Opened on March 28, 1929 at a cost of $9.5 million, Chicago Stadium was the largest indoor arena in the world at the time. Other stadium notes since the Bears moved to Soldier Field: 1971 - September 19th, Chicago defeats the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-15 before capacity crowd of 55,701 in the Bears' first game since moving from Wrigley. Stadium: Soldier Field. What we know: The Bears cited the current state and city of Chicago health metrics as the reasons why fans will not be … 1978: Plank seating replaced by individual seats with backs and armrests. The inside of the new stadium is actually nice, although not quite as large of a place as Chicago deserves with the league's smallest seating capacity of 61,500. “The Chicago Bears, Soldier Field’s management partner, ASM Global, the Chicago Park District and public health officials have worked together to … The stadium became the team’s home beginning with the 1971 season. Chicago Bears. After some consideration, the Bears opted to return to Soldier Field, where they had played a game in 1926. What we know: The city of Chicago is still not permitting fans to attend Bears' home games. Bears move from Wrigley Field and play first game at Soldier Field on September 19, 1971. The stadium is maintained and operated by the Chicago Park District. Capacity: 61,500. Stadium: Soldier Field. The Bears and city officials continue to … This is another flaw, but the team only pays $6.3 million in annual rent for a stadium that cost $630 million to build . On September 19, 1971 the Bears played their first game at Soldier Field. After the 1970 season, the team decided to move to Soldier Field. The Bears even went as far as selecting an architect to design a west-side stadium, which would have put three of Chicago's five main sports teams within a few hundred feet of each other. The capacity of the stadium was reduced to 57,000 to bring fans closer to the field. Chicago defeats the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-15 before capacity crowd of 55,701. Detroit's Olympia stadium, built two years earlier, was a model for the Chicago Stadium and had a capacity of over 15,000 people. Capacity: 61,500. From the Chicago Bears inception in the early 1920s until 1970, the team played at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Texas is allowing fans to attend large sporting events, including Dallas Cowboys games at AT&T Stadium, at 50% of the stadium capacity. In order to offer fans a better view, seats were moved closer to the field, lowering the stadium capacity to nearly 57,000. It was also the first arena with an air conditioning system. The Chicago Bears do not own their own stadium. The park district does. 1979: New lighting, playing surface and locker rooms installed. Chicago Bears.