Best Local Transportation To Get To Soldier Field
For locals traveling to Soldier Field for tailgating purposes, it's important to utilize the public transportation system in Chicago. While driving to the stadium from Chicago's neighboring suburbs can sometimes be tricky due to construction delays and general traffic, local residents around Soldier Field have more options for getting to the stadium. Whether it's coming from a residence or wanting to know how to reach the stadium from the allotted tailgating parking lots, local transportation services can accommodate without much difficulty. Before heading to the game, make sure you know what your route will be to make your tailgating outing go as smoothly as possible.
CTA Trains
There are 11 Metra Commuter Trains that run from the Chicagoland suburbs into downtown Chicago. Of these rail lines, there are four downtown stations: LaSalle Street Station, Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center and Millennium Station. The CTA "El" Trains have the red, orange and green lines that stop at the Roosevelt Station. The Roosevelt Station is roughly half a mile west of Soldier Field, so it's the main stop for those looking to get to the game. For more information on CTA train schedules, locations or fares, check out metrarail.com.
CTA Buses
From Ogilvie Transportation Center or Union Station, catch the #128 express bus. For those at Union Station, the #128 Soldier Field Express Bus boards on Jackson, east of Canal Street. For those at OTC, buses board on Madison Street. Both stations offer the express bus two hours before and 30 minutes after kickoff. El train users can take the #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus. You can catch the #146 on Jackson and State, which is about half-mile walk, but will take you towards the Museum Campus lot.
Taxi
For local residents willing to take a taxi in to Soldier Field, there are only a few areas that taxi drop-offs are allowed: the McFetridge Drive turnaround on Lake Shore Drive, the southbound exit on 18th Street, the northbound entrance ramp on 18th Street and the staging area on 11th Street and Michigan Avenue. However, taxis are prohibited to enter the Soldier Field Campus after 90 minutes after kickoff. Those looking for taxi pickups after the game can use the staging area, the East Monroe Street Garage or the Museum Campus. However, those using the Museum Campus must wait at least one hour after the game ends in order to utilize taxi service.
Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.
Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
