Soldier Field

File:Child,Mother,Father,MilitaryFamily.jpg]]

On December 3, 1919, Chicago-based architectural firm Holabird & Roche was chosen to design the stadium,{{cite news |title=Soldier Field: Timeline of events since 1924 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-soldier-field-timeline-20211001-5n7rs4s555dkpitlws5jzhtuy4-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=October 1, 2021 |access-date=January 27, 2022 |last1=Rumore |first1=Kori |last2=Mather |first2=Marianne |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127175151/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-soldier-field-timeline-20211001-5n7rs4s555dkpitlws5jzhtuy4-story.html |url-status=live }} which broke ground on August 11, 1922.{{cite news|title=Start Work On New Municipal Stadium In Grant Park, Chicago|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/csmonitor_historic/access/311946322.html?dids=311946322:311946322&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Aug+16%2C+1922&author=Special+from+Monitor+Bureau&pub=Christian+Science+Monitor&desc=START+WORK+ON+NEW+MUNICIPAL+STADIUM+IN+GRANT+PARK%2C+CHICAGO|work=The Christian Science Monitor|date=August 16, 1922}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The stadium cost $13 million to construct (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US|13|1923|r=0}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}), a large sum for a sporting venue at that time (in comparison, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum had cost less than US$1 million in 1923 dollars). On October 9, 1924, the 53rd anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the stadium was officially dedicated as "Grant Park Stadium",[https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-60000-voice-citys-spir/69950747/ "60,000 Voice City's Spirit at Stadium Fete"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207140858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-60000-voice-citys-spir/69950747/ |date=February 7, 2024 }}, Chicago Tribune, October 10, 1924, p. 5 although it had hosted a few events before then, including a field day for Chicago police officers on September 6, and the stadium's first football game, between Louisville Male High School and Austin Community Academy High School, on October 4. On November 22, the stadium hosted its first college football game, in which Notre Dame defeated Northwestern University 13–6.

On November 11, 1925, the stadium's name was changed to Soldier Field, in dedication to U.S. soldiers who had died in combat during World War I. Its formal rededication as Soldier Field was held during the 29th annual playing of the Army–Navy Game on November 27, 1926.{{cite news |url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1926/11/27/page/1/article/110-000-to-see-game-today |newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune |title=110,000 to see game today |date=November 27, 1926 |page=1 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-date=February 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217034629/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1926/11/27/page/1/article/110-000-to-see-game-today/ |url-status=live }} Several months earlier, in June 1926, the stadium hosted several events during the 28th International Eucharistic Congress, the first held in the United States. During the Century of Progress World's Fair in 1933, it served as the main stage.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-01 |title=A century ago, Soldier Field was born as a lakefront stadium, bolstering Chicago's image as a world-class city |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/09/01/soldier-field-opened-100-years-lakefront-stadium/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}

The stadium's design is in the Neoclassical style, with Doric columns rising above the East and West entrances.[http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/1082/Soldier-Field.php "Soldier Field"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207024037/http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/1082/Soldier-Field.php |date=February 7, 2016 }}, Chicago Architecture Info. Retrieved January 16, 2016. In its earliest configuration, Soldier Field was capable of seating 74,280 spectators, and was in the shape of a U. Additional seating could be added along the interior field, upper promenades, and on the large, open field and terrace beyond the north endzone,{{cite news |url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1946/04/07/page/10/ |newspaper=Chicago Sunday Tribune |title=Truman telss Chicago crowd U.S. must remain strong |date=April 7, 1946 |page=10, part 1 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817001024/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1946/04/07/page/10/ |url-status=live }} bringing the seating capacity to over 100,000.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=voVWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OuYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1516%2C7547180 |newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald |location=Australia |agency=(photo)|title=Closing meeting at Chicago's Soldier Field |date=November 25, 1962 |page=64 }}

File:8X10A 1961 Chicago Bears o-line practice 1.jpg practicing for the Armed Forces Benefit Football Game, which was primarily held at Soldier Field from 1947 to 1970. The Bears permanently moved in the following year.]]

Before they moved into the stadium, the Chicago Bears had played select charity games at Soldier Field as early as {{nfly|1926}}, when they played their former crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cardinals. The Cardinals also used the stadium as their home field for their final season in the city in 1959.

In {{nfly|1971}}, the Bears moved into Soldier Field full-time, originally with a three-year commitment.{{cite news |url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1971/05/14/page/55/article/bears-find-home-its-soldier-field |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |last=Rollow |first=Cooper |title=Bears find home; it's Soldier Field |date=March 14, 1971 |page=1, part 3 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216214101/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1971/05/14/page/55/article/bears-find-home-its-soldier-field/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8ksaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fygEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7322%2C1745759 |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal |title=Bears sign to play in Soldier Field |date=March 14, 1971 |page=21 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918114653/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8ksaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fygEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7322%2C1745759 |url-status=dead }} The team previously played home games at Wrigley Field, the home stadium of the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB), but were forced to move to a larger venue due to post-AFL–NFL merger policies requiring that stadium capacities seat at least 50,000 spectators as well as lighting for potential night games. The Bears had initially intended to build a stadium in Arlington Heights, but the property did not fit the league's specifications.{{cite web |url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/09/29/bears-proposal-move-to-arlington-heights-repeated-over-and-over/?amp |title=Proposal For Bears To Move To Arlington Heights Has Come Up Over And Over Again, Since Before They Moved To Soldier Field In 1971 |date=September 29, 2021 |publisher=WBBM-TV |access-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203172620/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/09/29/bears-proposal-move-to-arlington-heights-repeated-over-and-over/?amp |url-status=live }}

On September 19, 1971, the Bears played their first home game at Soldier Field, in which they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 17–15. In 1978, the Bears and the Chicago Park District agreed to a 20-year lease and renovation of the stadium; both parties pooled their resources for the renovation.{{cite web|last=Lugardo|first=Sara|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/12/16/history-of-tailgating-in-chicago/|title=History of Tailgating in Chicago|publisher=WBBM-TV|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2012|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305164242/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/12/16/history-of-tailgating-in-chicago/|url-status=live}} The playing surface was AstroTurf from 1971 until 1987, and was replaced with natural grass in 1988.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=19FKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=w-kMAAAAIBAJ&pg=962%2C3903968 |newspaper=Schenectady Gazette |location=New York |agency=Associated Press |title=Bears' games at Soldier Field may be moved |date=August 16, 1988 |page=26 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918114700/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=19FKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=w-kMAAAAIBAJ&pg=962%2C3903968 |url-status=live }} On February 27, 1987, Soldier Field was designated a National Historic Landmark.{{cite web |title=Grant Park Stadium (Soldier Field) – National Historic Landmarks |url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/grant-park-stadium-soldier-field.htm |website=National Park Service |access-date=23 January 2022 |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123213207/https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/grant-park-stadium-soldier-field.htm |url-status=live }}

