Chicago Bears football

For generations, Chicago’s sports scene has pulsed with unmatched grit and glory — and the legendary Chicago Bears exemplify that spirit.

Immortalized as “Da Bears” by fans and ‘90s Saturday Night Live sketches, the franchise has endured more than a century of epic rivalries, exuding that unmistakable “Monsters of the Midway” thunder. And as a founding franchise of the National Football League (NFL), the Bears have become one of the country’s most iconic and beloved football teams.

Explore the team’s legacy, get a feel for game day at Soldier Field, and check out the Chicago Bears schedule to plan your visit.

Chicago Bears tailgating and pregame fun

When the Bears are playing a home game, Soldier Field becomes a wave of navy and orange fueled by one of the NFL’s most devoted fan bases.

Soldier Field tailgating
One of the best traditions in football is tailgating in the Soldier Field parking lot before a Chicago Bears game. Enjoy the pregame excitement surrounded by other fans, who will bring the energy no matter the weather.

According to the Bears’ tailgating guidelines, tailgating is welcome in all Museum Campus surface lots, on the Waldron Deck’s upper level, and in McCormick Place’s 31st Street Lots B, D, and E.

Make memories with pre-kickoff fun
Soldier Field’s south courtyard comes alive on game day with an impressive range of family‑friendly activities and vendor experiences. The festivities begin when the gates open and remain active until the start of the third quarter.

Enjoy music and a live pregame show at the Dr Pepper Patio, test your skills in a virtual‑reality Quarterback Challenge, or make your way to Staley’s Corner for sign-making, photo ops, and a chance to leave a note for the team mascot Staley Da Bear.

First‑time visitors to a Bears game can pick up a special keepsake certificate to commemorate the occasion. Drop by the south courtyard’s Chicago Bears Kids Club before the start of the third quarter to claim the memento.

Face painters offer Bears‑themed designs and temporary tattoos, and the dedicated “Locker Room” area is where guests can snap pictures and try on a Bears helmet. While the specific entertainment changes from week to week, visitors can always expect a lively mix of fun things to do throughout Soldier Field.

Game day at Soldier Field

Chicago Bears game day traditions
“Bear Down, Chicago Bears!” echoes stadium-wide after every Bears touchdown, paying tribute to the team’s fight song. The chant surges through Soldier Field with a kind of shared pride that only decades of tradition can create.

The Chicago Bears Drumline, established in 2005, provides high‑energy percussion to each home game. This talented group of marching drummers delivers powerful rhythms designed to fire up the crowd and set the mood on game day.

Themed games and fan experiences

The Bears feature a revolving lineup of themed games every season, from color rushes to cultural celebrations like Latino Heritage Month, complete with giveaways and entertainment. Look forward to themes like fan appreciation night, a tribute to service members, and a spotlight on women and girls in sports.

Celebrate the return of football season with Chicago Bears Family Fest, the ultimate summer kickoff for fans of all ages. This annual tradition transforms Soldier Field into a playground of Bears pride, giving families an up‑close look at the team as they gear up for the season. Kids can test their skills at football drills, meet Staley Da Bear, and explore fan zones packed with giveaways, photo ops, and hands‑on fun.

Chicago Bears rivalries
The Chicago Bears have a long‑running feud with the Green Bay Packers, a matchup widely regarded as one of the oldest and most enduring rivalries in all of professional sports. The history between the two franchises stretches back to 1921, fueling over a century of memorable moments and bragging rights.

The Bears also share regional rivalries with the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. Games against Minnesota often carry a hard‑hitting, divisional edge, while meetings with Detroit tap into decades of shared history.

@choosechicago Chicago is ready to BEAR DOWN!!! 🐻⬇️ This is the first time the @chicagobears have been in the Divisional game for 15 years. Soldier Field is ready! 🎵: “Get Get Down” Paul Johnson #NeverOutdoneChi♬ original sound – Choose Chicago

History of the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears boast a distinguished legacy as one of the league’s two original franchises still in existence. Founded in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys, the team relocated to Chicago in 1921 and adopted the Bears name a year later under the leadership of coach and owner George “Papa Bear” Halas.

Halas built a powerhouse in the league’s early years, securing NFL championships in 1932 (highlighted by the first-ever playoff game, a 9-0 win over the Portsmouth Spartans), 1933, and three title games from 1940 to 1943, including the infamous 73-0 rout of the Washington team in 1940 that popularized the T-formation offense.

The 1980s marked a renaissance under coach Mike Ditka, with the legendary 1985 Bears — the year’s highlights include the unforgettable “Super Bowl Shuffle” video that captured Chicago’s unbeatable spirit during their 15-1 season led by Walter Payton, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. They capped it all by crushing the Patriots in Super Bowl XX in New Orleans for their first modern title.

About Soldier Field

Located on the Museum Campus just south of downtown, Soldier Field puts fans steps away from some of the city’s best dining and lodging options.

History of Soldier Field
Soldier Field is best known as the long‑time home base of the Chicago Bears, starting in 1971. The stadium’s unique architecture, open-air layout, and waterfront location give Bears games a distinctive atmosphere.

The stadium’s origins trace back to the early 1920s, when the city set out to create a civic venue that served both as a memorial and a community gathering space. It opened in 1924 as Municipal Grant Park Stadium, where its towering colonnades and sweeping bowl hosted a variety of functions, from field days to football games.

