Heading to Soldier Field this Sunday? Keep an eye on your parking plans.
Teamsters Local 727 is warning of parking disruptions ahead of the Bears’ matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 8, with kickoff at 7:20 PM CT.
The union told NBC Chicago that there would be “no parking at Soldier Field” if an agreement isn’t reached Friday, November 6.
But SP+/Metropolis, which operates the stadium’s game-day parking facilities, says it has a plan to keep things moving. A closure has not been confirmed.
Here’s what fans should know before heading to the lakefront.
Why could Soldier Field parking be affected?
Nearly 1,200 Chicago-area parking workers represented by Teamsters Local 727 launched a strike Tuesday, November 3, after rejecting employers’ final contract offer. The union describes it as an unfair labor practice strike, alleging bad-faith bargaining and other labor-law violations.
According to NBC Chicago, Metropolis operates all 15 Soldier Field game-day lots and garages, and its workers are represented by the union.
The union says it will establish a picket line if the operator brings in nonunion temporary workers to park cars, and it is asking fans not to cross it. It has also warned of long delays.
“Chicago is a union town, and we must stand together,” the union said in a statement reported by NBC Chicago
Will the parking lots stay open?
That remains uncertain—but the operator says it is prepared.
In a statement to NBC Chicago, Metropolis said it has a “contingency plan in place that ensures Bears fans have a smooth parking experience this Sunday.” The report did not detail what that plan involves. NBC Chicago also sought comment from the Chicago Park District, which owns the Soldier Field lots.
For now, fans should treat the union’s warning as a potential disruption, rather than confirmation that stadium parking will be unavailable.
Which parking locations could be affected?
NBC Chicago’s published list of locations covered by the dispute includes these Soldier Field facilities under SP+/Metropolis:
- North Garage: 1410 Special Olympics Dr.
- Waldron Deck: 458 E. 18th St.
- 1300 S. Lynn White Dr.
- 1400 S. Lynn White Dr.
- 1559 S. Museum Campus Dr.
These are just some of the locations; McCormick Place Lots A, B, and C also appear on the list.
Taking the Chicago transit to Soldier Field
If you’re worried about parking, taking the CTA to Soldier Field is one of the most affordable ways to get there from Chicago!
How to take the CTA
- Red, Orange, and Green Lines: All these lines stop at the Roosevelt Station, which is a short walk from Soldier Field.
- #128 Soldier Field Express Bus: For those coming from the suburbs, take the 128, which has direct service from Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center to Soldier Field.
- #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express Bus: This bus runs between the Roosevelt Station and Soldier Field.
How to take the Metra
- 18th Street Station: The Metra Electric Line provides service to the 18th Street Station, a short walk from Soldier Field.
- South Shore Line: For those traveling from Northwest Indiana, the South Shore Line connects to the McCormick Station, a quick walk to Soldier Field.
What should fans do before Sunday’s game?
Check for updates from the Bears, Soldier Field, and your parking provider before leaving, and allow extra time if you’re driving. With the union warning of disruptions and the Metropolis promising a contingency plan, don’t assume either a normal parking experience or a complete shutdown.
