Soldier Field Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food and Cameras

Food for personal consumption is allowed into the stadium if the container follows the NFL bag policy. Cans, bottles and other beverage containers are on the prohibited list, and coolers and ice chests of any kind, soft-sided ones included, are not allowed.

The A-Z guide lists water fountain locations on several levels and says they are turned off seasonally to prevent freezing. It does not say whether an empty bottle is allowed.

Cameras with lenses that exceed 6 inches when fully extended are prohibited, and so are video or movie cameras. Camera and binocular cases are on the prohibited bag list. Poles of any kind, including selfie sticks, and drones are prohibited.

The A-Z guide does not mention laptops, tablets, tripods or power banks. It lists seven ChargeFuze smartphone charging stations inside the stadium.

Strollers are not permitted in the seating area. Fans can check them during games outside Gate 10 or at the United Club Concierge desks on the United Club 100 Level. From October, strollers can be checked at Gate 8. No other prohibited item can be checked.

Diaper bags are prohibited unless medically necessary. A clear diaper bag that fits within 12 by 6 by 12 inches is allowed, and a non-clear one is not.

Umbrellas are on the prohibited items list. Blankets are permitted for Bears games, in your hand or in an approved clear bag.

Large traditional seat cushions with pockets, zippers, compartments or covers are not approved unless medically necessary. The guide suggests asking stadium security to examine your cushion.

Banners, flags and signs are allowed if they do not block other guests' view, are not commercial or offensive, and are not placed over official stadium signage. They cannot be attached to a pole or anything else that could hurt the guests around you.

Security can remove any item it judges inappropriate. Balloons, beach balls, confetti, fireworks, smoke bombs, laser pens and noise-making devices such as horns and whistles are prohibited.

Medical bags are allowed if they are screened and approved, and screening happens at gates 8, 38 and 47. Coolers, diaper bags and seat cushions can be brought in when medically necessary.

Service animals and service animals in training are allowed. Dogs whose only job is comfort or emotional support do not count as service animals under the ADA, and no other animals are allowed.

Every guest passes through a security checkpoint with walk-through metal detectors at the gates. You do not need to remove phones, keys, a hat, jacket, belt, wallet, watch or coins. Only large metal objects go on the table beside the detector.

If you refuse a search you are denied entry. No re-entries are permitted.

Gameday lockers are available for prohibited items at two locations. One is on the north side at the Field Museum East Terrace, inside the Miller Lite tailgate area near McFetridge Drive. The other is on the south side at the 18th Street turnaround, just west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The fee is 10 dollars, credit card only.

Strollers are the one prohibited item that can be checked at a gate. The Bears say unauthorized items have to go back to your vehicle or into a gameday locker.

Everything here is written for Bears home games at Soldier Field. The pages do not give rules for concerts or other events held at the stadium, so check the event page for those.

The Bears' bag policy page says the NFL policy applies at the stadium for their games. Rules can change, so check the A-Z guide again close to your game.