Sportsfanfocus.com has no affiliation with Soldier Field, the Chicago Bears, or NFL (info)
This is a guide to the Chicago Bears home stadium (Soldier Field). Going to a NFL game can be fun, but it is also a unique experience that you will want to plan for accordingly. There are certain policies and procedures you will want to be aware of beforehand, as well as stadium gate and parking lot locations for easy entrance.
Need Tickets or Parking Passes? – Buying from Vivid Seats allows you to avoid ticket lines at the stadium and Vivid Seats shows you your view from the seats prior to purchase. Click here to view Chicago Bears tickets and parking passes available at VividSeats.com (affiliate link takes you to vividseats.com).
In this article we will discuss:
- What to bring to a Bears Game
- Chicago Bears Ticket Information
- Soldier Field Gate Information
- Best Place to Park at Soldier Field
- Does Soldier Field Take Cash?
- How Long are Chicago Bears Games?
- Where is the Bears Pro Shop?
What to Bring to a Chicago Bears Game?
If you are going to a Chicago Bears game, planning ahead is always important. Below is a list of things you might need to bring, and you will want to make sure you are complying with any security protocols the stadium has:
- Clear Stadium Bag – NFL stadiums have strict bag policies and recommend a clear stadium bag like this one available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Make sure to verify the size dimensions meets the size standards for Soldier Field.
- Reserve Parking – Many stadiums recommend fans to pre-purchase parking passes if needed to help avoid the hassle and wait times associated with buying passes at the stadium. Click here to view the current prices of Chicago Bears parking passes and tickets available at Vivid Seats (paid affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).
- Weather and Sun Protection – Soldier Field is an open-air stadium, which means you will need to be prepared to face the elements when you go to a Chicago Bears game.
- Cashless Payment – Many stadiums are transitioning to cashless payments, so bringing a form of payment other than cash is a good idea.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones – Stadiums can get very loud, and noise-canceling headphones may be needed for toddlers.
Can You Bring a Bag Into Soldier Field Field?
As an emphasis on security has increased in recent years, NFL stadiums have adjusted their bag policies. There are strict regulations regarding the types of bags allowed inside a stadium. The NFL recommends fans to use clear stadium bags like this one available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Clear stadium bags help with security at the gate, and not only make the stadium safer, but also help security lines move faster. But each stadium has its own safety guidelines, and may include certain exceptions. To read more, I would advise you to visit the Soldier Field information guide.
Can You Bring a Sign Into Soldier Field?
Bringing a sign to the game can be a fun way to add to the experience of going to a NFL Game. You may be wondering if you can bring a sign into Soldier Field. Yes, you can bring a sing into Soldier Field, but there are some restrictions. When you bring a sign into Solider Field, the signs must meet the following requirements:
- Solider Field Signs can’t be commercial or offensive
- Solider Field Signs must not include profane language, advertisements, or political slogans
- Solider Field Signs must not be placed over any official stadium signage
- Solider Field Signs must not be attached to a pole
- Solider Field Signs may not cause harm to the guests seated around you
- Solider Field Signs must not be used as projectiles.
- Solider Field Signs cannot obstruct the view of other guests
Management reserves the right to confiscate signs that are in violation of stadium policy. It is always a good idea to check out the Soldier Field information guide or contact the team if you have any questions.
Chicago Bears Ticket Information
Buying Bears Tickets
As of this year, the Bears ticket office no longer sells hard tickets at the stadium. The ticket office at the stadium is open only to assist in ticket resolution issues or help fans buy tickets on their phones. All tickets are digital. Buying in advance is always a good idea necessary.
You can buy Bears tickets directly from the team’s website, but once the game is sold-out, you will need to use the secondary ticket market, where you can buy Bears tickets that are being re-sold. For these types of tickets, I like to use Vivid Seats because they show me what my view from the seats will look like prior to purchase.
- Click here to view Chicago Bears tickets available at Vivid Seats (affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).
The Game Day Ticket Office is located at Gate 10, which is at the southeast corner of the stadium. Please remember that NFL stadiums have adopted mobile ticketing in an attempt to reduce the risk of ticket fraud. To learn more about how the Bears mobile ticketing works, click here.
To read more, visit our article about purchasing Bears tickets at the stadium.
