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Soldier Field

Verified

Stadium & Arena · Chicago, IL · Chicago Bears / NFL

Official venue site ↗

Bags & Backpacks

Conditional
Source: Chicago Bears official site – NFL Bag Policy

Per the NFL's leaguewide Clear Bag Policy, fans may bring one clear plastic/vinyl/PVC bag up to 12"x6"x12" (or a one-gallon clear freezer bag), plus a small non-clear clutch/wallet/wristlet up to 4.5"x6.5", per person.

Only one logo is permitted on one side of the clear bag. Non-approved bags (backpacks, purses, camera bags, briefcases, diaper bags, luggage) are prohibited outright. Medical bags/kits are permitted after screening at designated gates 8, 38, and 47.

Max size
12" x 6" x 12" (clear bag); 4.5" x 6.5" (clutch)
Max quantity
1 approved bag per person

Exceptions: Medically necessary bags screened at gates 8, 38, and 47

Water Bottles

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – Prohibited Items

Outside beverages, including sealed bottled water, cans, and other containers, are not permitted inside the stadium.

"Cans, bottles, or other beverage containers (includes sealed plastic water bottles)" are explicitly listed as prohibited items.

Outside Food

Conditional
Source: Chicago Bears official site – A-Z Guide

Outside food for personal consumption is permitted as long as it fits within an NFL-approved clear bag.

"Food for personal consumption is permitted to enter the stadium if the container adheres to NFL Bag Policy." All beverage purchases inside the stadium are cash-free (card/mobile wallet only).

Medical Supplies & Equipment

Allowed
Source: Chicago Bears official site – NFL Bag Policy

Medical bags/kits are acceptable and will be searched at the gate; medically necessary items are exempted from the standard bag-size rules after inspection.

Exceptions: Screened at designated gates 8, 38, and 47

Alcohol / BYOB

Not Allowed
Source: Chicago Bears official site – A-Z Guide

Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited from being carried into the stadium; violators face ejection without refund.

Concession alcohol sales are limited to two drinks per purchase/possession at a time, begin two hours before kickoff, and end at the start of the fourth quarter. Sections 148 and 155 (north end zone) are designated "No Alcohol" sections.

Cannabis / Marijuana

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – Prohibited Items

Cannabis/marijuana falls under the stadium's blanket ban on illegal drugs; Illinois' Smoke-Free Act and no-smoking/no-vaping rules also apply regardless of the substance.

The official prohibited items list bans "illegal drugs" without naming cannabis specifically; public cannabis consumption remains illegal in Illinois even where personal possession is legal, and the stadium's smoking/vaping ban covers cannabis consumption methods as well.

Coolers

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – Prohibited Items

Coolers and ice chests, including soft-sided coolers, are explicitly prohibited.

Strollers & Wagons

Conditional
Source: Chicago Bears official site – A-Z Guide

Strollers are not permitted in the seating bowl but can be checked at a dedicated stroller check location.

Stroller check is at Gate 10/United Club through October, then moves to Gate 8 for the remainder of the season. Wagons are not separately addressed in official materials.

Breast Pumps & Nursing Supplies

Allowed
Source: ABC7 Chicago News

A Mamava lactation suite is available at Soldier Field, offering nursing mothers a private space to breastfeed or pump.

The suite was installed in partnership between the Chicago Bears and Advocate Health Care (the team's official healthcare partner), debuting at a Bears home opener. First Aid stations (Gate 17 Grand Concourse, West Colonnade Level, and Club Level 300) are cited as an alternate option.

Wheelchairs & ECVs

Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – A-Z Guide

A limited number of stadium wheelchairs are available for guests with accessibility needs, and ADA-accessible seating and drop-off are provided.

ADA drop-off is located at Gate 14 on the east side and requires a visible placard with the designated occupant present. Courtesy carts are also provided across the Museum Campus parking lots.

E-Bikes, Scooters & Hoverboards

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – Prohibited Items

Wheeled footwear, skateboards, hoverboards, and Segways are prohibited.

Cameras & Photo Gear

Conditional
Source: Soldier Field official site – A-Z Guide

Personal cameras with lenses up to 6 inches when fully extended are allowed; professional cameras, video/recording equipment, and binocular/camera cases are not.

"Professional cameras and video recording devices are not permitted" without media credentials, and camera/binocular cases are separately barred (hand-held binoculars without a case are fine).

