Soldier FieldSeating Guide: Where to Sit & Best Seats
Soldier Field is the lakefront home of the NFL's Chicago Bears and the smallest stadium in the league, seating approximately 61,500 for football following its 2003 interior rebuild behind the preserved historic colonnades. Seating is arranged over four tiers: the 100 Level (lower bowl), the 200 Level (mid-tier, including the premium United Club on the east side), the 300 Level (upper bowl) and the steep 400 Level Grandstand at the open north end. The best overall views are from the lower-sideline sections (roughly 114-127) between the 20-yard lines, while the best value tends to be the upper west sideline (around 305-325), which offers honest, head-on sightlines at a fraction of lower-bowl prices. For concerts staged at the north end, the head-on sideline sections facing the stage (around 120-123) and premium field packages are the most sought-after, with the 400 Level Grandstand directly behind the stage best avoided.
Configurations
NFL football (Chicago Bears)
The stadium's primary use. Full bowl configuration of approximately 61,500 seats across the 100, 200, 300 and 400 (Grandstand) levels. The Bears defend an end zone and play with the field running roughly north-south; the United Club premium areas sit on the east sideline.
Concerts (end-stage)
Major stadium tours typically place the stage at the north (Grandstand) end with a general-admission and reserved-seat field on the playing surface. Sideline sections facing the stage head-on offer the best reserved views; sections beside and behind the stage have restricted or no view. Capacity varies by stage and production size.
Soccer / football matches
Soldier Field has hosted club and international football, including past Chicago Fire FC fixtures and major tournament and friendly matches. The pitch fills the central field area, with a near-full lower and upper bowl available depending on demand.
Seating levels explained
100 Level (Lower Bowl)
101-155The ground tier wrapping the field, with sideline sections along the east and west and end-zone sections at the south. Front-row 50-yard-line seats sit unusually close to the action, among the shortest sideline distances in the NFL.
Pros: Closest to the field; strong sideline sightlines; best atmosphere and player detail.
Cons: Most expensive tier; low rows in the corners and end zones can have a flatter, partially side-on view of distant play.
200 Level (Club / Mid-tier)
202-256The middle tier offering elevated sightlines without the height of the upper bowl. The east-side sections (202-216) form part of the premium United Club with indoor lounge access; most 200-level sections have roughly 19-27 rows.
Pros: Excellent elevated sideline views; east-side sections include climate-controlled United Club amenities; good balance of height and proximity.
Cons: United Club sections carry a significant premium; end and corner sections angle away from midfield.
300 Level (Upper Bowl)
301-356The upper bowl rings the sidelines and corners above the 200 level. East-side sections 301-317 are part of the United Club; the west upper sideline (around 305-325) is widely regarded as the best-value seating in the stadium. A lakeside patio with drink rails sits above section 354.
Pros: Comprehensive, head-on views of the whole field; west-side sections offer strong value; some sections enjoy skyline and lake glimpses.
Cons: Noticeably further from the action; the lakeside patio area can be very windy; higher rows involve a long climb.
400 Level (Grandstand)
427-447The steep grandstand built into the open north end of the historic U during the 2003 renovation. Rows run from 1 up to about row 37 depending on section.
Pros: Typically the cheapest seats in the building; a true end-on view down the length of the field.
Cons: Very steep with many steps to the top; furthest from midfield action; for end-stage concerts this end sits directly behind the stage and should be avoided.
Best seats at Soldier Field
| For | Sections | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall (NFL) | 114-127 (100 Level, lower west and east sidelines) | Lower-sideline sections between the 20-yard lines give the closest, most balanced head-on view of play with excellent atmosphere; the 50-yard-line front rows are unusually close to the field. |
| Best value | 305-325 (300 Level, upper west sideline) | Honest, elevated head-on sightlines of the entire field at a fraction of lower-bowl prices, making this the smart-money pick for sideline views. |
| Best atmosphere | Lower end-zone and corner sections of the 100 Level near the home Bears bench, plus the 400 Level Grandstand | These areas hold the most vocal, animated fans; the steep north grandstand creates a loud, banked wall of support behind the end zone. |
| Best for concerts (reserved seat) | 120-123 (lower west sideline, facing an end stage at the north) | These sideline sections face a north-end stage close to head-on, giving a straight-on view without the sharp side angle of sections beside the stage. |
| Best premium experience | United Club: 202-216 (200 Level) and 301-317 (300 Level), east side | Prime east-sideline sightlines plus access to a three-level climate-controlled indoor lounge with wide cushioned seats, multiple bars and concierge service. |
| Best for being on the field (concerts) | Field / GA Floor, front half nearest the stage | Field packages closest to the stage put you in the heart of the show; note GA floor rows are for inventory only and do not map to a fixed spot. |
Seats to avoid & obstructed views
- 400 Level Grandstand (427-447) behind an end stage for concerts: Directly behind or beside the stage, these seats have a heavily restricted or non-existent view of the performance and face the back of the production.
