Last updated on December 28th, 2023 at 11:25 am
Solider Field, at 1410 Special Olympics Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60605, is home to the Chicago Bears NFL and Chicago Fire MLS teams. Soldier Field has a clear bag policy in place that states that fans can bring in a clear bag that does not exceed 12 “x 6″ x 12”. Along with that, fans can bring small purses into the venue that are not clear as long as they don’t exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″ in size.
Here is the complete Soldier Field Bag Policy breakdown for your next NFL, MLS, or event. I also share my bag recommendation on what to bring to the game. Finally, there is an affiliate link to Amazon on this page.
Approved Bags
Soldier Field, like many NFL stadiums, has a clear bag policy, which means having a clear bag for this venue works at other places. Here are some types of bags that fans can bring into the venue for a Bears game.
- A clear single-compartment bag that does not exceed 12 “x 6” x 12″(clear plastic, vinyl, and PVC)
- A clear one-gallon Ziplock (or similar type of freezer bag) type of bag
- Medical bags
- A clear fanny pack
- A clear diaper bag
- A small clutch bag (can include a strap) that does not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″. (As a note, fans can bring in a small clutch purse to a home game along with one clear plastic bag with them)
- Any ADA-specific bag
My Clear Bag Recommendation + Experience
I’ve been bringing my clear fanny pack to football games for years without any issues. My clear fanny pack is 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″, which puts it far below the max size that venues permit. Second, the bag is clear, which means it passes the clear bag policy check. Third, I like the feel of my bag as I wear it across my chest. Since I’m always walking around stadiums documenting the food, I need to wear something that feels comfortable.
Below is a video of me going into this type of bag in more detail.
Buy a single-compartment clear bag for your next Chicago Bears or Chicago Fire Match!
How Does the Soldier Field Security Staff Review Your Bag?
Fans coming out to Soldier Field for a game or concert will go through a metal detector screening checkpoint upon scanning their ticket at the gate’s entrance for entry. Fans with a bag will go into the bag check line, including a metal detector check and a bag check inspection. The bag check inspection by the security staff reviews the type of bag you are bringing, its size of it, and if it contains prohibited items inside. If there are no issues with the bag you are trying to bring into the venue, you will get it back and can enter the stadium with it for the game.
What Items Can’t Fans Bring into Soldier Field for a Game or Concert?
Fans coming out to a home game in Chicago must know that prohibited items can’t enter the stadium with fans. Some things the security team won’t allow inside the stadium are below. Visit the prohibited items list for Soldier Field for the most up-to-date listing.
- Any bag that is larger than 12 “x6 “x12”
- Any non-clear bag that is not a tiny clutch bag. (Backpacks, fanny packs, briefcases, computer bags, camera bags, coolers, clutch bags, etc.)
- Seat cushions
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs
- Animals not for ADA-purposes
- Aerosol cans
Is there a Bag Check or Locker Storage Place at Soldier Field?
There is a locker area for fans to use if their bag can’t enter Soldier Field. Look for the LSD south tunnel at the stadium to see where the bag check area is. Fans should expect to pay around $10 for this service to hold onto their bag while at the game. This bag check area is a good idea if you take the CTA from work to the game.
If you drive to Soldier Field and can’t bring your bag into the game, you can always leave it in your car. Leaving your bag in your car is a good idea if you plan on tailgating before a match and have items like coolers and backpacks. Since those items can’t come into the venue, you should leave them in your car before heading to the entrance gates for the match.
Additional Helpful Links
Visit the Soldier Field Parking guide for more information on where these parking lots are and more!
Check out the Solider Field Food guide to see what you can get at the venue on matchday.
Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.