Bears fans face uncertain parking at Soldier Field as strike enters second day
The stadium operator claims normal operations, but the striking union warns of long delays and urges drivers to avoid the picket line.
By Wyatt Cooper ·
Bears fans driving to Soldier Field this Sunday may face long delays or choose to leave their cars at home. The uncertainty stems from an ongoing labor dispute that has left 1,200 workers across 255 Chicago-area parking and valet locations on strike since Tuesday.
Metropolis, the company managing the stadium lots, told NBC 5 Investigates that parking operations would proceed as normal with little to no impact on attendees. A Soldier Field spokesperson confirmed the stadium was assured that full-time staff would be working during the game.
Teamsters Local 727 disagrees with that assessment. The union warned fans to expect significant delays if Metropolis relies on non-union, untrained temporary workers. The group asked the community to stand with striking members by not crossing a picket line expected at the stadium.
“For people going to the Bears game, I would expect long delays from the lack of parking,” a union spokesperson said. Metropolis stated it has a contingency plan but has not publicly confirmed whether it will use temporary, non-union staff for Sunday’s event.
Soldier Field management said it is monitoring the situation closely. Luca Serra, a spokesperson for the stadium, noted that contingency plans are in place to ensure a smooth gameday experience for all attendees. The strike involves workers represented by Teamsters Local 727 and is directed against 15 operators that bargain collectively through the Chicago Parking Association.
Some fans are already adjusting their travel plans. Kenya Thomas said she will take public transit instead of driving. Elizabeth Espinoza argued that the stadium should have hired contractors in advance if a strike was foreseeable. The CTA said it will monitor service and capacity throughout the day and adjust as needed.
Transit options include an extra outbound Metra Electric train from Museum Campus/11th Street departing approximately 30 minutes after the game. Pace’s Soldier Field Express service offers rides from six suburban locations for $4.50 each way. Seating is first-come, first-served, and fans are encouraged to arrive up to 30 minutes before departure.
