Thoroughly modern home of "da Bears" and Chicago Fire soccer team also features a military memorial and plenty of green space.

by Contributor

The Venue
With nearly two years of renovations completed in September 2003, the revamped stadium debuted in the 2003-2004 NFL season. Capacity has actually been reduced, but numerous modern amenities have been added, such as sky suites and many more concessions and restrooms throughout. The 17 acres of surrounding grounds were also updated to include a sledding hill (kept frosty with snow-making equipment, if Mother Nature fails to provide), a children's garden, new parking areas and more, offering year-round appeal.

The Experience
Ditka. Payton. Butkus. Singletary. Sayers. Halas. The Fridge. Some of Chicago's most hallowed sports figures cut their teeth on this lawn on Sundays past. To many, the Bears franchise embodies professional football, making this a spiritual home of sorts. Soldier Field is also a major soccer venue, having hosted men's and women's World Cup games. U2, the Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews and other bands have also played here.

06/27/02

WOW

by alhweber

How anyone can give this venue less than 9 is beyond me. Incredible views, great crowds, right in the heart of the city, by the lake, and the Bears play there...what's not to like?

Of all Chicago's stories sports arenas, this is the place to make sure you visit. If you want true Chicago, go to Soldier. If you want tourisits, go to Wrigley and watch the Cubs lose.

05/21/02

For the US Soldiers

by nathanstull_citysearch

I am glad that I got to see a game here before the renovation began. I'm even more glad that the Bears won that game! The crowd is almost as fascinating as the game. I've seen the drawings of the new complex and it seems like a much needed improvement. I'm all for tradition, until it hinders the experience and the potential for more people to share in that experience.

05/20/02

The Future?

by peterbehle_citysearch

A major renovation was absolutely needed here. So the Bears head down to U of I for a year and Soldier Field gets a makeover. How will the new stadium work out? Nobody knows. But everybody knows that the "old" Soldier Field was a wreck -- from restrooms to concessions to seats, it was all rotten. The new place is guaranteed to be a huge improvement.

• Pros: New renovations
• Cons: Loss of history