In 1989, Soldier Field's future was in jeopardy after a proposal was created for a "McDome", which was intended to be a domed stadium for the Bears, but was rejected by the Illinois Legislature in 1990. Because of this, Bears president Michael McCaskey considered relocation as a possible factor for a new stadium. The Bears had also purchased options in Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village and Aurora. In 1995, McCaskey announced that he and Northwest Indiana developers agreed to construction of an entertainment complex called "Planet Park", which would also include a new stadium. However, the plan was rejected by the Lake County Council, and in 1998, then-Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley proposed that the Bears share Comiskey Park with the Chicago White Sox.{{cite web |url=http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/soldierfieldhistory.aspx |title=Soldier Field History |last=Taylor |first=Roy |date=2003 |publisher=Bearshistory.com |access-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-date=June 18, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618034149/http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/soldierfieldhistory.aspx |url-status=live }}

Beginning in 1978, the plank seating was replaced by individual seats with backs and armrests. In 1982, a new press box, as well as 60 skyboxes, were added to the stadium, boosting its capacity to 66,030. In 1988, 56 more skyboxes were added, increasing capacity to 66,946. Capacity was slightly increased to 66,950 in 1992. By 1994, however, capacity was slightly reduced to 66,944. During the renovation, seating capacity was reduced to 55,701 by building a grandstand in the open end of the U shape. This moved the field closer to both ends in order to move the fans closer to the field, at the expense of seating capacity.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/soldier-field-history/historical-timeline.html|title=Historical timeline of Soldier Field|year=2009|publisher=Chicago Bears|access-date=December 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222145306/http://www.chicagobears.com/tradition/soldier-field-history/historical-timeline.html|archive-date=December 22, 2015|url-status=dead}} The front row 50-yard line seats were only {{convert|55|ft}} away from the sidelines, the shortest distance of all NFL stadiums until MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 with a distance of {{convert|46|ft}}.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}}

File:Soldier Field Chicago aerial view.jpg

In 2001, the Chicago Park District, which owns the structure, faced substantial criticism when it announced plans to alter the stadium with a design by Benjamin T. Wood and Carlos Zapata of Wood + Zapata in Boston. The stadium grounds were reconfigured by local architecture firm Lohan Associate, led by architect Dirk Lohan, grandson of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The stadium's interior would be demolished and reconstructed while the exterior would be preserved in an example of facadism. A similar endeavor of constructing a new stadium within the confines of a historic stadium's exterior was done with Leipzig's Red Bull Arena, which similarly built a modern stadium while preserving the exterior of the original Zentralstadion. Fans and radio hosts, such as WSCR's Mike North, criticized the small seating capacity of the new venue, and others have criticized the Park District's lack of care to the field surface after the first seasonal freeze and a refusal to consider a new-generation artificial surface, leaving the Bears to play on dead grass.

File:Soldierfield2002.jpg

On January 19, 2002, the night of the Bears' playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, demolition began as tailgate fires still burned in trash cans in the parking lots. The removal of 24,000 stadium seats in 36 hours by Archer Seating Clearinghouse, a speed record never exceeded since,{{Citation needed|date=July 2018}} was the first step in building the new Soldier Field. Nostalgic Bears fans recalling the team's glory seasons (especially 1985), as well as some retired players, picked up their seats in the South parking lot. The foremen on the job were Grant Wedding, who installed the seats himself in 1979, and Mark Wretschko, an executive for the factory who made the new seats. As Soldier Field underwent renovation, the Bears spent the 2002 NFL season playing their home games at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois. On September 29, {{nfly|2003}}, the Bears played their first game at the renovated Soldier Field, in which they were defeated by the Green Bay Packers, 38–23. 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.{{cite news|last1=Martin|first1=Andrew|last2=Ford|first2=Liam|last3=Cohen|first3=Laurie|title=Bears play, public pays|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=April 21, 2002|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-04-21-0204210349-story.html|access-date=February 7, 2022|archive-date=February 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207220258/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-04-21-0204210349-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Chapman|first=Steve|title=No cheers for Chicago's ugly, expensive new stadium|date=September 16, 2003|newspaper=Baltimore Sun|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2003-09-16-0309160073-story.html|access-date=February 7, 2022|archive-date=February 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207220258/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2003-09-16-0309160073-story.html|url-status=live}}

File:The Soldier Field.jpg

Several writers and columnists attacked the Soldier Field renovation project as an aesthetic, political and financial nightmare. The project received mixed reviews within the architecture community, with criticism from civic and preservation groups.{{cite news|title=Chicago Journal; Soldier Field Renovation Brings Out Boo-Birds|first=David|last=Barboza|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/16/us/chicago-journal-soldier-field-renovation-brings-out-boo-birds.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 16, 2003|access-date=September 4, 2012|archive-date=December 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230012838/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/16/us/chicago-journal-soldier-field-renovation-brings-out-boo-birds.html|url-status=live}} Prominent architect and native Chicagoan Stanley Tigerman called it "a fiasco.{{cite news|title=Field of Pain|newspaper=Chicago Magazine|url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/November-2002/Field-of-Pain/|first=Robert|last=Sharoff|date=November 2002|access-date=February 14, 2012|archive-date=April 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414010937/http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/November-2002/Field-of-Pain/|url-status=live}} Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin dubbed it the "Eyesore on the Lake Shore,"{{cite news|title=Soldier field plan: On further Review, the Play Stinks|last=Kamin|first=Blair|author-link=Blair Kamin|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=April 5, 2001|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-010405soldier,0,6775465.story|access-date=February 14, 2012|archive-date=December 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231004703/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-010405soldier,0,6775465.story|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=The Monstrosity of the Midway; Mr. Mayor: Stop the Madness and Admit That the Lakefront Is No Place for the Bears|last=Kamin|first=Blair |author-link=Blair Kamin|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=June 11, 2001|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2001/06/11/the-monstrosity-of-the-midway/|access-date=February 14, 2012}}{{cite news |title=A tale of Hungry Bears and White Elephants|last=Kamin|first=Blair |author-link=Blair Kamin|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=July 11, 2001|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2001/07/11/a-tale-of-hungry-bears-and-white-elephants/|access-date=February 14, 2012}} while others called it "Monstrosity on the Midway" or "Mistake by the Lake".{{cite news|title=Chicago Journal; Soldier Field Renovation Brings Out Boo-Birds|last=Barboza|first=Barboza|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 16, 2003|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/16/us/chicago-journal-soldier-field-renovation-brings-out-boo-birds.html|access-date=February 18, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310011723/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/16/us/chicago-journal-soldier-field-renovation-brings-out-boo-birds.html|url-status=live}} The renovation was described by some as if "a spaceship landed on the stadium".{{cite web |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/10/best-worst-nfl-stadiums-capacity-rankings-lambeau-field-solder-field-size-super-bowls |title=Ranking the best and worst NFL stadiums |date=October 16, 2015 |website=For The Win |language=en |access-date=September 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224151620/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/10/best-worst-nfl-stadiums-capacity-rankings-lambeau-field-solder-field-size-super-bowls |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/csac-bt-030914soldierfieldchapmancommentary,0,44019.story|title=A stadium deal that is hard to bear|last=Chapman|first=Steve|date=September 14, 2003|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 21, 2010|archive-date=March 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312030009/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/csac-bt-030914soldierfieldchapmancommentary,0,44019.story|url-status=live}} Lohan responded:

