Chicago has officially entered Taylor Swift territory -- but that's old news for the more than 190,000 people expected to descend upon Soldier Field this weekend for Swift's sold-out, three-night "The Eras Tour" stop.
And whether you're going or not, you can expect Soldier Field and the area around it to be packed.
Although its the smallest of the NFL stadiums, Soldier Field holds 63,500 people. That's just under what Wrigley Field and the United Center hold combined, with capacities of 41,649 and 23,500 respectively.
And those numbers are just counting ticket holders. They don't take into account fans hoping to snag a last minute seat, or ticketless Swifties hoping to hear some of the songs nearby.
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Sound like you, or someone you know? Soldier Field has a message: Stay away.
"Important advisory for fans without tickets," a tweet from the stadium reads. "Fans without tickets to the concert are strongly discouraged from gathering outside the stadium this weekend," it continues. "The stadium and surrounding areas will be at maximum capacity. All parking lots are already sold out for each show night."
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A previous statement from Soldier Field said that "No part of the show will be visible and stadium acoustics do not provide any audible quality outside of it."
If your planning to visit the Museum Campus and you aren't heading to the Swift concert this weekend, good luck. But if this is the weekend you've been waiting for, here's what to know.
What Can You Bring In To Soldier Field?
You're going to want to pack light -- and make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
Soldier Field adheres to the NFL bag policy, which limits the size and type of bags that are allowed into stadiums, a press release says.
Only bags that are "clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12," the NFL says. "No buckles, grommets/hardware or décor can be concealing any part of the bag."
In other words: The bag must literally be all clear.
According to Soldier Field, the following bags are also approved for use:
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)
- Small clutch bags, which cannot exceed 4.5" x 6.5" in size, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags
"Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size," the stadium says.
Diapers must be carried in a clear bag, Soldier Field says, adding that "Medical Bags or kits are acceptable and will be searched at the gate."
But, there's a poster-sized silver lining.
"Posters are allowed but cannot exceed 24"x24,"" the release adds.
Here's a breakdown of what else to know if you're headed to Soldier Field on night one, two or three.
Crowds
Each night of Swift's three-night Soldier Field residency is sold out, the stadium says. According to Soldier Field officials, the stadium currently holds 63,500 people. And though it's the smallest NFL stadium in the nation, it's significantly bigger than Chicago's other large venues.
For example, Wrigley Field, where Bruce Springsteen, Dead & Company and Fall Out Boy are playing later this summer, has a capacity of 41,649. The United Center, where Aerosmith is set to play in September, holds 23,500.
However you slice it -- the show, and the area near the stadium, are expected to be packed.
Traffic
There certainly will be.
"Guests may experience heavy traffic at certain times," Soldier Field says. Additionally, several construction projects in and out of Chicago may cause additional backups and delays, including the Kennedy Expressway construction as well as ongoing resurfacing and lane closures along DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Drop Off and Pick Up
There will be designated drop-off and pick-up locations for parents and chaperones coming to the stadium, Soldier Field notes. Here's a breakdown:
Those attending the show can be dropped off at the 18th Drive Turnaround, just west of Lake Shore Drive's 18th Drive exit ramp. However, due to heavy traffic, officials suggest dropping fans off at Columbus Drive or Michigan Avenue and then having them walking to the museum campus.
MORE: Kye Martin's Transportation Survival Guide to Taylor Swift at Soldier Field
For pick-up after the show, officials say reunification for parents, guardians and rideshare drivers will take place on Columbus Drive between Roosevelt and Balbo, beginning at 10:30 p.m.
"We encourage parents and chaperones to use this area in order to quickly reunite with family and friends," Soldier Field's release states. "Drivers may use the alphabetical signage markers to provide guests with identifiers. Stadium security and parking personnel will be present to provide a safe and organized operation."
Additionally, stadium security will be onsite to "provide a safe and organized operation."
MORE: Janet Jackson Fans Encounter Traffic Nightmare for Tinley Park Show
Both Soldier Field and city officials are "strongly" encouraging ticket holders to use public transportation, and to arrive early.
What Time Do Gates, Parking Lots Open?
Each day of the show, merchandise sales outside the stadium will begin at 12 p.m. in four locations, Soldier Field says. Parking lots open at 2 p.m., and show gates open at 4:30 p.m.
The show is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m., with openers OWEN and Girl in Red Friday and Saturday, and Grace Adams and Muna Sunday.
According to the stadium, Swift will take the stage around 8 p.m., with a set that lasts for at least three hours.
Parking
If you didn't already buy a parking spot at Soldier Field for the show, you're out of luck.
"Parking lots are currently sold out from the advance sales of parking," Soldier Field says. However, some lots nearby may have spots available.
MORE: Chicago Weather Forecast Calls For Sunny Skies, Warm Temps For Taylor Swift Weekend Shows
McCormick Place Lot B, Millennium and South Grant Park garages will be open, with Millennium Park Garage offering a shuttle to and from the stadium. The shuttle will pick up fans at lower Randolph and pick them up at the Metra 18th stairs between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Grant Park South, Grant Park North and Millennium Lakeside Garages won't be offering shuttle service, however.
Trying to Get a Last Minute Ticket?
Buyer beware, the Better Business Bureau says.
While many tickets offered for sold-out shows like Swift's may be legitimate, others are not, BBB president and CEO Steve J. Bernas warns.
"One of the first things to do in advance is to be on the lookout for fake websites, tickets, and merchandise," Bernas says. "You don’t want to show up at the gate after waiting months and paying hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars only to find out your ticket is fake."
Make sure you're buying from a verified seller, and use your credit card for any purchases, as it offers the best fraud protection of any payment method.
"There are countless ways for consumers to find tickets online, with online marketplaces, ticket sellers, resellers, and unfortunately, some are rip-offs," Bernas adds.
According to Bernas, buyers should use "extra caution" when buying tickets sold on online marketplace platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
"Buying tickets on these sites from people you do not know is similar to buying tickets in a dark alley," Bernas said. "Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts."
Additionally, Soldier Field is asking those without tickets to refrain from coming to the stadium.
"People without tickets are strongly discouraged from coming to the Soldier Field campus," Soldier Field's release states. "No part of the show will be visible and stadium acoustics do not provide any audible quality outside of it."