Max size
Lens up to 6" fully extended

Drones

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – Prohibited Items

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) are prohibited from the stadium and surrounding parking lots.

Umbrellas

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – Prohibited Items

Umbrellas are listed as a prohibited item.

Noisemakers, Flags & Banners

Conditional
Source: Chicago Bears official site – A-Z Guide

Noise-making devices (horns, whistles, etc.) are prohibited, but flags/banners/signs are permitted if they don't obstruct other guests' views, aren't commercial or offensive, and don't cover official stadium signage.

Chairs & Blankets

Conditional
Source: Chicago Bears official site – A-Z Guide

Blankets are permitted, carried in hand or in an approved clear bag; seat cushions with zippered covers, pockets, or flaps are prohibited (approved medical cushions excepted).

Exceptions: Approved medical seat cushions

Weapons

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – A-Z Guide

Weapons and firearms of any kind are not permitted within Soldier Field, the surrounding parkland, or the parking lots; unchecked prohibited weapons are confiscated.

Vapes & Smoking

Not Allowed
Source: Chicago Bears official site – A-Z Guide

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act prohibits smoking at Soldier Field for Bears games; e-cigarettes, vaping, and chewing smokeless tobacco are also prohibited, with no re-entry to smoke.

Power Banks & Batteries

Conditional
Source: Soldier Field official X/Twitter account (@SoldierField)

Portable phone chargers and power banks are permitted, provided they fit inside an approved clear bag.

Response to a fan question via the venue's official account: "Portable chargers and regular phone chargers are permitted." No newer, Bears-specific written policy was found — this is the most direct official confirmation available.

Pets & Service Animals

Conditional
Source: Chicago Bears official site – A-Z Guide

Only service animals individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability are permitted; emotional support/comfort animals do not qualify under the ADA and are not allowed.

Exceptions: ADA-qualifying service animals, entering/exiting via Gate 8

Re-Entry

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – A-Z Guide

No re-entries are permitted once a guest has entered the stadium.

Other

Not Allowed
Source: Soldier Field official site – Prohibited Items

Additional prohibited items include fireworks/smoke bombs, laser pens/pointers, poles of any kind (including selfie sticks), confetti, balloons and beach balls, and aerosol cans (mace, pepper spray, hairspray, etc.).

Only 22 item types have been independently verified for Soldier Field so far.

Not yet verified for Soldier Field: Costumes & Masks — this doesn't mean it's unrestricted, just not researched yet.

Frequently asked questions about Soldier Field

What is the bag policy and size limit at Soldier Field?

Conditional. Per the NFL's leaguewide Clear Bag Policy, fans may bring one clear plastic/vinyl/PVC bag up to 12"x6"x12" (or a one-gallon clear freezer bag), plus a small non-clear clutch/wallet/wristlet up to 4.5"x6.5", per person. Only one logo is permitted on one side of the clear bag. Non-approved bags (backpacks, purses, camera bags, briefcases, diaper bags, luggage) are prohibited outright. Medical bags/kits are permitted after screening at designated gates 8, 38, and 47. Max size: 12" x 6" x 12" (clear bag); 4.5" x 6.5" (clutch). Max quantity: 1 approved bag per person. Exceptions: Medically necessary bags screened at gates 8, 38, and 47

What is the water bottle policy at Soldier Field?

Not Allowed. Outside beverages, including sealed bottled water, cans, and other containers, are not permitted inside the stadium. "Cans, bottles, or other beverage containers (includes sealed plastic water bottles)" are explicitly listed as prohibited items.

What is the outside food policy at Soldier Field?

Conditional. Outside food for personal consumption is permitted as long as it fits within an NFL-approved clear bag. "Food for personal consumption is permitted to enter the stadium if the container adheres to NFL Bag Policy." All beverage purchases inside the stadium are cash-free (card/mobile wallet only).

Can I bring medical supplies or equipment into Soldier Field?

Allowed. Medical bags/kits are acceptable and will be searched at the gate; medically necessary items are exempted from the standard bag-size rules after inspection. Exceptions: Screened at designated gates 8, 38, and 47

Can you bring your own alcohol (BYOB) into Soldier Field?

Not Allowed. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited from being carried into the stadium; violators face ejection without refund. Concession alcohol sales are limited to two drinks per purchase/possession at a time, begin two hours before kickoff, and end at the start of the fourth quarter. Sections 148 and 155 (north end zone) are designated "No Alcohol" sections.