I would never say that Soldier Field is an architectural landmark. Nobody has copied it; nobody has learned from it. People like it for nostalgic reasons. They remember the games and parades and tractor pulls and veterans' affairs they've seen there over the years. I wouldn't do this if it were the Parthenon. But this isn't the Parthenon.

Proponents of the renovation argued it was badly needed because of aging and cramped facilities. The New York Times named the renovated Soldier Field one of the five best new buildings of 2003.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/28/arts/architecture-the-highs-the-buildings-and-plans-of-the-year.html?scp=1&sq=&st=nyt|title=Architecture: The Highs; The Buildings (and Plans) of the Year|last=Muschamp|first=Herbert|date=December 23, 2003|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=May 21, 2010|archive-date=January 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116171059/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/28/arts/architecture-the-highs-the-buildings-and-plans-of-the-year.html?scp=1&sq=&st=nyt|url-status=live}} Soldier Field was given an award in design excellence by the American Institute of Architects in 2004.{{cite web|last=Mayer|first=Larry|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Soldier-Field-wins-prestigious-award/584E1290-7E72-4455-8A4E-3E67FB5D9764|title=Soldier Field wins prestigious award|publisher=Chicago Bears|access-date=October 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230231731/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Soldier-Field-wins-prestigious-award/584E1290-7E72-4455-8A4E-3E67FB5D9764|archive-date=December 30, 2013|url-status=dead}}

On September 23, 2004, as a result of the renovation, a 10-member federal advisory committee unanimously recommended that Soldier Field be delisted as a National Historic Landmark.{{cite web|url=http://eculturalresources.com/news/787.html|title=Soldier Field loses National Historic Landmark status|date=April 24, 2006|work=General Cultural Resources News|publisher=eCulturalResources|access-date=May 21, 2010|archive-date=December 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205011947/http://eculturalresources.com/news/787.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/story-of-the-week/2006/leveling-the-playing-field.html|title=Leveling the Playing Field|last=Murray|first=Jeanne|date=October 20, 2006|work=Preservation Magazine|publisher=National Trust for Historic Preservation|access-date=May 22, 2010|archive-date=February 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223003030/http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/story-of-the-week/2006/leveling-the-playing-field.html|url-status=live}} The recommendation to delist was prepared by Carol Ahlgren, an architectural historian at the National Park Service's Midwest Regional Office in Omaha, Nebraska, who was quoted in Preservation Online stating, "if we had let this stand, I believe it would have lowered the standard of National Historic Landmarks throughout the country. ... If we want to keep the integrity of the program, let alone the landmarks, we really had no other recourse." The stadium lost the landmark designation on February 17, 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/weekly-list-2006-national-register-of-historic-places.pdf|title=Weekly List of Actions taken on properties: 4/17/06 through 4/21/06|date=April 28, 2006|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=May 21, 2010|archive-date=December 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231002454/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20060428.HTM|url-status=live}}

File:Soldier Field W 2022.jpg

In May 2012, Soldier Field became the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED status, a program intended to award environmentally sustainable buildings.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=8842|title=Soldier Field earns top building honor|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=May 31, 2012|access-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625103306/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=8842|archive-date=June 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}

On July 9, 2019, the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS) announced an agreement with the Village of Bridgeview to release the team from their lease with SeatGeek Stadium, where they had played since 2006. As a result, the Fire returned to Soldier Field for the 2020 MLS season.{{cite web | last=Mikula | first=Jeremy | title=Chicago Fire reach deal with Bridgeview to leave SeatGeek Stadium for $65.5 million | website=Chicago Tribune | date=2019-07-09 | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-seatgeek-stadium-lease-bridgeview-20190709-ts7xrw3ydvcgthcpzrmdfikbge-story.html | access-date=2020-04-06 | archive-date=August 27, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827033840/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-seatgeek-stadium-lease-bridgeview-20190709-ts7xrw3ydvcgthcpzrmdfikbge-story.html | url-status=live }}

On June 17, 2021, the Chicago Bears submitted a bid for the Arlington Park Racetrack property, making a move from Soldier Field to a new venue more possible.{{cite web | last=Alyssa | first=Bariberi | title=Bears submit bid to purchase Arlington International Racecourse for potential new stadium | website=bearswire | date=2021-06-17 | url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/17/chicago-bears-submit-bid-purchase-arlington-international-racecourse/ | access-date=2021-06-18 | archive-date=June 17, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617190158/https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/17/chicago-bears-submit-bid-purchase-arlington-international-racecourse/ | url-status=live }} On September 29, the Bears and Churchill Downs Incorporated announced that they had reached an agreement for the property.{{cite web | last=Florio | first=Mike | title=Bears announce purchase of property in Arlington Heights | website=ProFootballTalk | date=2021-09-29 | url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/09/29/bears-announce-purchase-of-property-in-arlington-heights/ | access-date=2021-09-29}}

On September 5, 2022, the Kentucky bluegrass was replaced with Bermuda grass after poor field conditions were noted in an August 13 preseason game.{{Cite web |last=Medina |first=Luis C. |date=September 6, 2022 |title=Chicago is Ditching Kentucky Bluegrass and Re-Sodding Soldier Field With Bermuda Grass |url=https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2022/09/06/chicago-is-ditching-kentucky-bluegrass-and-re-sodding-soldier-field-with-bermuda-grass/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907022650/https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2022/09/06/chicago-is-ditching-kentucky-bluegrass-and-re-sodding-soldier-field-with-bermuda-grass/ |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Bleacher Nation}}

The closest Chicago 'L' station to Soldier Field is the Roosevelt station on the Orange, Green and Red lines. The Chicago Transit Authority also operates the #128 Soldier Field Express bus route to the stadium from Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station. There are also two Metra stations close by: the Museum Campus/11th Street station on the Metra Electric Line, which also is used by South Shore Line trains, and 18th Street, which is only served by the Metra Electric Line. Pace also provides access from the Northwest, West and Southwest suburbs to the stadium with four express routes from Schaumburg, Lombard, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Palos Heights and Oak Lawn.

