Soldier Field's capacity: How many people can the Chicago Bears' stadium hold?

Soldier Field is a multi-purpose stadium on the Near South Side of Chicago. The stadium, originally built in 1924 and renovated in 2003, has been the home of the Chicago Fire FC and the Chicago Bears of the NFL since 1971. The stadium is the smallest in the NFL and can hold 61,500 sports fans.

In Soldier Field, the playing surface is made of natural grass. In order for it to look like the ideal playing surface for both football and soccer, the field has resurfaced on several occasions every year with input from the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Fire.

In November 1926, the stadium was formally dedicated to the Army vs Navy national championship game. The game, seen by 110,000 spectators, concluded in a stalemate at 21-21, although the Navy won the trophy after they were unbeaten.

The yearly College All-Star Game, a spring exhibition game between the NFL championship team from the season prior and a team of great college seniors, was played at Soldier Field from 1934 through 1976. The opening ceremony of the 1994 World Cup was also staged at Soldier Field. That marked the first time the United States hosted the World Cup.

Will the Chicago Bears move away from Soldier Field?

With the acquisition of a piece of land in Arlington Heights, the Chicago Bears have now entered a new era. The franchise plans to construct a new domed stadium along with a sizable commercial and residential development.

Since initially disclosed by Christopher Placek of the Daily Herald, the team has won a bid to buy the 326-acre site in Arlington Heights, Illinois, in the summer of 2021. Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said the acquisition "is scheduled to be finalized before late 2023."

Notwithstanding the transaction, the franchise insists that the stadium and project remain subject to many "ifs," depending on the team's ability to get clarity regarding property tax caps and government assistance to fund the project's facilities. Nonetheless, the team published an open letter referring to the purchase as "a crucial next step."

The city recently unveiled plans to restore Soldier Field, including the intention of adding seats and installing a dome, in an attempt to retain the team there. The offer didn't seem to sway the Bears in any way.