2023-09-09 21:03:51

After months of anticipation, the NFL season is finally here as Chicago Bears fans prepare for the team’s long-awaited Week 1 matchup once morest the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

Sunday followingnoon’s matchup once morest the Packers marks the first home game in more than eight months, as the Bears fell 29-13 to the Minnesota Vikings in the final game of the 2022 season on Jan. 8.

While Justin Fields’ Week 1 performance and the Bears’ rejuvenated offense are on the minds of Bears fans, here’s what fans are heading to Soldier Field for Sunday’s game, scheduled to begin 3:25 pm, you should know:

How to get to the stadium by public transport

Metra offers a “Bears Extra” train on the Electric Line. On Sundays, the train will depart University Park at 9:30 a.m. and will make all stops between UP and Kensington, as well as stops at 59th Street, 55-56-57th Street, and 51st/53rd Street. The main stop will be 18th Street, which is a short walk from the stadium.

For 3:25 pm matches, the train will leave at 1:30 pm.

On weekdays, regularly scheduled Metra trains will stop at 18th Street, which is typically a flag stop during the week.

Metra tickets are $7 on Sundays. Children 11 years and under travel free.

Fans can also take the Chicago Transit Authority bus number 128 from Union Station and the Ogilvie Transportation Center. The Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus will also provide service, as will Red, Green and Orange line trains in Roosevelt.

Standard CTA fares apply, but for the season opener once morest Green Bay, Molson Coors has partnered with the CTA to offer free bus and train rides following the game.

Where can I park?

Parking facilities immediately around Soldier Field require prepaid parking passes and open four hours before kickoff. They close two hours following the game concludes.

Parking is also available at Grant Park North and South, and at the Millennium Garage locations on Columbus Drive.

A full list of available parking and prices can be found here.

Is caravan driving to Soldier Field allowed?

Queuing is allowed in most parking lots around the stadium, as long as fans comply with team rules and regulations.

The South Lot, North Parking Lot and Adler Planetarium lots are open to the public, as is the McCormick Place 31st Street Lot, with shuttles transporting fans to the game.

Can I carry bags inside the stadium?

Clear bags up to 12x6x12 inches are accepted. One non-clear wallet, clutch, crossbody bag, or purse is permitted as long as it measures 4.5×6.5 inches or smaller.

Depending on the team, medical bags are allowed following screening. Medical bags can be checked at gates 8, 38 and 47, the team said.

Diaper bags should be clear and fit the prescribed dimensions for larger bags.

When do the doors open?

The stadium doors open two hours before kickoff.

One last reminder:

According to the team, Soldier Field remains a cashless facility.

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