Taylor Swift bringing The Eras Tour to Chicago: What to know before you go
CHICAGO – Midwest fans will flock to Chicago this weekend for pop star Taylor Swift’s Windy City stop during her U.S. "The Eras Tour".
If you’re going to the concert this weekend, check out our list of what to know ahead of time. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. show.
GETTING TO THE CONCERT:
South Shore Line
Fans traveling from Michiana can use the South Shore Line to get to Chicago. Right now, the South Shore Line is using buses to carry passengers between the Gary Metro Center and Carroll Avenue stations. Trains are still running between the South Bend International Airport and Carroll Avenue. After taking the bus from Carroll Avenue to Gary Metro, passengers will get back onto trains for the final stretch to Millennium Station.
Because of limited bus capacity, passengers are encouraged to drive to the Gary, East Chicago, Hammond or Hegewisch stations and get on a train there.
Select trains will stop at the 18th Street Station, which brings fans directly to the Soldier Field entrance. Since 18th Street is not a regular stop, South Shore Line passengers using 18th Street should buy tickets for Museum Campus/11th Street.
Click here to see train schedules and purchase tickets.
Chicago Transit Authority
The CTA has added additional #146 buses and Red Line train services to and from Soldier Field. Click here to see the service schedule this weekend.
Driving
Fans driving into the city should give themselves plenty of time to get downtown and consider using public transit when possible.
Parking
Parking on the Soldier Field campus is sold out. Solder Field parking lots open at 2 p.m. for fans who pre-purchased parking.
Additional parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the McCormick Place parking lots, which fans can access from 31st Street.
Shuttles will be traveling from Millenium Park garages to the stadium.
Pickup/rideshares
The designated post-concert pickup area for rideshares and parents is located on Columbus Drive between Roosevelt Road and Balbo Drive. Vehicles can enter the area starting at 10:30 p.m. Security will be around to guide fans to the pickup area.
BAG POLICY:
Soldier Field follows the NFL All-Clear Bag Policy. This means only bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and are no bigger than 12” x 6” x 12” can be brought in.
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags can also be brought in.
Fans can bring in small clutch bags, no bigger than 4.5” x 6.5”, into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags.
Medical bags can be brought in but will be searched at the gate.
The following items cannot be brought in:
- Masks (that aren’t medical/COVID or religious face coverings)
- Clothing or costumes that could obstruct the view of others
- Handcuffs or other restraints
- Animals (except for service animals)
- Chains, chain wallets, studded jewelry or spurs
- Coolers, thermoses, or metal water bottles
- Umbrellas
- Strollers
- Noise-making devices
- Large purses or bags
- Weapons
- Flammables or missile-like objects
- Aerosol containers
- Outside food or drinks
- Illegal substances
- Alcohol
- Signs/banners bigger than 11” x 17”
- Professional recording devices
- Selfie sticks
MERCHANDISE:
Early merchandise booths will be outside Gates 3 and 4 and along the sidewalk north of the Waldron Deck.
Merchandise booths are cashless.
Early merchandise opens at the following times:
- June 1
- 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- June 2, 3, and 4
- Noon through the show
Soldier Field will also have cooling and charging stations located around the stadium. Click here for specific locations.
TAILGATING:
Fans who couldn't get tickets for other stops on the tour have often resorted to tailgating outside the stadium to hear Swift's performance. While tailgating is allowed at Soldier Field, officials strongly discourage tailgating for the Chicago shows. The Soldier Field parking lot is for ticketed guests only. Learn more here.
— Soldier Field (@SoldierField) June 1, 2023