The pouring rights of non-alcoholic beverages at Soldier Field were held by The Coca-Cola Company from at least 1992 until 2012, when the Bears signed a contract with Dr Pepper Snapple Group (later Keurig Dr Pepper), making it the only stadium in the NFL then (with Cleveland Browns Stadium striking a similar deal in 2018) to have such rights held by the company.{{cite news |last1=Karp |first1=Gregory |title=Soldier Field drops Coke for Dr Pepper Snapple Group |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/04/16/soldier-field-drops-coke-for-dr-pepper-snapple-group-2/ |access-date=February 10, 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=April 16, 2012}}{{cite news |last1=Kleps |first1=Kevin |title=Browns to partner with Keurig Dr Pepper on exclusive beverage deal |url=https://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180814/blogs06/171741/browns-partner-keurig-dr-pepper-exclusive-beverage-deal |access-date=February 10, 2024 |work=Crain's Cleveland Business |date=August 14, 2018 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528002930/https://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180814/blogs06/171741/browns-partner-keurig-dr-pepper-exclusive-beverage-deal |url-status=live }} With the 2003 renovation, the Bears gained power in striking sponsorship deals at Soldier Field; the Miller Brewing Company was given the pouring rights of alcoholic beverages, while Delaware North Sportservice was named the food and beverage service provider.{{cite news |last1=Kirk |first1=Jim |title=Bears tap Miller in battle for beer nod |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/11/12/bears-tap-miller-in-battle-for-beer-nod/ |access-date=February 10, 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=November 12, 2002}}{{cite news |title=What fans eat the most at Soldier Field |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20121029/BLOGS04/121029805/what-fans-eat-the-most-at-soldier-field |access-date=February 10, 2024 |work=Crain's Chicago Business |date=October 29, 2012 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208134947/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20121029/BLOGS04/121029805/what-fans-eat-the-most-at-soldier-field |url-status=live }} Aramark took over service operations at the stadium when the latter contract expired in 2013.{{cite news |last1=Ecker |first1=Danny |title=Aramark in line for Soldier Field concessions contract |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130507/BLOGS04/130509782/food-service-giant-aramark-in-line-for-soldier-field-concessions-contract |access-date=February 10, 2024 |work=Crain's Chicago Business |date=May 7, 2013}}

{{Very long section|date=January 2020}}

{{Main|List of events at Soldier Field}}

File:The Army-Navy football game at Soldier's Field (cropped).jpg]]

• The stadium hosted its first football game on October 4, 1924, between Louisville Male High School and Chicago's Austin Community Academy High School; Louisville's team won 26–0.
• Over 100,000 spectators attended the 1926 Army–Navy Game. It would decide the national championship, as Navy entered undefeated and Army had lost only to Notre Dame. The game lived up to its hype, and even though it ended in a 21–21 tie, Navy was awarded the national championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.usna.edu/LibExhibits/Archives/Armynavy/An1926.htm |title=1926 Army-Navy Game |date=November 26, 2001 |work=Library Archives |publisher=United States Naval Academy |access-date=May 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114060018/http://www.usna.edu/LibExhibits/Archives/Armynavy/An1926.htm |archive-date=January 14, 2009 }}
• The all-time collegiate attendance record of 123,000+ was established November 26, 1927, as Notre Dame beat the USC Trojans 7–6. Subsequently, in 2016, 150,000+ attended a game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Tennessee Volunteers at Bristol Speedway.
• Austin defeated Leo to win the 1937 Chicago Prep Bowl; another contender for the highest attendance ever (estimated at over 120,000 spectators). The Chicago Prep Bowl games are held at Soldier Field yearly on the day after Thanksgiving. The bowl game is older than the IHSA state championship tournament held since the 1960s.
• The stadium was host to 41 College All-Star Games, an exhibition between the previous year's NFL champion (or, in its final years, Super Bowl champion) and a team of collegiate all-star players prior to their reporting to their new professional teams training camps. This game was discontinued after the 1976 NFL season. The final game in 1976 was halted in the third quarter when a torrential thunderstorm broke out and play was never resumed.
• The University of Notre Dame has hosted two games at Soldier Field, as part of their Shamrock Series. The first was in 2012, against the University of Miami, with another, against the University of Wisconsin-Madison, following in 2021.

:*1985 NFC Divisional Playoff: New York Giants 0, Chicago Bears 21. The last home playoff game was in 1963, when the team played in Wrigley Field.

:*1985 NFC Championship Game: Los Angeles Rams 0, Chicago Bears 24. This was the first NFC Championship held here.{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198601120chi.htm |title=NFC Championship - Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears - January 12th, 1986 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=September 19, 2019 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702141758/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198601120chi.htm |url-status=live }}

:*1986 NFC Divisional Playoff: Washington 27, Chicago Bears 13.

:*1987 NFC Divisional Playoff: Washington 21, Chicago 17.

:*1988 NFC Divisional Playoff: Philadelphia Eagles 12, Chicago Bears 20. This game is best remembered as the Fog Bowl, where a dense fog covered the stadium, reducing visibility to 15–20 yards.

:*1988 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers 28, Bears 3. The 49ers would then go on to win Super Bowl XXIII.{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198901080chi.htm |title=NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears - January 8th, 1989 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=September 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214193124/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198901080chi.htm |url-status=live }}

:*1990 NFC Wild Card: New Orleans Saints 6, Chicago Bears 16.

:*1991 NFC Wild Card: Dallas Cowboys 17, Chicago Bears 13.

:*2001 NFC Divisional Playoff: Philadelphia Eagles 33, Chicago Bears 19. This was also the last home game before the renovations took place in 2002.

:*2005 NFC Divisional Playoff: Carolina Panthers 29, Chicago Bears 21. First playoff game post-renovations.

:*2006 NFC Divisional Playoff: Seattle Seahawks 24, Chicago Bears 27 (OT).

