Bears Records, Stats, & Random Facts: Soldier Field Edition
Here is a little history on our "future undetermined" stadium.
Soldier Field is the oldest standing NFL stadium in the country; it opened in 1924 with a capacity of 45,000.
Soldier Field has the second smallest stadium in the NFL, even after a 2003 renovation increased capacity of 61,500.
The Chicago Park District has owned the field since its construction. Even though the Bears have called it home since 1971, Soldier Field remains park district property.
It was originally named Municipal Grant Park Stadium, but the name was changed to to honor the veterans of World War I in 1925.The field was officially dedicated on November 27th, 1926 for the Army v. Navy national championship game. Played in front of a crowd of 110,000 people, the game ended in a 21-21 tie�but Navy got the trophy because they were undefeated.
From 1934-1976, Soldier Field hosted the annual College All-Star Game, a preseason exhibition game between the NFL champion team from the previous season and a team of star college seniors.
Soldier Field hosted the first ever Special Olympics Summer Games in 1968.
The World Cup held its 1994 opening ceremony at Soldier Field. This represented the first time the United States hosted the World Cup. Oprah Winfrey emceed the ceremony, and fell off the stage while introducing Dianna Ross.
Here's another one for the soccer fans! The Bears' home hosted the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final in 2007 and 2013; the US Men's National Soccer Team won the cup both years.
In the winter of 1958, after the creation of manmade snow, the field was the home to a miniature ski resort, complete with two ski jumps and a toboggan slide that spread down over the seats in the stadium.
