Searching for information about the Soldier Field bag policy? Read on to learn all you need for your visit to the home of the Chicago Bears!
About Soldier Field
Having hosted its first ballgame in 1924, Soldier Field has been drawing sports lovers to its stands for nearly a century, making it the second-oldest stadium in the entire National Football League (NFL). It was originally named Grant Park Municipal Stadium, but the new name was dedicated in 1925 to honor fallen United States military. Fitting, then, that a historic match between the US Army and Navy football teams took place there the following year, with over 100,000 spectators in attendance.
Back then, the seating capacity was around 74,000, but could be expanded thanks to the stadium’s U-shaped design. The decision to demolish the stadium’s interior and permanently reduce the seating capacity in 2002 was met with some harsh criticism from locals, but was ultimately an upgrade. In 2012, Soldier Field was the first NFL stadium to receive LEED certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Besides football, the stadium has hosted MLS, CONCACAF and FIFA soccer matches (including Women’s World Cup matches) as well as huge names in the music industry, from Madonna and Bruce Springsteen in the 80s to Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in 2018.
Soldier Field Bag Policy
As an NFL stadium, Soldier Field follows the NFL Committee on Stadium Security’s All-Clear bag policy. Fans may bring one clear tote bag made of vinyl, plastic or PVC and not more than 12”x6”x12” in size or a clear zip-lock bag no larger than one gallon (one or the other, not both).
In addition to one of the approved clear bag options, small clutches, wristlets or handbags (of any color or material) are allowed, but cannot exceed 6.5”x4.5”. Medical bags and kits must be searched and approved prior to entry; if you have a medical item, you’ll need to enter at Gate 10.
Clear totes bearing the NFL logo or that of the team you support are okay, but no other brands/logos are allowed. Tote bags not bearing one of the approved logos must be completely clear with no patterns or decoration. Prohibited items include purses, backpacks, camera bags, briefcases, coolers, seat cushions with pockets or compartments, and luggage of any size.
Luggage Storage near Soldier Field
If you’ve come from out of town or over-prepared for the Soldier Field bag policy, you’ll need to store your bags and large items somewhere before you reach the stadium. Luckily, Stasher has plenty of luggage storage options nearby, so your belongings will be safe and secure until you get back.
See all of our Soldier Field locations here!
Soldier Field Transportation
Soldier Field is easily accessible via bus, the ME train, and “the L” – Chicago’s elevated rapid transit system. Fun fact: the L was originally short for “elevated,” but became so common it’s now the official name.
Click on a route below for step-by-step instructions.
From Ukranian Village, 59 mins
- Bus: 66 (@Chicago & Leavitt)
- The L: Blue Line (@Damen-O’Hare)
From Castaways Bar & Grill, 59 mins
- Bus: 151 (@Lake Shore & North Ave)
- Bus: 36 (@Clark & North Ave)
From XSport Fitness Express, 60 mins
- The L: Blue Line (@Belmont-Blue)
- Bus: 77 (@Belmont & Albany)
From Revolution Brewing, 60 mins
- The L: Blue Line (@Belmont-Blue)
- Bus: 152 (@Addison & Kedzie)
From CTA Bus 147, 58 mins
- The L: Red Line (@Fullerton)
- Bus: 151 (@Stockton & Arlington)
See all available route options, live timetables, and more with Moovit.
Luggage Storage in Chicago
From Lake Michigan to the Willis Tower, it can be easy to get swept away in the Windy City. Stasher partners with businesses all over the world, many open late or 24 hours, to provide the largest luggage storage network of the sharing economy – meaning you get fully insured and flexible storage at an unbeatable rate!
Find all our Chicago StashPoints and a map!