:*2006 NFC Championship Game: New Orleans Saints 14, Bears 39. Granted the team their second trip to the Super Bowl (their first in 21 years), where they lost to the Colts 29-17 in a rainy Miami.

:*2010 NFC Divisional Playoff: Seattle Seahawks 24, Chicago Bears 35.

:*2010 NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers 21, Bears 14. The Bears were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl XLV champions.

:*2018 NFC Wild Card: Philadelphia Eagles 16, Chicago Bears 15. This game is known for its "Double Doink" field goal.

Northern Illinois Huskies play select games at Soldier Field, all of which have featured them hosting a team from the Big Ten Conference. Northern Illinois University (NIU) is located in DeKalb, {{convert|65|mi|km}} to the west on Interstate 88.

• On September 1, 2007, NIU faced the University of Iowa in the first Division I College Football game at Soldier Field since the 2002 renovations. The Hawkeyes defeated the Huskies 16–3.
• On September 17, 2011, the Huskies returned to play the Wisconsin Badgers in a game that was called "Soldier Field Showdown II". The eventual Big Ten champion Badgers topped NIU 49–7.
• On September 1, 2012, NIU hosted the Iowa Hawkeyes in a season opener that was called "Soldier Field Showdown III". The Hawkeyes narrowly defeated the Huskies 18–17.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football used the stadium as home field for the 1929 season while Notre Dame Stadium was being constructed. The school has used Soldier Field for single games on occasion both prior to and since the 1929 season, and boasts an undefeated 10–0–2 record there. At Soldier Field, Notre Dame has played Northwestern four times, USC and Wisconsin twice, and Army, Drake, Great Lakes Naval Base, Navy, and Miami once each.{{cite web|url= https://und.com/soldier-field-of-fortune/|title= SOLDIER (FIELD) OF FORTUNE|last= Somogyi|first= Lou|date= 5 October 2012|website= Blue & Gold Illustrated|publisher= University of Notre Dame|access-date= 23 September 2021|archive-date= September 23, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210923074527/https://und.com/soldier-field-of-fortune/|url-status= live}}

{{Main|Motorsport at Soldier Field}}

File:1951+A016019 (3552594501) (2).jpg

Beginning in the 1940s and through the late-1960s (except for during World War II), motorsport races regularly were held on a short track at the stadium. In 1956 and 1957, NASCAR held races at the stadium, including a NASCAR Cup race.{{cite web |title=Soldier Field History: Auto Racing |url=https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/chicago/news/soldier-field-history-auto-racing |website=Fleet Feet Chicago |access-date=15 November 2023 |language=en |date=February 18, 2016 |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115063700/https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/chicago/news/soldier-field-history-auto-racing |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Hembree |first1=Mike |title=Believe it or Not, Soldier Field in Chicago Once Hosted a NASCAR Cup Race |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a1689301/look-back-soldier-field-chicago-once-hosted-nascar-cup-race/ |website=Autoweek |date=14 September 2021 |access-date=December 27, 2021 |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925051952/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a1689301/look-back-soldier-field-chicago-once-hosted-nascar-cup-race/ |url-status=live }}

In the early-to-mid 1980s saw the US Hot Rod Association host Truck and Tractor Sled Pull Competitions and Monster Truck exhibitions here. The engines on some of the vehicles would echo through the skyscrapers in downtown Chicago as they made their pull. Damage to the stadium turf on a few of the event occasion's led USHRA to move events to the Rosemont Horizon (known today as Allstate Arena).{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

On February 7, 2013, the stadium hosted a high school hockey game between St. Rita High School from the city's Southwest side and Fenwick High School from suburban Oak Park.{{cite web |author=St. Rita to Play Fenwick at Soldier Field |url=https://www.stritahs.com/st-rita-of-cascia-high-school/st-rita-to-play-fenwick-at-soldier-field |title=St. Rita to Play Fenwick at Soldier Field — St. Rita of Cascia High School |publisher=Stritahs.com |date=2012-10-23 |access-date=2020-04-06 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

File:2014 NHL Stadium Series, Soldier Field.JPG between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins]]

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Miami RedHawks played a doubleheader on February 17, 2013, with the Wisconsin Badgers and Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Hockey City Classic, the first outdoor hockey game in the history of the stadium.{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-sports-guru/2012/07/college-hockey-doubleheader-coming-to-soldier-field-hockey-city-classic/ |title=College Hockey Doubleheader coming to Soldier Field: Hockey City Classic!|author1= Banks, Paul M. |date=July 11, 2012 | website=ChicagoNow |publisher=Chicago Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725035223/http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-sports-guru/2012/07/college-hockey-doubleheader-coming-to-soldier-field-hockey-city-classic/|archive-date=July 25, 2012|df=mdy-all}} A Chicago Gay Hockey Association intra-squad game was held in affiliation with the Hockey City Classic.{{cite web |url=http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/m/APPredirect.php?AID=50295 |title=CGHA to skate at Soldier Field after Hockey City Classic |last=Forman |first=Ross |date=January 24, 2015 |website=Windycitymediagroup.com |publisher=Windy City Times |access-date=February 1, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202210827/http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/m/APPredirect.php?AID=50295 |url-status=dead }}

On March 1, 2014, the Chicago Blackhawks played against the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the NHL Stadium Series. The Blackhawks defeated the Penguins 5–1 before a sold-out crowd of 62,921.{{cite news |title=Toews Powers Blackhawks To Snowy 5-1 Win Over Penguins |url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/03/01/toews-powers-blackhawks-to-snowy-5-1-win-over-penguins/ |work=CBS Chicago |date=March 1, 2014 |access-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623171841/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/03/01/toews-powers-blackhawks-to-snowy-5-1-win-over-penguins/ |url-status=live }} The team also held its 2015 Stanley Cup Championship celebration at the stadium instead of Grant Park, where other city championships have typically been held, due to recent rains.{{cite web|url=http://abc7chicago.com/sports/blackhawks-parade-soldier-field-rally-to-be-held-thursday/787648/|title=Blackhawks rally tickets to be available Wednesday|first=Ben|last=Bradley|date=June 16, 2015|website=Abc7chicago.com|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114536/http://abc7chicago.com/sports/blackhawks-parade-soldier-field-rally-to-be-held-thursday/787648/|url-status=live}}

