Trevor James
Soldier Field is a stadium located in Chicago, Illinois, that has served as a sports and entertainment venue since 1924. It is the home venue for the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire FC. The stadium has hosted several notable events, including the 1994 FIFA World Cup, speeches by historical figures, and concerts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Soldier Field implemented various guidelines and safety procedures, including mask mandates and mobile ticketing. For Kanye West's Donda listening event in 2021, attendees were not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, unlike other large concerts in the city. However, masks were recommended for unvaccinated individuals, and face coverings were mandated in indoor spaces per Soldier Field's guidelines and Chicago's indoor mask mandate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | No proof of vaccination required to enter |
| COVID-19 Test Requirements | No negative COVID-19 test required to enter |
| Mask Requirements | Masks are required in indoor spaces, optional outdoors |
| Bag Policy | Only NFL-approved bags are permitted. All bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm. Small, non-clear bags not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size are allowed with a clear plastic bag. |
| Re-entry | Generally not allowed, but special circumstances may apply for visitors with service animals or personal emergencies |
| Parking | No parking allowed in the area surrounding Soldier Field. Tailgating is permitted in specific lots only: Museum Campus surface lots, the upper level of Waldron Deck, and the Southwest Parking Facilities. |
| Food and Beverage | No outside food or beverages allowed. One factory-sealed 20-ounce water bottle or one empty, reusable non-metal 20-ounce bottle per person is permitted. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. |
| Service Animals | Allowed for individuals with accessibility needs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Gate 8 is the designated gate for entry and exit. |
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What You'll Learn
For Kanye West's 'Donda' listening event, no proof of vaccination was required
For Kanye West's Donda listening event at Soldier Field in Chicago, attendees were not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. This was unlike other big concerts being held in the city, such as the Riot Fest music festival, which required proof of vaccination or a negative test on top of any city requirements.
The event was expected to host a crowd of nearly 40,000 people, and masks were not mandated. However, masks were required in indoor stadium areas, such as the United Club, Miller Lite Midway, Pro Shop, North Garage, bathrooms, elevators, and enclosed hallways.
Experts expressed concern about the lack of a mask mandate and the absence of COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements for the event. Dr. Tina Tan highlighted the risk of transmission in an outdoor setting with a large number of people, especially without a mask requirement. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who has been vocal about vaccinations and the mask mandate, did not directly address the concerns about the Kanye West concert. Instead, the Park District and the Mayor's office issued a joint statement, emphasizing that Chicago can be open and safe simultaneously.
The Chicago Department of Public Health also commented on the event, stating that Soldier Field had adopted several COVID-19 safety protocols and that the event could be held safely if attendees followed these precautions. They noted that Soldier Field would operate at slightly over half capacity, and outdoor events were considered safer than indoor gatherings.
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Masks were optional outdoors, but mandatory indoors
As of 25 August 2021, attendees at Kanye West's "Donda" listening event at Soldier Field were not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. Masks were optional for the outdoor portion of the event but were mandatory indoors, in line with Chicago's indoor mask mandate. This included indoor spaces such as the United Club, Miller Lite Midway, Pro Shop, North Garage, bathrooms, elevators, and enclosed hallways. Masks could be removed when eating or drinking.
Soldier Field, a sports and entertainment venue in Chicago, Illinois, is the oldest stadium in the NFL and has been in use since 1924. It is the home venue for the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire FC and has hosted notable events such as the 1994 and 1999 FIFA World Cups and speeches by historical figures like Amelia Earhart and Martin Luther King Jr.
The stadium has implemented various security procedures and guidelines for visitors. These include bag restrictions, with only clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC and small clutch bags permitted. Visitors are encouraged not to bring any bags, and all guests and their belongings may be searched upon entry. Re-entry is generally not allowed, except under special circumstances, such as for visitors with service animals or those experiencing emergencies.
In terms of concessions, Soldier Field is a cashless stadium, accepting only credit, debit, and gift cards. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, and outside food and beverages are not permitted, except for one factory-sealed 20-ounce water bottle or an empty, reusable non-metal bottle per person.
For those driving to the stadium, parking restrictions apply, and tailgating is only allowed in specific lots. Grills and open fires are prohibited in enclosed garages and the lower level of the Waldron Deck but permitted in open-air surface lots.
