Best insider tip for Soldier Field?

Do Dress Appropriately: Soldier Field seating may provide fans with great sight-lines, but it's not unheard of for fans to find their seats covered in ice. With kickoff temperatures sometimes dipping below 10 degrees in the Winter, you'll want to dress in heavy layers when you visit this historic Chicago attraction in the Near South Side.

Safety at Soldier Field?

Safety is absolutely fine at the game. The fans are great and like to talk with you. There is plenty of security around the stadium and it's in a good part of Chicago.

Things to check out around Soldier Field?

Best food at Soldier Field?

Soldier Field subscribes to the theory that one should focus on doing a few things very well. Hence, most of the food is classic Chicago fare: cheeseburgers ($9 double, $7 single), hot dogs ($5 regular-size from vendors in the stands, $7 jumbo-size from concession stands), Polish sausages ($8.25), Italian beef ($9), and barbecue ($8 for boneless rib, pulled pork, pulled chicken, beef, and hot links sandwiches). Kids are mostly stuck with the adult sizes,which adds some expense to a family visit.Hot dogs and 'Ditka Dogs' (8 inch beef or chicken sausages) are from Vienna Beef, while Polish sausages and bratwurst are from Bobak's, both of which are good local providers. The hot dogs served by vendors are hot, fresh, and juicy, no worse for the travel.With the focus on the meat, other items receive more half-hearted execution. There's a vegetable wrap ($8.50) and a veggie burger ($9), BBQ chicken and mozzarella & pesto flatbreads ($10), and basics like pizza (mostly thin crust, but deep dish is available in a couple places), mediocre popcorn ($6), lousy nachos ($6.50), peanuts ($5), and passable soft pretzels ($4.50 regular, $6 Bavarian). Bottled water is widely available ($4.75/$6.50) and soda products include 7up, RC, and Dr Pepper ($5 small, $8 large).

Best bars after the game at Soldier Field?

Weather Mark Tavern on Michigan Ave. is a great place to cap off a Bear's win. The atmosphere is good and the late night appetizers and drink specials are worth the walk down from Soldier Field.

Traffic around Soldier Field?

It is Chicago and traffic can be busy, especially after a game. I suggest you eat some food or hang out with Da Bears fans before sitting in your car.

Stores to hit up at Soldier Field?

They really only have little set up shops in the stadium and could really use a big team store, especially for those who want a little heat and warmth. There isn't a lot of room in the stadium so maybe that's why they don't have one.

Best pre-game bars at Soldier Field?

Parts and Labor on Milwaukee Ave. is a great burger bar to Logan Square, serving up griddle-cooked burgers with no-frills toppings and homemade curly fries.

Best and worst seats at Soldier Field?

--Best seats in the house?The best seats in the house are between the 30-50 yard lines around 20 rows up. If you have the money I would suggest getting into one of the club level sections, especially on a cold night since you can stay warm during halftime and timeouts.--Worst seats in the house?The only seats worth avoiding are the back rows of the 100 level sidelines, which are slightly obstructed by the overhang of the upper deck; the very back of the 300 level north end zone, where the energy lags a bit; and the upper 400 level for a cold weather game, which is exposed to winds from the lake (since there is no 400 level on the other side of the stadium), and is far and away the coldest place in the stadium.

Dealing with scalpers at Soldier Field?

Scalpers don't have access to many tickets since every game is sold out. I would avoid dealing with them since most likely it is a scam.

Parking at Soldier Field?

Tickets to most parking garages are sold exclusively in advance (and may sell out); expect to pay from $50 to $106 for parking close to the stadium, and $21 to $32 in lots at McCormick Place, 31st St. Beach, or the Millennium Park Garages in the Loop. Free shuttles are available from the remote lots. In a pinch, without a reservation, nearly any garage in the Loop (preferably south and close to Michigan Ave.) will suffice.

Getting to Soldier Field?

You would be unwise to drive to Soldier Field. If you must, plan ahead. For tailgating, try to buy an advance ticket for the Waldron Deck (upper level), just south of Soldier Field, or arrive very early for the cash lot at McCormick Place (Lot B). You may want to search the secondary ticket market for a parking pass for one of the tailgating lots.Public transit is a much better option. The CTA Red, Orange, and Green Lines stop at Roosevelt & State, and connections to the Brown and Blue Lines are a couple stops away. It's not a short walk, but only in the worst of winter is it an unpleasant one. You'll be joined by thousands of Bears fans, though the path is wide enough for all, creating a cheery atmosphere after a win.Metra suburban trains arriving at Ogilvie or Union Station in the Loop are met by an express bus to Soldier Field, and several suburbs run direct PACE express buses on game days. While the CTA #128 Soldier Field Express and #146 Museum Campus buses also run to the stadium, you may want to bail after a certain point and walk the rest of the way, due to traffic.Chicago's new DIVVY bike share program might be the best way to reach Soldier Field from downtown or the Loop. You can rent a bike ($7 for unlimited rides for 24 hours) and take a leisurely ride along the lakefront to the stadium.

What to expect from the Soldier Field crowd?

Bears fans are focused on football. This isn't a stadium where people go to see-and-be-seen, especially because nobody looks good in the kind of winter gear required to spend 4-5 hours sitting or standing by Lake Michigan in December. The fans are knowledgeable and loud, fueled by booze, encased meats and the desire to stay warm. They do love Da Bears.

Artifacts to look for at Soldier Field?

Best giveaways at Soldier Field?

They usually don't have any good giveaways. They offer shirts, hats, and poster/calendars but overall they don't give anything spectacular.