On February 7, 2015, Soldier Field hosted another edition of the Hockey City Classic. The event had been delayed due to unusually warm weather ({{convert|42|F|0}}) and complications with the quality of the ice. The 2015 edition of the Hockey City Classic featured a match between Miami University and Western Michigan, followed by a match between the Big Ten's Michigan and Michigan State{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/081214aac.html|title=Michigan to Play Michigan State Outdoors at Soldier Field in Chicago|website=Mgoblue.com|date=August 12, 2014|access-date=August 18, 2014|archive-date=September 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901041144/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/081214aac.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20140811/SPORTS06/308110149/michigan-state-hockey-soldier-field|title=Michigan, MSU to play outdoor hockey at Soldier Field|website=Detroit Free Press|date=August 11, 2014|access-date=August 18, 2014|archive-date=August 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812224713/http://www.freep.com/article/20140811/SPORTS06/308110149/michigan-state-hockey-soldier-field|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/020815aab.html |title=Spartans Fall to Michigan at Soldier Field |date=February 8, 2015 |website=Msuspartans.com |access-date=February 8, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210044710/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/020815aab.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.westernherald.com/sports/article_444a00e0-afb4-11e4-9707-2b2f6011025b.html |title=WMU Hockey Comes Up Short at Soldier Field |author= |date=February 8, 2015 |website=Westernherald.com |publisher=Western Herald |access-date=February 9, 2015 |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222195044/http://www.westernherald.com/sports/article_444a00e0-afb4-11e4-9707-2b2f6011025b.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://btn.com/2015/02/08/michigan-downs-michigan-state-4-1-in-hockey-city-classic-at-soldier-field/ |title=Michigan downs Michigan State, 4–1, in Hockey City Classic at Soldier Field |author= |date=February 8, 2015 |website=btn.com |publisher=Big Ten Network |access-date=February 9, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210045355/http://btn.com/2015/02/08/michigan-downs-michigan-state-4-1-in-hockey-city-classic-at-soldier-field/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2015/02/08/michigan-msu-hockey-city-classic/23083555/ |title=Sipple: Hockey City Classic in Chicago full of problems |last=Sipple |first=George |date=February 8, 2015 |website=Detroit Free Press |publisher=Detroit Free Press |access-date=February 9, 2015 |archive-date=February 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209021224/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2015/02/08/michigan-msu-hockey-city-classic/23083555/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.collegehockeystats.net/1415/boxes/mmiawmu1.f07 |title=Saturday, February 7, 2015 Miami (MIA) vs Western Michigan (WMU) | website=Collegehockeystats.net |access-date=November 3, 2015 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.uscho.com/box/mens-hockey/2015/02/07/michigan-state-vs-michigan/ |title=Michigan 4, Michigan State 1 |website=Uscho.com |access-date=November 3, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071539/http://www.uscho.com/box/mens-hockey/2015/02/07/michigan-state-vs-michigan/ |url-status=live }} On February 5, the organizers of the Hockey City Classic organized the Unite on the Ice event benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The event was centered upon a celebrity hockey game with former NHL and AHL players, as well as a public free skate at Soldier Field. Participants in the celebrity game included Éric Dazé, Jamal Mayers and Gino Cavallini. Denis Savard was in attendance, serving as an honorary coach during the game.{{cite web |url=http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/public-skating-charity-game-at-soldier-field-thursday/ |title=PUBLIC SKATING, CHARITY GAME AT SOLDIER FIELD THURSDAY |last=Romano |first=Sara |date=February 4, 2015 |website=news.medill.northwestern.edu |publisher=Northwestern University |access-date=July 5, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150304201037/http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/public-skating-charity-game-at-soldier-field-thursday/ |archive-date=March 4, 2015 }} On February 15, 2015, Soldier Field hosted another Chicago Gay Hockey Association intra-league match in association with the Hockey City Classic.

File:The Refurbished Soldier Field.jpg

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File:UsavsHonduras.JPG]]

2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup

2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup

2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup

2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup

2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup

2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup

2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup

{{Main|Copa América Centenario}}

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• Over 15,000 spectators attended the first leg of the 1928 National Challenge Cup (now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup) between soccer teams Bricklayers and Masons F.C. of Chicago and New York Nationals of New York City. The match ended in a 1–1 tie, and New York won the second leg 3–0 in New York City.
• Numerous Men's and Women's National Team friendly matches.
• Liverpool vs Olympiacos in the 2014 International Champions Cup with Liverpool winning 1–0.[http://internationalchampionscup.com/news/?article_id=108 Liverpool Hold Off Olympiacos at Soldier Field] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729024651/http://internationalchampionscup.com/news/?article_id=108 |date=July 29, 2014 }} ICC.com July 28, 2014 Retrieved July 28, 2014
• Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain in the 2015 International Champions Cup with PSG winning 2–0.
• Bayern Munich vs. Milan in the 2016 International Champions Cup with the game resulting in a 3–3 draw and Milan winning the penalty shootout 5–3.
• Site of the 2017 MLS All-Star Game, played on August 2, 2017, between Real Madrid and a group of all-stars representing Major League Soccer.
• Manchester City vs. Borussia Dortmund in the 2018 International Champions Cup with Borussia Dortmund winning 1–0.
• Venue for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, with Mexico defeating the United States 1–0.
• During the 2025 Major League Soccer season, a crowd of 62,358 spectators setted the record for the highest attendance at a soccer match as the Chicago Fire drew 0–0 with Inter Miami, with the latter team starring Lionel Messi as starter, along with Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez.

The first Special Olympics games were held at Soldier Field on July 20, 1968. The games involved over 1,000 people with intellectual disabilities from 26 U.S. states and Canada competing in track and field and swimming. In 1970, the second international games occurred, when Special Olympics returned to Soldier Field.{{cite web |url=https://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/What_We_Do/History/History_1960s.aspx |title=The Beginning of a Worldwide Movement |website=Special Olympics |language=en |access-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205218/https://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/What_We_Do/History/History_1960s.aspx |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/What_We_Do/History/History_1970s.aspx |title=A Joyful New Movement Gains Momentum |website=Special Olympics |language=en |access-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718144642/https://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/What_We_Do/History/History_1970s.aspx |url-status=live }}