Soldier Field Gate Information
Soldier Field gates open two hours prior to kick-off. The Bears strongly encourage fans to arrive early and be patient when entering the stadium. The enhanced public safety procedures at stadium gates recommended by the NFL will increase comfort and safety of fans at the game, but will require extra time for inspections and screening. Walk-through metal detectors will be used at the gates.
To read more about the location of entry gates, visit our Solider Field Gate Guide.
Best Place to Park at Soldier Field for Bears Games
How Does Parking Work at Soldier Field?
There are numerous lots and garages around Solider Field for you to park in. The lots and garages are split between season pass holders and then single game parking. One you are in the lot, you will choose an open parking space. Likely though, there will be a staff member helping to direct traffic to make parking as efficient as possible. If you are looking to tailgate, please make sure and keep in directly or in front of your space. Tailgating outside of your parking area can lead to removal.
There are some restrictions on what you can bring in your car and what you can have outside of it as well. It is always a good idea to check with the Bears Parking Guide ahead of time if you have any questions or concerns.
Soldier Field Parking Tips
- Buy Prepaid Parking if Possible – Buying a parking pass in advance can help you avoid the hassle of buying at the stadium, and allows you to reserve a spot in a parking lot that makes the most sense for you. This is where you can view the current price of parking passes available for Bears games at Vivid Seats (paid affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).
- Tailgating – While tailgating is allowed at Soldier Field, you can only do it in your parking area. Some lots do have medians and other areas where you can tailgate as well. So if you are looking to tailgate, I would suggest getting to your lot early and get the spot you desire.
- Get there early – Your parking pass will have an assigned lot to it, but you will not have an assigned space. Many of the lots are very large and can change the amount of time it takes to get to and from the stadium. Also, it is always nice to get a spot near the exit to help lessen the time it takes to leave.
To read more about lots and options, visit our Chicago Bears Parking Guide.
How Long Do Chicago Bears Games Last?
You can expect a Chicago Bears game to last slightly over three hours on average, but it is worth noting that some games can last closer to 3.5 hours (or longer) depending on pace of play. In 2021, the average length of a Chicago Bears game was 3 hours and 2 minutes.
In 2021, the longest Chicago Bears game lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes, and the shortest Chicago Bears game lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes. The main takeaway is most Chicago Bears games last slightly over three hours, but there are exceptions both ways.
To read more, visit our article about the length of football games.
SOURCE: Pro Football Reference Gamelogs
Where is the Bears Pro Shop?
Bears Pro Shops are located at the north entrance of the stadium inside Gate 47 (from inside up the ramp from Section 148, northwest corner of the Verizon Mezzanine Level), south end of the United Club 100 level (Club and Suite Partners only), and the Dr Pepper Patio in the South Courtyard inside Gate 3 next to the Mezzanine ramp. “Tap to Pay” technology will be at all terminals and cashless payment is preferred.
There are several Bears Pro Shops at Solider Field. Each one of these locations will have standard credit card payments along with “Tap to Pay” technology payments. Here are the locations of each Bears Pro Shops at Soldier Field :
- A Bears Pro Shop is located inside Gate 47 near section 230
- A Bears Pro Shop is located near the northwest corner near section 216 (Gate 2)
- A Bears Pro Shop is located near the southeast corner of the stadium near section 245 (Gate 4)
- A Bears Pro Shop is located in the Plaza level in the South End Zone
If you are shopping for Bears fan gear, you can also do that online. This is where you can view Bears gear available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
Does Soldier Field Accept Cash Inside the Stadium?
Soldier Field does not accept cash inside the stadium. All food & beverage, team parking, and retail transactions will be cashless. In addition to traditional scan and chip options, all fixed points of sale will offer Tap to Pay” technology such as Apple, Google and Samsung pay. If you would like more information on the stadium, check out the Chicago Bears Soldier Field Stadium Guide.
Chicago Bear Contact Info
This website (sportsfanfocus.com) has no affiliation with Soldier Field, the Chicago Bears, NFL, or any of the events hosted at Soldier Field.
Any information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness, meaning much of this information is subject to change, and although we do our best to keep these guides updated, we can’t guarantee accuracy at all times. For all official information, we urge you to contact the Chicago Bears staff. Contact information is below:
Need Tickets or Parking Passes? – Buying from Vivid Seats allows you to avoid ticket lines at the stadium and Vivid Seats shows you your view from the seats prior to purchase. Click here to view Chicago Bears tickets and parking passes available at VividSeats.com (affiliate link takes you to vividseats.com).