon or 3:25pm typically

Neighborhood: Museum Campus

Part of Chicago's Museum Campus with Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium

Before the Game

  • Field Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Northerly Island

After the Game

  • South Loop restaurants
  • Grant Park
  • Millennium Park

Insider Tips

Pro Tips

  • Parking at Millennium Park garages and walking is often cheaper
  • United Club worth it for cold weather games
  • Tailgating spots go fast - arrive 4 hours early

Best Value

  • 400-level for budget-conscious fans
  • Public transit over parking
  • Eat before entering stadium

Hidden Gems

  • Museum Campus views before game
  • Bears history displays in United Club
  • Skyline views from upper deck

Things to Avoid

  • Driving on Lake Shore Drive after games
  • Underdressing for weather
  • Waldron Deck exit immediately after game

Stadium History

Timeline

1924Stadium opens as Municipal Grant Park Stadium
1925Renamed Soldier Field
1971Bears move from Wrigley Field
1985Bears win Super Bowl XX
2003Major renovation completed

Stadium Traditions

Bear Down Chant

Team fight song sung after scores

Bear Weather

Embracing cold game conditions