A Closer Look at the History of Soldier Field on Independence Day
Wishing everyone out there a happy and safe Independence Day from the team at Bear Goggles On!!!
It makes sense to take a closer look at Soldier Field, as a tribute to soldiers who had died in wars. In 1919, plans for the stadium began. The stadium opened on October 9, 1924 as Municipal Grant Park Stadium. Within a year, the name changes to Soldier Field at the request of Chicago Gold Star Mothers. Soldier Field was officially dedicated on November 27, 1926 as a part of a 21-21 Army Navy game in front of 110,000.
The Bears didn’t move into Soldier Field until 1971 after 50 years at Wrigley Field. The Bears beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-15 in the first game at their new home. Since the Bears made Soldier Field their home in 1971, it’s undergone a few changes.
They cut the capacity down a couple of times. Believe it or not, the biggest turnout they had for a football game ever at Soldier Field was 123,000 for a Notre Dame USC game in 1927. The biggest turnout ever at Soldier Field was 260,000 Catholics turned up for a mass in 1954.
In 1978 they rebuilt a lot of the insider of the stadium including adding lights, renovating the locker rooms taking out the benches for chairs with backs. In 1988 they converted from Astroturf to the current crappy grass. They completely gutted the place after a 2002 playoff loss to the Eagles and played the 2002 season at University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium before reopening in September of 2003 in the current Jetsons meets the Flintstones form.
Next time you’re a Soldier Field, remember the brave men and women who fought for our freedom.