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Soldier Field is one of the oldest still-operating stadiums in the U.S. It is home to the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire FC . While Chicago is not as well known for intense summer heat as other cities, it can get quite warm along Lake Michigan during the summer soccer season and beginning of the NFL season. Later in the year, finding a seat in the sun may provide football fans with comfort to offset stiff winds blowing in from Lake Michigan. You can use this article in combination with the Soldier Field seating chart to locate seats in both the shade and the sun.
Where are the seats in the shade and sun at Soldier Field?
Generally, the seats in the shade at Soldier Field are located:
- West Sideline: Shade on the Bears home side of the field
And the seats in the sun at Soldier Field are located:
- East Sideline: Sunny on the visitor side of the field
- North End Zone: Sun soak seats behind the end zone
Unless scheduled for a national Sunday Night or Monday Night Football game, most Bears games kick off around noon to accommodate the NFL’s TV schedule. In the summer, Fire FC games may occasionally start early in the day, but most home games are scheduled for the evening. For specific details on which sections are shaded at different times, please continue reading.
Soldier Field Orientation to the Sun
Soldier Field is oriented in a slightly off axis north to south direction. By noon the sun is high above the south end zone. Over the course of the afternoon the sun gradually dips down behind the west (home) side of the stadium and eventually sets closer to the north end zone.
The graphic below shows the approximate location of the sun throughout the day on July 1st.
See an interactive seating chart for the next event at Soldier FieldWhere to Buy Tickets
Ticketmaster is the official ticketing site for the Bears and Fire FC. It is also where you can buy Verified Resale tickets. Season ticket holders may also list unused seats on SeatGeek and Stubhub so consider checking all for prices and availability.
Seats in the Sun and Shade at Early Afternoon Soldier Field Games
When Soldier Field was rebuilt in the early 2000s, it was designed primarily with football games in a cold Midwest climate in mind. As such, not much concern was given to shielding fans or players from the sun. During the fall and winter months, the sun is probably preferable to shade in Chicago anyway, as it helps counteract the chill from Lake Michigan. However, during the Fire FC season in the summer, it can get quite toasty in the Windy City.
Since the Bears usually kick off an hour earlier than teams in the East Coast time zone, more seats at Soldier Field will be in the sun for more of the game compared to other stadiums. Around kickoff time for an early afternoon game, the only seats with a chance of being in the shade are those directly under cover or in a small number of rows behind the south end zone. By halftime, seats in the southwest corner (sections 124-130, 224-230, and 324-330) will be the first to move into the shade. By the end of the game, the rest of the home side of the stadium should be shaded, while the visitor’s side will remain sunny.
Seats in the Sun and Shade at Late Afternoon Soldier Field Games
For a Bears game kicking off in the 3:00 PM hour, the distribution of shade and sun is more predictable. If you’re looking for a seat in the shade, you’ll find it on the west (home) side of the field in the lower, middle, or upper decks. For shaded seats, consider sections 130-144, 230-244, 330-344, or 430-444. If you’re seeking sun, choose seats on the opposite side of the field, like sections 101-115, 202-215, or 301-315. The suites on the east (visitor) side stay in the sun longest. If you’re fortunate enough to be in a suite, however, you’re probably not too concerned, as you can retreat inside to warm up or cool down as the season dictates.
By mid-afternoon seats on the west side of the stadium (left) are shaded while those on the east side of the stadium (right) and behind the north end zone are in the sun.
Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire
Seats in the Sun and Shade at Evening Soldier Field Games
If the Bears are scheduled for a Sunday Night or Monday Night Football game, the stadium lights will already be on by kickoff time, so there’s no need to worry about sun and shade. However, sunset in Chicago isn’t until well after 8:00 PM during the summer, so Fire FC fans will want to be aware of exactly where the sun is shining. As the sun sets, sections closer to the field on the east side will move into the shade first, while seats farther away will stay in the sun the longest. For shade, choose a seat on the west side of the stadium or the lower deck of the east side to avoid the sun. Otherwise, bring sunglasses because you might need them for the first part of the game!
Ready to get your Chicago football or soccer tickets?
Use the individual game links or click or tap here to see an upcoming list of games at Soldier Field.
