Drive-In Movies, Music Coming To Soldier Field Parking Lot

CHICAGO — Five nights a week of drive-in movies and other socially distanced entertainment events begin Wednesday in the parking lot at Soldier Field. The "Chi-Together" series of events will include screenings of classic movies, music, singalongs, themed events, contests, family nights and more, according to organizers.

"As the city cautiously reopens, it's important that we re-imagine opportunities for residents and families to enjoy the summer and make memories in a safe manner," Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly said in a release. "CHI-Together does just that by thoughtfully bringing movies, music and family activities to our historic venue. "

The park district, which owns and operates the stadium, has partnered with Chicago event planner Tionna Van Gundy, founder of Fueled Events and Wedicity, to produce the "CHI-Together" socially safe entertainment concept.

“For the past few months, our team has been focused on what we CAN do rather than what we can’t” said Van Gundy. “From day one, the Mayor’s Office has assured us all that if we can stick it out together, adhering to the ‘stay safe, stay home’ guidance, we’ll be able to get back to enjoying all this city has to offer sooner. And we’ve finally made it!”

Tickets are $55 per parking spot. Up to six people in a car, pedestrians or bicyclists may occupy a single spot, and a bucket of popcorn is included in each ticket. Capacity is about 375, with masks required outside of cars, cashless concessions and eight-foot physical distancing measures.

For every ticket sold, $1 will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, according to organizers, who encouraged attendees to bring canned goods to support community groups.

Gates open at 7 p.m., with musical entertainment on offer ahead of 8:30 p.m. film screenings.

The first week of films starts with "Groundhog Day" on Wednesday, "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off" on Thursday, "The Fast and the Furious" on Friday, "Grease" on Saturday and "Shrek" on Sunday.

All summer sporting events have been canceled at Soldier Field, where the Chicago Fire soccer team was due to return to play home games the first time since 2003. Chicago Bears officials have said they are tentatively planning to host fans back at the stadium for NFL games in the fall, although adjustments such as reduced capacity have yet to be announced.

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a surge of demand to revive the moribund drive-in movie theater business. Drive-ins have opened on Chicago's North Side, Southwest Side and in several suburbs.

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