When did Soldier Field open?
Soldier Field was dedicated on the 9th of October 1924 under the name Grant Park Stadium. It was renamed Soldier Field on the 11th of November 1925, honoring U.S. soldiers killed in the First World War.
Questions about Soldier Field
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did the Chicago Bears move into Soldier Field?
The Chicago Bears moved into Soldier Field full-time in 1971, initially on a three-year commitment. They played their first home game there on the 19th of September 1971, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-15.
How much did the 2002-03 renovation of Soldier Field cost?
The renovation cost a total of $632 million. Taxpayers covered $432 million of that, while the Chicago Bears and the NFL contributed the remaining $200 million.
Why was Soldier Field removed from the National Historic Landmark list?
A ten-member federal advisory committee voted unanimously on the 23rd of September 2004 to recommend delisting Soldier Field as a National Historic Landmark, after the 2002-03 renovation altered its structure. The stadium officially lost its landmark status on the 17th of February 2006.
What is Soldier Field's seating capacity?
Soldier Field has a football capacity of 62,500, making it the smallest stadium in the NFL. It is also the oldest stadium in both the NFL and MLS.
What major soccer tournaments has Soldier Field hosted?
Soldier Field hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, and multiple CONCACAF Gold Cup championships between 2007 and 2023. It also hosted matches of the 2016 Copa América Centenario.