What is the capacity of Soldier Field Stadium?

Soldier Field is a multipurpose football stadium located in the Near South side of Chicago, Illinois. It was opened in 1924 and reconstructed in 2003, it is the oldest stadium in both the NFL and MLS. It is also the home field for the Chicago Bears, they played their first game at the Soldier Field Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chicago Bears Home Venue

Soldier Field has been the home of the Chicago Bears since 1970. The stadium has 61,500 seats, which makes it the smallest stadium in the NFL. When the team was known as the Decatur Staleys, at that time they played their home games at Staley Stadium before moving to Chicago in 1921. They have won nine NFL championships including one Super and have also recorded the second-most victories in NFL history. They are also the seventh richest franchise in the NFL, worth over $5.8 billion dollars as of 2023. One of the NFL's most popular teams, the Bears, consistently sells out Soldier Field Stadium.

Soldier Field Stadium’s Capacity

Soldier Field Stadium is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, and seats 61,500. This makes it the NFL's smallest stadium by capacity. It opened in 1924, with a capacity of 45,000 seats. Renovations and other adjustments were done back in 1978, in which the plank seats were replaced with individual seats. The stadium held over 66,000 people when a new press box, as well as 60 skyboxes, were added to the stadium in 1982. This dropped to 55,701 in 1994 when the stadium was renovated. The stadium capacity reached 61,500 after the renovation in 2003. Soldier Field Stadium has held many big events. The stadium holds college football games, and ice hockey games in addition to Bears games.

Soldier Field Stadium’s History

Soldier Field Stadium is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. It opened in 1924 with a capacity of 45,000 seats and was officially dedicated as Municipal Grant Park Stadium. They changed their name from Municipal Grant Park Stadium to Soldier Field Stadium in 1925, in dedication to U.S. soldiers who died during World War I. It was the home of the Chicago Cardinals till 1959, the Bears moved to this stadium in 1971. The stadium has a seating capacity of 61,500, making it the NFL's smallest stadium by capacity.

Soldier Field Stadium’s Construction and Costs

Starting in 1978, the plank seating was replaced by individual seats with backs and armrests. In 1982, they added a new press box, as well as 60 skyboxes to the stadium, increasing its capacity to 66,030. In 1988, 56 more skyboxes were added, which increased the capacity to 66,946. The capacity of the stadium was slightly increased to 66,950 in 1992. By 1994, the capacity was slightly reduced to 66,944. During the renovation, the capacity of the seats was reduced to 55,701 by building a grandstand in the open end of the U shape. The stadium was renovated in 2003, and the total funding for the renovation cost $632 million; taxpayers were responsible for $432 million, while the Chicago Bears and the NFL contributed $200 million. Now in 2023, they are thinking of constructing the stadium that could cost between $900 million and $2.2 billion.

Soldier Field Stadium’s Seating chart

Soldier Field Stadium seats 61,500. The stadium is divided into three levels: lower deck, upper deck, and suite level.

The Lower Level is the best place to sit as it is closest to the field. The Upper Level is also a good choice to sit on as it is the cheapest. The Suite Level is the best option if you want to enjoy the game in luxury.

Soldier Field Stadium seating chart overview:

Lower Level: 101-145.

Upper Level: 201-24

What to bring to Soldier Field Stadium?

The following things are permissible at Soldier Field Stadium:

• Bags that are clear plastic and are not larger than 12"x 6"x 12"

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)

• Small clutch bags that are not larger than 4.5”x 6.5”

• Medical bags/kits

• Banners, flags, and signs

• Binoculars, Cameras & Recording Devices

The following items are not allowed in Soldier Field Stadium:

• Weapons/firearms (insert no-firearm logo)

• Alcoholic beverages and “Palcohol” (Powdered Alcohol)

• Any bag, case, or purse that the Stadium has not approved

• Searched medical bags

• Balloons and beach balls

• Cans, bottles, or other beverage containers

• Clothing or signage with offensive or vulgar language or that blocks fans’ view

• Confetti

• Fireworks, smoke bombs

• Illegal drugs

• Laser pens and pointers

• Noise-making devices (i.e. horns, whistles, etc.)

• Poles of any kind, including selfie sticks

• Strollers

• Umbrellas

• Video or movie cameras

• Using cigarettes, smokeless cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or chewing smokeless tobacco

• Any other items that look dangerous or inappropriate

• Any Drones

What is the parking cost at Field High Stadium?

The parking cost at Field High Stadium varies depending on the event and the location of the parking lot. For sporting events, parking in the official stadium lots typically costs $60. However, there are also many off-site parking lots that offer lower rates, ranging from $12 to $25 per hour.

• Millennium Garage: $42 day of a game, online pre-paid, $44 subject to change. No tailgating, Shuttle provided.

• Millennium Lakeside Garage: $38 day of game, online prepaid $44. No tailgating.

• McCormick Place Lakeside Garage Lot C: $45 prepaid, $40 drive up. No tailgating, shuttle is not provided.

• 18th Street Lot: $65 prepaid only, cars only, alcohol not permitted.

• Burnham Harbor Lot - $50. Tailgating is allowed.

Parking Map of the Soldier High Stadium