Though Soldier Field has been around since 1924, known in its first two years as “Municipal Grant Park Stadium,” the Chicago Bears didn’t make the grounds their permanent home until the 1971 season, previously forcing the Cubs’ Wrigley Field baseball stadium to double as a multi-sport facility. Serving primarily as a site for special exhibitions and events over the first 40 years of its existence, the arena first donned its “Soldier Field” moniker in a formal dedication ceremony before the 1926 Army vs. Navy game, its name serving to honor the countless American soldiers who have died in battle serving our great nation.

The friendly confines of Wrigley Field first welcomed the Chicago Cubs in 1916, serving the Chicago area and the beloved Cubs fan base as backdrop to healthy juxtaposition of fun-filled family days at the ballpark and well-documented post season agony. Taking to the field just 8 years after their second of back to back World Series titles in 1907 and 1908, Cubs fans hoped the new stadium would welcome winning teams for years to come. Ultimately, the top echelons of baseball success have eluded the Cubbies, though they have had relative success in terms of records and pennants. Still, tempered expectations have in no way diminished fans appreciation of their one of a kind ballpark, endearing fans amid the anguish. Surrounded by a collection of bars and restaurants, “Wrigleyville,” as the area has come to be known, is a often a place for Cubs fans to drown their sorrows after another season of unfulfilled expectations.