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A complete guide to every restroom at Soldier Field — including family rooms, ADA accessible facilities, and insider tips for shorter lines.
Soldier Field opened on October 9, 1924, as Municipal Grant Park Stadium, dedicated to American soldiers who served in World War I. It was renamed Soldier Field in 1925 and became the home of the Chicago Bears in 1971 after they left Wrigley Field.
The original neoclassical design featured iconic Doric colonnades that earned it National Historic Landmark status in 1987. A controversial $690 million renovation completed in 2003 inserted a modern 61,500-seat bowl inside the original colonnades — creating a dramatic architectural contrast that critics derided as a "spaceship landing on a Greek temple." The National Park Service stripped the stadium's National Historic Landmark status in 2006 due to the renovation's impact on the original design, though it remains on the National Register of Historic Places.
Soldier Field sits on Chicago's Museum Campus alongside the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. Its lakefront location on the shores of Lake Michigan provides stunning skyline views but also exposes fans to Chicago's notorious wind.
With a capacity of approximately 61,500, Soldier Field is the smallest stadium in the NFL. The Chicago Bears have announced plans for a new stadium at the former Arlington International Racecourse site in Arlington Heights, though timelines have shifted. The Bears' lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033.
Soldier Field has 14 family/all gender restrooms and numerous men's and women's restrooms across four levels — Concourse Level (100 Level), Colonnade Level (200 Level), Upper Level (300 Level), and Gallery Level (400 Level). Every restroom is equipped with baby changing stations. Two Mamava nursing pods provide private nursing facilities.
All restrooms are ADA accessible. Elevators connect all levels. For accessibility assistance, contact Guest Services at (312) 235-7000.
14 family/all gender restrooms are located near Sections 121, 146, 154, 320, 354, 435, 437, 439, United Club 100 Level (south end), and Sections 202, 216 on the Colonnade Level. Two Mamava nursing pods are at Gate 25 (ADA accessible) and behind Section 230.
On non-event days, the Museum Campus has public restrooms at the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. Burnham Harbor and Northerly Island also have seasonal restroom facilities.
27 restrooms across 6 areas at Soldier Field.
Single-occupancy private room with changing table.
Single-occupancy private room with changing table.
Single-occupancy private room with changing table.
ADA accessible Mamava pod with comfortable seating and power outlets for electric breast pumps.
Behind Section 230 on the Colonnade Level. Comfortable seating and power outlets.
Can be used as nursing room. Club access required.
Single-occupancy private room with changing table.
Single-occupancy private room with changing table.
Soldier Field is the smallest NFL stadium at 61,500 seats — every seat feels close to the action, but the compact size means concourses can get crowded. Go to the restroom during the second quarter to avoid halftime lines.
The Museum Campus location means you can combine a Bears game with visits to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, or Adler Planetarium. All three have public restrooms during operating hours.
Lake Michigan wind is brutal in late-season games. The east side of the stadium takes the full brunt of the wind off the lake. Dress in heavy layers for November through January games.
Two Mamava nursing pods are available — the ADA-accessible one at Gate 25 is the better option. The Colonnade Level pod behind Section 230 is not wheelchair accessible.
Parking at Soldier Field is complicated and expensive. The free shuttle from McCormick Place Lot B on Bears game days is the best option if you must drive. Better yet, take the Metra to Museum Campus/11th St.
The iconic Doric colonnades from the original 1924 stadium are still standing — walk through them on the way in for one of the most dramatic stadium entrances in professional sports.
All concourses and restrooms are open. Gates open 2 hours before kickoff. Open-air lakefront stadium — wind chill is a major factor in late-season games. Restroom lines peak at halftime. Free shuttles run from McCormick Place Lot B.
The Chicago Fire FC plays MLS home matches at Soldier Field with a modified seating configuration. Most lower-level restrooms remain open. Upper sections may be closed depending on attendance.
Soldier Field hosts major concerts with its stunning lakefront backdrop. Concert configurations may modify seating and restroom access. Additional temporary restrooms are placed for large events.
Popular pre-game and post-game spots within walking distance.
Deep-Dish Pizza · Est. 1974
Chicago deep-dish pizza institution at 130 E Randolph St. Famous for their stuffed pizza with a flaky, buttery crust and layers of cheese and toppings.
Known for: Stuffed deep-dish pizza, Chicago tradition
Deep-Dish Pizza · Est. 1971
Another Chicago deep-dish legend at 805 S State St. The Malnati Chicago Classic with buttercrust, sausage, and exclusive vine-ripened tomato blend. Multiple locations.
Known for: Buttercrust pizza, Malnati Chicago Classic
Blues Club · Cajun-Creole
Blues legend Buddy Guy's club at 700 S Wabash Ave. Live blues music every night, Cajun-Creole food, and a wall of guitars. One of the last great Chicago blues venues.
Known for: Live blues, Cajun food, music history
Chicago Fast Food · Est. 1963
The Chicago fast food institution at 520 W Taylor St. Italian beef (dipped, with hot giardiniera), Chicago-style hot dogs, and chocolate cake shakes.
Known for: Italian beef, Chicago hot dogs, chocolate cake shake
American · Wisconsin-Style
Wisconsin-style butter burgers and Friday fish fry in the South Loop at 1736 S Michigan Ave. A nod to the famous Kroll's West near Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Known for: Butter burgers, fish fry, Wisconsin connection
Steakhouse · Fine Dining
Premier Chicago steakhouse at 300 N LaSalle Dr with river views. Dry-aged Prime steaks, seafood, and one of the best wine lists in the city.
Known for: Dry-aged steaks, Chicago River views
Garages, lots, and street parking options.
Adjacent to Soldier Field
Reserved for season coupon holders on Bears game days. Cash not accepted. Must have pre-purchased coupons.
Solidarity Dr, near Adler Planetarium
Cash parking lot for fans without season coupons. Oversized vehicles must go here ($160).
Burnham Harbor, east of stadium
Cash parking available on game days. Lakefront location.
McCormick Place, 2301 S King Dr
Park at McCormick Place Lot B and take the free shuttle to Soldier Field. Bears game days only.
Museum Campus/11th St Metra Station
Metra commuter rail stops near the stadium. Trains run from south suburbs. Avoid parking entirely.
Parking at Soldier Field is expensive and complicated — the main lots require season coupons and do not accept cash. Your best options: take the Metra Electric Line to Museum Campus/11th St station, use the free shuttle from McCormick Place Lot B on Bears game days, or take the CTA to Roosevelt station and walk 15 minutes. If you must use cash parking, head to the Adler Planetarium Lot or Burnham Harbor lots.
Roosevelt Station (CTA Red/Green/Orange Lines)
0.6 mi
Museum Campus/11th St (Metra)
0.5 mi
McCormick Place Shuttle (Bears Game Days)
0.9 mi
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
15.5 mi
Nearby places sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Also nearby: Restrooms at Wrigley Field · Restrooms at United Center