- Highest rows of the 400 Level Grandstand (up to ~row 37): Steepest pitch in the stadium with a long climb, the greatest distance from the action and exposure to lakefront wind.
- Low rows of the 100 Level corner and end-zone sections: A flat angle so far-side play looks distant and side-on, and surrounding players or sideline staff can intermittently block low sightlines.
- Lakeside patio / upper sections around 354: Open lakefront position means the area can get incredibly windy and cold in late-season games.
- Sections immediately beside an end stage during concerts: A sharp side-stage angle that distorts the view and can leave parts of the staging or video screens obscured.
Premium & hospitality
United Club
The flagship premium product, on the east side of the stadium across the 200 Level (202-216) and 300 Level (301-317). Includes a three-level climate-controlled indoor lounge, private entrances and restrooms, concierge desks, around 12 full-service bars, a private Bears Pro Shop, wide cushioned seats and 140+ indoor TVs.
Skyline Suite
Luxury suite product offering exceptional field views together with views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan; a premium hospitality space sold for events.
Miller Lite Midway
An enclosed, rustic 14,000-square-foot event/hospitality space on the west mezzanine (behind sections 136 and 138) accommodating up to around 1,000 guests.
North Party Deck / Colonnades
The North Party Deck offers bar seating with field visibility and city views for group hospitality; the historic Colonnades provide a covered outdoor space overlooking the harbour with skyline views.
Accessibility & companion seating
Soldier Field is fully ADA accessible, offering wheelchair-accessible and companion seating for all ticketed events, with more than 50 wheelchair spaces spread across a range of locations and price points. Each wheelchair space is paired with a conventional companion seat. All in-stadium elevators are accessible, every restroom is ADA accessible, and wheelchair ushering/escort service is available inside the stadium and across part of the exterior campus. The ADA drop-off and pick-up point is the Gate 14 turnaround off Museum Campus Drive on the south-east (lakeside) corner.
Where: Accessible seating rows are located at the top of most sections throughout the venue across all levels, giving wheelchair users and companions a choice of price ranges. Accessible tickets are sold per event through the box office and Ticketmaster; if accessible inventory is sold out, buy conventional seats and contact the ADA Coordinator on 312-235-7000 to arrange an accessible exchange.
Upcoming events at Soldier Field
Ed Sheeran-Chicago, IL, USA
Sat, 27 June 2026 · Concerts
Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps
Thu, 16 July 2026 · MLS
Karol G-Chicago, IL, USA
Fri, 24 July 2026 · Concerts
Karol G-Chicago, IL, USA
Sat, 25 July 2026 · Concerts
Chicago Fire vs Charlotte FC
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 · MLS
Liverpool vs Leeds United
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 · Friendly Matches - Football
Foo Fighters-Chicago, IL, USA
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 · Concerts
Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 · NFL (US Football)
Frequently asked questions
What are the best seats at Soldier Field?
For Bears games, the best overall seats are in the 100 Level lower sideline sections roughly 114-127, between the 20-yard lines, where you get the closest head-on view and strong atmosphere. The premium east-side United Club sections (202-216 and 301-317) add an indoor lounge and amenities.
Where are the cheapest seats at Soldier Field?
The cheapest seats are generally in the 400 Level Grandstand (sections 427-447) at the open north end. For the best value with proper sideline sightlines, the upper west sideline of the 300 Level (around 305-325) is the smart pick.
Where do away fans sit at Soldier Field?
NFL stadiums including Soldier Field do not have a dedicated away-fan section; visiting supporters are seated throughout the venue. Visiting fans often cluster in cheaper upper-level and end-zone areas, but there is no official segregated away end.
What are the best seats for a concert at Soldier Field?
For end-stage concerts staged at the north end, the lower west sideline sections facing the stage head-on (around 120-123) give the straightest reserved view, while field/floor packages nearest the stage put you closest to the performance. Avoid the 400 Level Grandstand, which sits behind the stage.
Is Soldier Field accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. Soldier Field offers wheelchair and companion seating for all events, with 50+ wheelchair spaces at varied locations and prices, accessible rows at the top of most sections, accessible elevators and restrooms throughout, and wheelchair escort service. Accessible tickets are sold via the box office and Ticketmaster, or arrange an exchange via the ADA Coordinator on 312-235-7000.
Does Soldier Field have a roof, and are seats covered?
No, Soldier Field is an open-air stadium with no roof, so the seating bowl is largely uncovered and exposed to lakefront weather. Late-season Bears games can be cold and windy, particularly in the upper levels and the open north grandstand; dress for the conditions.
What is the United Club at Soldier Field?
The United Club is the stadium's premier hospitality area on the east side, covering 200 Level sections 202-216 and 300 Level sections 301-317. Ticket holders get access to a three-level climate-controlled indoor lounge with multiple bars, concierge service, wide cushioned seats and many TVs.