In 1925, the stadium received the name Soldier Field, a tribute to American service members who lost their lives, and the venue became a Chicago landmark. Over the decades, it has seen the inaugural Special Olympics, FIFA World Cup matches, and generations of Chicago Bears fans.

Beyond sports, Soldier Field is also a major destination for concerts and special events, regularly hosting some of the world’s biggest touring artists. Its Museum Campus setting, paired with skyline and lake views, creates a striking backdrop for any occasion.

Visitors can take one of Soldier Field’s stadium tours to see areas of the venue that go well beyond the stands:

• Classic Tours take guests through the skyline suite, the visiting team’s locker room and interview room, the historic colonnades, the south courtyard, and the field.
• VIP Tours include every Classic Tour stop, in addition to a 15‑minute on‑field experience and a behind‑the‑scenes look inside the stadium’s video control room.

Both tours give fans a closer look at how the stadium operates and why it remains one of the most distinctive venues in American sports.

Fans in the lower levels sit right along the edge of the field, while those higher up get sweeping views of both the game and Lake Michigan. Premium suites and accessible areas add even more ways to experience the venue.

Where to eat before or after a Bears game
Whether it’s a quick drink or full-service dining, visitors have plenty of places to choose from before or after the game. Here are a few notable favorites:

• Signature: An upscale steakhouse owned by former Chicago Bear player Israel Idonije, offering shareable plates and hearty entrees.
• Fatpour Tap Works: A lively sports bar known for its massive beer selection, oversized pours, and a laidback vibe.
• Weather Mark Tavern: A nautical‑themed American bistro serving comfort food, cocktails, and a friendly neighborhood feel.
• Mei’s: A stylish restaurant celebrating regional Asian flavors, with dishes inspired by Szechuan, Mandarin, and Taiwanese specialties.
• La Cantina Grill: A vibrant Mexican eatery offering soul-warming favorites, punchy margaritas, and a festive ambiance.
• Burger Bar Chicago: A popular stop for gourmet burgers, craft beers, and creative takes on classic American fare.
• All Star Seafood & Sports: A casual sports‑centric hangout pairing big screens with seafood favorites and comfort bites.

Check out more restaurants near Soldier Field.

Where to stay near Soldier Field
Clustered throughout the South Loop and downtown, Soldier Field is a short distance from many hotels. Take your pick from international brands — including Marriott Marquis Chicago, Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place, and Hilton Chicago — to boutique-inspired properties like Le Méridien Essex Chicago, a design-focused hotel under the Marriott brand.

Discover more accommodations and hotels near Soldier Field.

@choosechicago How long have you been a Bears fan?#NeverOutdoneChi♬ original sound – Choose Chicago

Getting to Soldier Field
When game day calls, Soldier Field is within easy reach for fans ready to feel the action. Take a ride on public transit, bike along the waterfront, or drive and park at the stadium — here’s how:

• By CTA: Hop on the Orange, Green, or Red Line to the Roosevelt ‘L’ station, situated about half a mile from the venue. From there, you can walk about 10 – 15 minutes to the Museum Campus, or catch the 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus for a direct ride to Soldier Field. After the event, the 146 picks up passengers on the west side of the Transportation Center at McFetridge and Museum Campus Drive.
• By Metra train: Using Metra’s Electric District line, get off at the Museum Campus/11th Street station, a short walk from the stadium entrance.
• By bike: Cycling to the game is a breeze — rack up your bike near Gates 7 and 14 or over by the Waldron Deck and Field Museum. Plus, across the Museum Campus, you’ll find multiple Divvy bike share stations, offering short-term bike and e-bike rentals. The stadium is accessible via the bike-friendly Lakefront Trail.
• By rideshare: Taxis and rideshare vehicles can drop off visitors at the 18th Street turnaround west of Lake Shore Drive, as well as at Balbo Drive and Columbus Drive. After the game, all rideshare and taxi pick‑ups take place exclusively on the north side of Soldier Field at Balbo and Columbus.
• By car: For drive-up game day parking, lots and garages include Grant Park North and South, Millennium Garage, Millennium Lakeside Garage, and more. Explore additional places to park for Chicago Bears games.

For shuttle service directly to and from the stadium, park at the 31st Street McCormick Place Lot B. Shuttles begin two hours prior to kickoff. After the game, riders can board the McCormick Place shuttles at the 18th Street turnaround on the south side of 18th Street, west of Lake Shore Drive. Shuttles continue running for two hours after the game ends.

Schedule and tickets for the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears follow the NFL regular season, which typically spans from early September through January. The season features 17 high-stakes home and away matchups packed with NFC North rivalries, divisional clashes, and potential playoff pushes.

For games at Soldier Field, all Bears tickets are digital. Mobile tickets must be accessed through the Chicago Bears Official App or added to your phone’s wallet for tap‑and‑go entry. Scanning a barcode directly from a web browser will no longer work at the gates.

Fans can purchase single-day admission or season tickets offering exclusive perks like event discounts and early access to playoff tickets. Demand spikes fast for Packers games and prime showdowns, so check the schedule and buy your tickets in advance.

There’s also the option to step up to VIP status with luxury suites that deliver private Bears event access, such as the Training Camp, Draft Party, and meet-and-greets with current stars and alumni — plus field-level warmups and game day visits from legends.