On November 1, 2014, the stadium hosted its first international rugby union test match between the United States Eagles and New Zealand All Blacks as part of the 2014 end-of-year rugby union tests.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11233010 |title=All Blacks: Chicago likely test venue |website=The New Zealand Herald| publisher=NZ Herald News |date=April 5, 2014 |access-date=August 1, 2014}} Over half of the 61,500 tickets were sold within two days.{{cite web |url=http://usarugby.org/mens-eagles-news/item/more-than-30000-tickets-sold-for-all-blacks-matchup-at-soldier-field |title=More than 30,000 tickets sold for All Blacks matchup at Soldier Field |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624100330/http://usarugby.org/mens-eagles-news/item/more-than-30000-tickets-sold-for-all-blacks-matchup-at-soldier-field |archive-date=June 24, 2014 |website=USA Rugby |date=June 18, 2014 |author1=Wise, Chad}} The All Blacks beat the Eagles 74–6.{{cite web |author1=Wise, Chad |date=November 1, 2014 |url=http://usarugby.org/mens-eagles-news/item/all-blacks-showcase-world-class-rugby-at-soldier-field |title=All Blacks Showcase World-Class Rugby at Soldier Field | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118194648/http://usarugby.org/mens-eagles-news/item/all-blacks-showcase-world-class-rugby-at-soldier-field |archive-date=January 18, 2016 |website=USA Rugby |access-date=February 7, 2016}} The stadium hosted its second international rugby union match on September 5, 2015, with the United States hosting Australia as part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches shortly before both teams were due to travel to England for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/GameDay/2015WallabiesFixtures.aspx |title=2015 Rugby World Cup Pool Matches |publisher=Australian Rugby Union |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012160453/http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/GameDay/2015WallabiesFixtures.aspx | archive-date=2015-10-12 |access-date=July 4, 2015|df=mdy-all}} The Eagles were defeated 47–10. On November 5, 2016, Ireland beat New Zealand 40–29 at Soldier Field as part of the 2016 end-of-year rugby union internationals – the very first time Ireland had beaten the All Blacks in a test match in 111 years of play.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37886601 |title=Autumn internationals: Ireland 40-29 New Zealand |author1=Petrie, Richard |work=BBC |date=November 5, 2016 |access-date=August 31, 2020 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101163210/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37886601 |url-status=live }}

File:Rammstein Soldier Field.jpg

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File:XXVIII International Eucharistic Congress, First General Meeting, Solemn Pontifical High Mass.jpg in 1926]]

File:FDR-Soldier-Field-October-28-1944.jpg at Soldier Field, 1944]]

File:Douglas MacArthur speaking at Soldier Field HD-SN-99-03036.JPEG at Soldier Field, 1951]]

File:Gay Games 2006, Chicago.jpg at Soldier Field]]

• June 21–23, 1926: the 28th International Eucharistic Congress held three days of outdoor day and evening events.
• September 22, 1927: The Long Count Fight, the second heavyweight championship bout between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney, was held at Soldier Field.
• June 24, 1932: a war show celebrating the bicentennial of George Washington's birth featured Amelia Earhart.{{cite news| title =Planes Thrill Crowd at Military Show| newspaper =Chicago Daily Tribune| date =June 25, 1932}}{{cite news| title =1,500 Soldiers Will Move into Loop Wednesday| newspaper =Chicago Daily Tribune| date =June 13, 1932}}{{cite news| last =Laughlin| first =Kathleen| title =Amelia Flies to City; Given Noisy Ovation| newspaper =Chicago Daily Tribune|date =June 25, 1932}}
• May 27, 1933: Soldier Field held the opening ceremonies of the Century of Progress World's Fair. Postmaster General and DNC-Chairman James Farley facilitated the opening ceremony.{{cite news|title=Chicago Fair Opened by Farley; Rays of Arcturus Start Lights|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 28, 1933}}{{cite news|last= O'Donnell Bennett|first=James|title=Exposition Starts with Pageant in Soldiers' Field|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=May 28, 1933}}
• August 23, 1938: a free-to-the-public jitterbug event was scheduled. When attendance far outstripped expectations (estimates range from 120,000 to 215,000), people flooded the field where the bands were expected to play, and enough people were outside the stadium that those insides could not exit. After a couple hour delay, the bands were able to start playing, only to have the electrical supply for their sound system disrupted by the mass of dancers.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-reserves-quell-jitterbug/162115897/|title=Reserves quell jitterbugs at free jamboree|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=August 24, 1938|page=1|via=newspapers.com}}
• October 28, 1944: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt made an appearance at Soldier Field, which was the only Midwestern speaking appearance he made in his last re-election campaign. This appearance was attended by over 150,000 (with at least as many people attempting to attend who were unable to gain admission).{{cite news|last=Gentry|first=Guy |title=700,000 Tickets Out for F.D.R. Rally Tonight|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=October 28, 1944}}{{cite news|title=Record Crowd Hears President Give Peace Program|newspaper=Chicago Defender|date=November 4, 1944}}{{cite news|title=Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, "Campaign Address at Soldier Field, Chicago" October 28, 1944|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite news|last=Edwards|first=Willard |title=F.D.R. Promises New Deal No. 2; Dewey Hits at War 'Credit' Claim|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=October 29, 1944}}Franklin D. Roosevelt, "Campaign Address at Soldier Field", October 28, 1944{{cite news| title = Postwar Goal: 60 Million Jobs| newspaper = Los Angeles Times| date =October 29, 1944 }}{{cite news | title = Record Crowd In Chicago | newspaper = Chicago Defender| date = November 4, 1944}}{{cite book |last=Kennedy|first=David M.|title=Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929–1945|url=https://archive.org/details/freedomfromfeara00kenn|url-access=registration|year=1999|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=New York City|pages=[https://archive.org/details/freedomfromfeara00kenn/page/767 767]–769; 774–775|isbn=978-0-19-503834-7}}
• April 25, 1951: Douglas MacArthur, US General during World War II, addressed a crowd of 50,000 at Soldier Field in his first visit to the United States in 14 years.
• June 21, 1964: the Chicago Freedom Movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr., held a rally here. As many as 75,000 came to hear Reverend King, Reverend Theodore Hesburgh (president of the University of Notre Dame, Archbishop Arthur M. Brazier, and Minister Edgar Chandler, among others.{{cite web |url=http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/specialcoll/services/rjd/CULExhibit/Urban%20League%20Exhibit/4_1_IL%20Freedom%20Rally.htm |title=Freedom Summer in Chicago: An Anticlimax |website=Uic.edu |publisher=University of Illinois at Chicago Library |access-date=January 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227210920/http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/specialcoll/services/rjd/CULExhibit/Urban%20League%20Exhibit/4_1_IL%20Freedom%20Rally.htm |archive-date=February 27, 2015 }}
• July 10, 1966: the Chicago Freedom Movement held a second rally here. As many as 60,000 people came to hear Dr. King, as well as Mahalia Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Peter, Paul and Mary.{{cite book|last1=Cohen|first1=Adam|last2=Taylor|first2=Elizabeth|title=American Pharaoh: Mayor Richard J. Daley: His Battle for Chicago and the Nation|url=https://archive.org/details/americanpharaohmcoh00cohe|url-access=registration|year=2000|publisher=Little, Brown|location=Boston|isbn=0-316-83403-3|oclc=42392137|page={{Page needed|date=May 2010}}}}
• 1974: The Chicago Fire of the World Football League (WFL) played here before folding in 1975.
• October 13, 1983: David D. Meilahn made the first-ever commercial cell phone call on a Motorola DynaTAC from his Mercedes-Benz 380SL at Soldier Field. This is considered a major turning point in communications. The call was to Bob Barnett, the former president of Ameritech Mobile Communications, who then placed a call on a DynaTAC from a Chrysler convertible to the grandson of Alexander Graham Bell, who was in Germany.{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04EED8173BF935A35752C0A9669C8B63 |title=Cell Phones Ruin the Opera? Meet the Culprit |work=The New York Times |first=Ted |last=Oehmke |date=January 6, 2000 |access-date=May 26, 2009}}
• The stadium was listed on the National Register of Historic Places beginning in 1984.{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/IL/Cook/state9.html|title=Soldier Field – Building #84001052|year=1984|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=May 21, 2010|archive-date=April 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412040133/http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/il/Cook/state9.html|url-status=live}} Its National Historic Landmark status was removed in 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/weekly-list-2006-national-register-of-historic-places.pdf|title=National Register of Historic Places Listings|publisher=National Park Service|date=April 28, 2006|access-date=July 24, 2012|archive-date=December 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231002454/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20060428.HTM|url-status=live}}
• In the summer of 2006, the stadium hosted the opening ceremony of the Gay Games.Noel, Josh; Elejalde-Ruiz, Alexia (July 16, 2006). [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/07/16/pride-support-protest-mark-opening/ "Pride, Support, Protest Mark Opening"], Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
• In 2012, United States President Barack Obama held the 2012 Chicago summit, a summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), at McCormick Place and Soldier Field.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=8826|title=President Obama throws football at Soldier Field|publisher=Chicago Bears|date=May 21, 2012|access-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619134137/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=8826|archive-date=June 19, 2012|url-status=dead}}
• When the field and nearby Shedd Aquarium had to close to visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Soldier Field became the exercise grounds for the aquarium's penguins.{{Cite web|title=Watch: Penguins visit the home of the Bears|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/video/penguins-tour-soldier-field-home-of-chicago-bears-96498757768|access-date=2020-11-30|website=NBC News|language=en}}

