Soldier Field

Address:425 East McFetridge
Chicago, Illinois

Soldier Field is synonymous with the NFL Chicago Bears, who have been hitting the gridiron here for over 35 years. The stadium was rebuilt and reopened in 2003, and many fans now refer to the sports complex as "New Soldier Field." Detractors refer to it, post renovation, as "Mistake on the Lake". It is one of the smallest stadiums in the NFL, with a maximum seating capacity of just 61,500.

It is also one of the few sporting venues to be named a National Historic Landmark (actually revoked after the renovation). It was named in commemoration of American soldiers who died in World War I, and hosted the Jack Dempsey – Gene Tunney championship fight in 1927. Like many other structures in Chicago, Soldier Field is architecturally significant, mainly for its Greco-Roman classical architecture style.

The National Football League Chicago Bears have played at Soldier Field since 1971, after leaving Wrigley Field. Mike Ditka led the Bears to victory in 1985's Super Bowl XX, but the team has not had much post-season action or success since, though they did make it to the Super Bowl once more in the 2006 season.

Rock concerts are not unheard of, and mega-acts like the Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi have both played here. The Grateful Dead's last concert took place at Soldier Field in 1995.

The stadium is located off Lake Shore Drive near 16th street, and is easily accessible by public transportation. Simply take the Metra ME line to the 18th Street Station. The field is located in proximity to Chicago's downtown and the Museum Campus; a lakefront park that hosts a famous Chicago planetarium, aquarium and museum. It is an easy walking distance from many Chicago attractions.