Is cannabis or marijuana allowed at Soldier Field?

Not Allowed. Cannabis/marijuana falls under the stadium's blanket ban on illegal drugs; Illinois' Smoke-Free Act and no-smoking/no-vaping rules also apply regardless of the substance. The official prohibited items list bans "illegal drugs" without naming cannabis specifically; public cannabis consumption remains illegal in Illinois even where personal possession is legal, and the stadium's smoking/vaping ban covers cannabis consumption methods as well.

Are coolers allowed at Soldier Field?

Not Allowed. Coolers and ice chests, including soft-sided coolers, are explicitly prohibited.

Are strollers and wagons allowed at Soldier Field?

Conditional. Strollers are not permitted in the seating bowl but can be checked at a dedicated stroller check location. Stroller check is at Gate 10/United Club through October, then moves to Gate 8 for the remainder of the season. Wagons are not separately addressed in official materials.

Can I bring a breast pump or nursing supplies into Soldier Field?

Allowed. A Mamava lactation suite is available at Soldier Field, offering nursing mothers a private space to breastfeed or pump. The suite was installed in partnership between the Chicago Bears and Advocate Health Care (the team's official healthcare partner), debuting at a Bears home opener. First Aid stations (Gate 17 Grand Concourse, West Colonnade Level, and Club Level 300) are cited as an alternate option.

Are wheelchairs and ECVs allowed at Soldier Field?

Allowed. A limited number of stadium wheelchairs are available for guests with accessibility needs, and ADA-accessible seating and drop-off are provided. ADA drop-off is located at Gate 14 on the east side and requires a visible placard with the designated occupant present. Courtesy carts are also provided across the Museum Campus parking lots.

Are e-bikes, scooters, or hoverboards allowed at Soldier Field?

Not Allowed. Wheeled footwear, skateboards, hoverboards, and Segways are prohibited.

What is the camera policy at Soldier Field, and what equipment is allowed?

Conditional. Personal cameras with lenses up to 6 inches when fully extended are allowed; professional cameras, video/recording equipment, and binocular/camera cases are not. "Professional cameras and video recording devices are not permitted" without media credentials, and camera/binocular cases are separately barred (hand-held binoculars without a case are fine). Max size: Lens up to 6" fully extended.

Are drones allowed at Soldier Field?

Not Allowed. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) are prohibited from the stadium and surrounding parking lots.

Are umbrellas allowed at Soldier Field?

Not Allowed. Umbrellas are listed as a prohibited item.

Are noisemakers, flags, or banners allowed at Soldier Field?

Conditional. Noise-making devices (horns, whistles, etc.) are prohibited, but flags/banners/signs are permitted if they don't obstruct other guests' views, aren't commercial or offensive, and don't cover official stadium signage.

Are chairs and blankets allowed at Soldier Field?

Conditional. Blankets are permitted, carried in hand or in an approved clear bag; seat cushions with zippered covers, pockets, or flaps are prohibited (approved medical cushions excepted). Exceptions: Approved medical seat cushions

What is the weapons policy at Soldier Field?

Not Allowed. Weapons and firearms of any kind are not permitted within Soldier Field, the surrounding parkland, or the parking lots; unchecked prohibited weapons are confiscated.

Is smoking or vaping allowed at Soldier Field, and is there a designated area?

Not Allowed. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act prohibits smoking at Soldier Field for Bears games; e-cigarettes, vaping, and chewing smokeless tobacco are also prohibited, with no re-entry to smoke.

Can I bring a power bank or portable charger into Soldier Field?

Conditional. Portable phone chargers and power banks are permitted, provided they fit inside an approved clear bag. Response to a fan question via the venue's official account: "Portable chargers and regular phone chargers are permitted." No newer, Bears-specific written policy was found — this is the most direct official confirmation available.

Are pets or service animals allowed at Soldier Field?

Conditional. Only service animals individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability are permitted; emotional support/comfort animals do not qualify under the ADA and are not allowed. Exceptions: ADA-qualifying service animals, entering/exiting via Gate 8

Does Soldier Field allow re-entry?

Not Allowed. No re-entries are permitted once a guest has entered the stadium.

What else should I know about Soldier Field's policies?

Not Allowed. Additional prohibited items include fireworks/smoke bombs, laser pens/pointers, poles of any kind (including selfie sticks), confetti, balloons and beach balls, and aerosol cans (mace, pepper spray, hairspray, etc.).

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