Soldier Field – Chicago Fire

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86

Soldier Field 1410 Museum Campus Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago Fire website Soldier Field website

Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 61,500

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Soldier Field is on Fire

Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer has called Soldier Field home since 2020. The team had previously played here from 1998-2005 before relocating to the soccer-specific stadium in the suburb of Bridgeview, 12 miles southwest of Chicago. 

The move back to Chicago was a surprise at first, but being 1.5 miles from downtown, accessible to superior mass transit, and close to a fan base that has embraced the game has made it a logical choice for the Fire.

Soldier Field is the long-time home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League and opened on October 9, 1924, as Grant Park Stadium. It was renamed the following year to honor the US soldiers who died in combat during World War I. The stadium features a Neoclassical style with Doric columns rising above the east and west entrances.

The stadium went through $632 million renovations between 2002 and 2003 that reduced capacity and modernized the stadium. The exterior would be retained, but the interior would be significantly altered, providing a venue with a unique design. The move would be fruitful as average attendance has risen from 15,848 in 2022 to 24,474 in four seasons.

The club's time at Soldier Field will come to an end soon, as they announced in 2025 that they plan on privately financing a soccer-specific stadium in “The 78” neighborhood in the South Loop along the Chicago River. It will seat 22,000 and anchor a mixed-use development including residential buildings, restaurants, retail, and green space.

Food & Beverage 4

Soldier Field offers a bit of food variety from stadium favorites to creative styles designed for fans at the game. There are multiple stands and kiosks, and many grab-and-go stations that make it easy to get something to eat and return to your seat. It is a cashless venue.

Fans can enjoy hot dogs, pretzels, brats, Polish sausage, veggie dogs, walking tacos, nachos, and pizza slices. The signature items include nachos and street tacos with in-house smoked brisket, street corn, and a jalapeno cheddar sausage with charred tomato pepper relish and hot tortilla strips called a “Fire Dog”.  There are also rib sandwiches and ice cream nachos.

The alcoholic choices include domestic and premium brands from Miller/Coors, Vizzy, Leigenkugel, and Cruz Blanca. You will not find Coke or Pepsi products, but ones from RC Cola, Dr Pepper, and 7Up.

Atmosphere 4

The stadium's size did not deter the crowd. The lower bowl was packed with fans, providing enough noise that would make one forget they were at a 61,500-seat venue. However, it is the design of the stadium that makes attending a game a little different from the modern soccer-specific venues of the league.

Fans enter through the east entrance into an area dubbed “The Patio” that features the impressive Doric columns. There are multiple tents from local businesses offering prizes for free products, a Kid’s Zone that tests soccer skills, inflatable rides, and a bar area with beer and cocktails. The Fire’s official team store is located in an area that offers a selection of items. If arriving early to the match, this is a fun area to soak up some pre-game festivities that also includes a DJ playing Chicago-house music.

Once inside the main concourse of the stadium, fans will have easy access to their seating and the multiple concession areas. Look for the Fire supporter club that makes its way through the west side of the stadium, chanting, waving flags, and beating their drums. One in their seat, the beat goes on for the full 90 minutes of play.

The pre-game festivities on the pitch feature pyrotechnic special effects of fire spewing up into the area in the middle of the field and from behind the goal. A group of fans hold up flags and banners on the field to hype up the crowd from their seats. Public address announcements are done in both English and Spanish.

Neighborhood 4

Soldier Field sits just south of downtown Chicago, nestled along Lake Michigan in the city’s scenic Museum Campus. Surrounded by sprawling green space and iconic cultural landmarks, the area offers plenty for visitors to enjoy before or after a game.

Just steps from the stadium are world-class attractions that include the Field Museum, home to the famous T. rex “Sue,” the Shedd Aquarium with its diverse marine life, and the Adler Planetarium, offering hands-on exhibits and sweeping views of the Chicago skyline.

Fans looking for a bite to eat will find plenty of options nearby, from the upscale Chicago Firehouse Restaurant to laid-back favorites like Reggie’s Rock Club, Kroll’s South Loop, and the legendary Harold’s Chicken Shack. The area also features local breweries: Vice District Brewing and Motor Row Brewing, perfect for a pre-game drink.

For those wanting to take in the lakefront, the nearby Lakefront Trail provides a picturesque spot to walk along the shoreline. Lake Michigan offers much cooler temperatures during hot summer days, or somewhat reverse during the colder months. Arrive early to the game, you'll be glad you did.

Fans 4

The Fire have seen increased attendance in the past four seasons since relocating back to town. Attendance peaked at over 21,000 during the 2024 season. They have several supporter clubs that march to the match and make quite the entrance with flags, banners, and musical instruments.

Access 3

Soldier Field is set up well for Fire matches with the entire lower bowl concourse wrapping around the seating bowl for easy access to concessions, bathrooms, exits, and other areas of the venue. Field-level seats behind the goalkeeper require a special entrance to the field from Gate 10, and "The Patio" area is massive and worth checking out before the match or during half-time.

It is recommended to use public transportation to and from the stadium to avoid high parking fees and congestion after the game. The SouthShore Line and Metra stop at the 18th Street Station for Soldier Field. It is less than a 10-minute walk from the platform. The 18th Street Station is also accessible from the CTA Red/Orange/Green Lines.

Return on Investment 4

The average price for a ticket to a game can be as low as $18 to as high as $40, depending on the opponent and how far in advance you make the purchase. Parking at the stadium will cost close to $40, and it is advisable to take the Metra to the Soldier Field station; an all-day pass costs $7 and is worth the headache of sitting in traffic after the match.

Concession prices are what you find nowadays at major sporting events. There are no value items, and beer will cost between $12 $14. Team merchandise is also on par with other MLS clubs, with caps and t-shirts selling around the $30 mark. Depending on your standards, attending a Fire match is a good return on investment.

Extras 4

Attending a Fire game has several extra incentives that include fantastic pre-game activities in The Patio, which include games, music, and merchandise sales. The grab-and-go lines are long and quickly move fans throughout the game. There are several lodge areas that fans have access to in order to cool off during hot summer nights.

Final Thoughts

The Chicago Fire have a bright future ahead of them with the announcement of a soccer-specific venue set to open for the 2028 MLS season. The team has seen increased attendance with its move back to Chicago, and it will cement itself as one of the city’s major brands for the foreseeable future.

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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com