If you’re standing on Lake Shore Drive looking at those massive Doric columns, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a weird mashup of ancient Rome and a futuristic spaceship. Honestly, Soldier Field is just like that. It’s the oldest stadium in the NFL, yet it’s been through so many face-lifts that it actually lost its National Historic Landmark status back in 2006.
People always ask, who plays at soldier field?
The short answer is the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Fire FC. But that’s just the surface level. If you look at the 2026 schedule, this place is basically a revolving door for everything from K-pop superstars to international soccer titans. It’s not just a football field; it’s Chicago’s living room, even if the "furniture" gets rearranged every week.
The Anchors: Bears and Fire
The Chicago Bears are the name everyone knows. They’ve called this place home since 1971, moving over from Wrigley Field because they needed more seats and better lights. It’s actually kind of funny—despite being such a legendary franchise, their stadium is the smallest in the NFL. It only holds 62,500 people.
You’ve got the Chicago Fire FC too. They’re the Major League Soccer residents. They actually played here in the late 90s, left for a while to Bridgeview, and then came back in 2020.
Watching a soccer match here is a totally different vibe than a Sunday Bears game. The grass is usually in better shape for the Fire, mostly because they aren't dealing with 300-pound linemen digging up the turf in the freezing November rain.
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2026 Sports Schedule Highlights
- January 18, 2026: Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams (NFC Divisional Game).
- February 28, 2026: Chicago Fire FC vs. CF Montréal (MLS Season Opener).
- March 31, 2026: Mexico vs. Belgium (International Friendly).
- June 6, 2026: USA vs. Germany (International Friendly).
The 2026 calendar is already looking packed. We’re seeing big playoff energy early in the year, and then it pivots hard into soccer season.
More Than Just Local Teams
If you think the Bears are the only ones who get to use the locker rooms, you’re mistaken. Soldier Field is a massive draw for international "friendlies." Mexico’s national team basically treats this place like a second home. They play here almost every year because the Chicago fanbase is absolutely massive.
And it’s not just soccer.
Rugby has made some serious waves here. Remember when the New Zealand All Blacks came to town? They absolutely crushed the U.S. Eagles 74-6. It was a blowout, but the atmosphere was electric.
College football still pops up occasionally too. While Notre Dame has their own legendary stadium in South Bend, they’ve played enough games at Soldier Field (including a whole season in 1929) that they practically have a standing invitation. Northern Illinois University also loves to bring their "Huskie Chi-Town Showdown" to the lakefront to grab that big-city spotlight.
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The Concert Giants
When the sports teams are away, the musicians play.
Actually, the "who plays at soldier field" question usually gets answered by a massive tour poster. To fill 60,000+ seats, you have to be a literal icon. We aren't talking about indie bands here. We're talking about the kind of names that require traffic alerts on every local news station.
Upcoming 2026 Concerts
- May 16-17: Bruno Mars - The Romantic Tour.
- June 19-20: Morgan Wallen - Still The Problem Tour.
- June 27: Ed Sheeran - LOOP Tour (with Myles Smith and Ellie Banke).
- August 8: Foo Fighters - TAKE COVER TOUR.
- August 27-28: BTS World Tour.
Honestly, the BTS shows are going to be chaotic in the best way possible. If you’re planning to be anywhere near Museum Campus those nights, just take the ‘L’. Driving is a nightmare.
Weird History and One-Offs
Soldier Field has seen some truly bizarre stuff.
Back in the day, they used to have stock car races here. Like, actual NASCAR-style racing inside the stadium. In 1954, they had a Catholic event called the Marian Year Tribute that drew 260,000 people. That is not a typo. People were spilling out onto the field, the aisles—everywhere.
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They’ve had ski jumps with fake snow.
They’ve had circuses.
During the pandemic, they even let the penguins from the Shedd Aquarium waddle around the empty stands for exercise.
It’s a place that adapts. One day it’s a gridiron, the next it’s a mosh pit for My Chemical Romance or a sacred space for a Billy Graham crusade.
Why the Venue Matters
The turf is notoriously difficult. It’s Bermuda grass now (switched from Kentucky Bluegrass a few years ago), and keeping it green in Chicago's "four seasons in one day" weather is a full-time battle.
If you're heading there, remember that the "stadium" isn't just the seats. The North Green and the South Lawns often host smaller festivals, 5K runs like the Night Nation Run, and Veterans Day ceremonies. It’s a park-first facility owned by the Chicago Park District, which is why the Bears are always arguing with the city about wanting their own private stadium in the suburbs.
Practical Tips for Your Next Visit:
- The "Bears Shuttle": Use the shuttle from the Roosevelt CTA station. Walking from the train in January is a rite of passage, but your toes will thank you for the bus.
- Clear Bag Policy: This is strict. Don't bring your favorite backpack. If it’s not clear and tiny, it’s going back to the car.
- The Colonnatos: Take five minutes to actually walk through the historic colonnades on the east and west sides. It’s the only part of the original 1924 structure that still feels "old-school."
Keep an eye on the official Soldier Field event calendar. Schedules for late 2026 usually finalize about six months out, especially for the big-ticket summer concerts. If you're looking for Bears tickets, the single-game sales typically drop in May once the NFL releases the official fall dates.