• In the Marvel Comics event Siege, Soldier Field is inadvertently destroyed mid-game by Thor's friend Volstagg when he is tricked into fighting the U-Foes through Loki and Norman Osborn's manipulations of events.Siege #1 The stadium is later seen being rebuilt by the heroes after Steve Rogers is appointed head of U.S. Security, following the aforementioned event.Avengers (vol. 4) #1
• The 1977 documentary film Powers of Ten focuses on two people having a picnic on the east side of Soldier Field.{{cite web |title=Powers of Ten|work=Film and description|date=June 14, 2011|publisher=Organisation Européenne pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN)|url=http://cdsweb.cern.ch/record/1002700%20|access-date=August 11, 2011|quote=The zoom-out continues, to a view of 100 meters (10^2 m), then 1 kilometer (10^3 m), and so on, increasing the perspective. The picnic is revealed to be taking place near Soldier Field on Chicago's waterfront, and continuing to zoom out to a field of view of 10^24 meters, or the size of the observable universe.}}
• The stadium appears in the 2006 Clint Eastwood–directed movie Flags of Our Fathers, when the survivors of the Iwo Jima flag-raising reenact it for a patriotic rally.{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/cl-et-flags20oct20,1,3679517.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107203505/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/cl-et-flags20oct20,1,3679517.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2009|title=Movie Review: Flags of Our Fathers|last=Turan|first=Kenneth|date=October 20, 2006|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=May 21, 2010}}
• The opening match of the 1994 World Cup at Soldier Field was one of the five events covered in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary June 17, 1994.
• Soldier Field features (much changed) in August 4017a.d. in From The Highlands short story in David Weber's anthology collection Changer Of Worlds. It appears to have gone through multiple renovations, rebuilds and even having been built over, until nothing but the open space of the original remained.
• In the 13th episode of Chicago Fire{{'}}s fourth season, Soldier Field is featured on one of their calls for a terrorist hoax. The stadium appears again in the 21st episode of the fifth season as one of their calls for a high angle rescue. This stadium is featured again in the eighth season as members of firehouse 51 respond to help victims of a deadly infection. It is also featured and referenced in the fifteenth episode of season 9 as the preferred location for a medal ceremony for firefighter Randy McHolland (Mouch).
• In both the book and TV series, Daisy Jones & the Six, the eponymous group plays their final concert at Soldier Field on July 11, [https://the-bibliofile.com/daisy-jones-the-six-recap-and-summary/ 1977].

File:Holt tractor Soldier Field Chicago 1924.JPG|Soldier Field nearing completion, 1924

File:Soldierfield2003reno.jpg|The stadium mid-renovation in March 2003

File:Soldier Field aerial.jpg|Aerial view of the stadium in 2008

File:Soldier-Field-01.jpg|Soldier Field as seen from Lake Shore Drive in 2013

File:Soldier Field (14905141281).jpg|The scenery around Soldier Field

File:Soldier Field Chicago.jpg|Exterior of Soldier Field, with a sign reading "Dedicated to the men and women of the armed services"

File:20070110 Soldier Field Bronze Mural (1).JPG|Front of bronze mural

File:Soldier Field.jpg|View towards the western grandstand's cantilever over the original western colonnade

File:20210220 Soldier from NEMA.jpg|View from NEMA, 2021

File:SoldierField.jpg|From Northerly Island in the winter

{{Portal|Chicago}}

• List of events at Soldier Field
• Lists of stadiums

{{notelist|refs=

{{efn|name=urbana|The Bears temporarily played at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois for the 2002 NFL season while Soldier Field was undergoing renovations.}}

{{efn|name=naperville|The Fire temporarily played at Cardinal Stadium (now Benedetti–Wehrli Stadium) in Naperville, Illinois, from 2002 to 2003, while Soldier Field was being renovated.}}

}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |title=Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City|last=Ford|first=Liam T. A.|year=2009|publisher=The University of Chicago Press|location=Chicago|isbn=978-0-226-25706-8|oclc=317923072}}

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| title=FIFA World Cup
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