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All bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC
As of 2021, there was no requirement to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. This was the case for Kanye West's "Donda" listening event, though masks were recommended for unvaccinated attendees.
Now, for a detailed explanation of the bag policy for Soldier Field:
All bags brought into Soldier Field must be made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. This includes backpacks, fanny packs, and cinch bags, which must not exceed the dimensions of 12" x 6" x 12" (or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm). No buckles, grommets, hardware, or décor can be concealing any part of the bag, and logos can only be displayed on one side of the bag. Small, non-clear bags that do not exceed the size of 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted, provided they are carried within a clear plastic bag.
Soldier Field has a strict bag policy, and any bags that do not meet the guidelines will be prohibited from entering the stadium. It is recommended that visitors do not bring any bags to the stadium to expedite entry. For those who need to bring bags, it is important to ensure they adhere to the clear bag policy to avoid any issues at the security checkpoint.
Additionally, there are other items that are prohibited from being brought into Soldier Field, such as coolers, briefcases, diaper bags, non-approved seat cushions, luggage, computer bags, and any non-clear bags larger than the specified size. Visitors with bags that do not meet the guidelines can utilise the bag check service provided by Soldier Field. This service is located at 18th Street, where bag check lockers are available.
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No re-entry is allowed at Soldier Field
No re-entry at Soldier Field
Soldier Field Stadium has a strict "no re-entry" policy during events. This means that once you have entered the stadium, you will not be allowed to exit and then re-enter. No re-entry passes will be issued.
There are some exceptions to this rule. Visitors with service animals or those experiencing a personal emergency may be able to exit and re-enter the venue if absolutely necessary. Gate 8 is the designated gate for service animals to enter and exit the stadium, and it also serves as the re-entry gate should a service animal need a relief area.
It is important to note that all bags must adhere to the NFL Clear Bag Policy and are subject to search upon entry. Only one NFL-approved bag per person will be permitted. If you do not consent to the searches, you will be denied entry.
Soldier Field Stadium also has a no-smoking policy, and no designated smoking areas are available inside or outside the stadium. Violators of the no-smoking policy are subject to ejection and may forfeit their season ticket privileges.
In addition, no parking is allowed within the area surrounding Soldier Field. Violators may be ticketed and towed. However, there are several parking options available at and around the stadium, including the North Garage, Waldron Deck, and South Parking Lot. Parking lots typically open four hours before the start of Bears home games, and parking passes can be purchased in advance.
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You and your belongings may be searched upon entry
If you're planning to attend an event at Soldier Field, it's important to be aware of the security procedures in place. One of the key things to know is that you and your belongings may be searched upon entry. This is a standard security measure to ensure the safety of all guests, and it's important to cooperate with the security personnel conducting these searches.
Soldier Field recommends that guests do not bring any bags to the stadium. However, if you need to bring essential items, it's important to follow their bag policy guidelines. Only specific types and sizes of personal bags or containers are permitted inside Soldier Field. These include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Small clutch bags with or without a handle or strap that meet the dimensions 4.5" x 1" x 6.5" are also allowed. Each member of a family, including children, is allowed to carry one approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the stadium.
It's important to note that all bags are subject to inspection, and only NFL-approved bags will be permitted. Medically necessary items are exempt from the bag policy but must undergo proper inspection at a designated gate. If your bag does not meet the requirements, you will have the option to take it back to your vehicle, dispose of it, or utilise the bag check service offered by Soldier Field during major events. The bag check lockers are located at the 18th Street Turnaround, south of Soldier Field along the pedestrian walkway.
In addition to the bag policy, there are other important security considerations to keep in mind. All guests must pass through a security checkpoint, and re-entry is not permitted after exiting the stadium. Soldier Field also has a strict no-smoking policy, and any form of smoking or vaping is prohibited inside or outside the stadium. These security measures are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, so it's important to be aware of them before attending an event at Soldier Field.
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Frequently asked questions
No proof of vaccination is required to enter Soldier Field. However, masks are mandatory in indoor spaces for everyone aged 2 and above, regardless of vaccination status.
All bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed the dimensions 12" x 6" x 12" (30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm). Small, non-clear bags not exceeding 4.5" x 6.5" in size are also permitted.
Yes, you and your belongings may be searched upon entry into Soldier Field. Re-entry is not allowed unless under special circumstances. Additionally, Soldier Field strongly encourages fans to not bring any type of bags to the stadium.
