Today in Chicago History: After five decades at Wrigley Field, Bears play first home game at Soldier Field
- Posted on September 19, 2026
- By Chicago Tribune
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- 1 min read
In brief
On September 19, 1971, the Chicago Bears marked a historic milestone by relocating from Wrigley Field to Soldier Field for their inaugural home game. This pivotal moment ended a 50-year era at the iconic baseball stadium and symbolized a new chapter for the NFL franchise. The transition reflected the growing need for larger venues to accommodate football audiences and represented a significant shift in Chicago's sports landscape during the early 1970s.
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Today in Chicago History: After five decades at Wrigley Field, Bears play first home game at Soldier Field
Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Sept. 19, according to the Tribune’s archives.
