Fans attending Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field will now have a new option for verifying their age when purchasing alcohol, as the stadium begins accepting digital Illinois driver’s licenses and state identification cards stored in Apple Wallet. The update takes effect starting Saturday, coinciding with the Bears’ matchup against the Green Bay Packers, marking a significant step in the expansion of mobile identification use at major sporting venues.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the change, confirming that Soldier Field will recognize Illinois-issued digital IDs for age verification purposes at select locations throughout the stadium. Fans who have added their driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch will be able to present their Mobile ID when buying alcoholic beverages at participating concession stands, bars, and club areas inside the venue.
Officials emphasized that the rollout will be limited in scope during its initial phase. Not every concession or alcohol service point inside Soldier Field will be equipped with Mobile ID readers. At locations without compatible technology, fans will still be required to present a physical driver’s license or state ID card to complete alcohol purchases. Stadium staff will continue to follow existing verification procedures in those areas.
Giannoulias encouraged Illinois residents planning to attend Bears games to set up their digital ID before arriving at the stadium in order to take advantage of the new option where available. At the same time, he reiterated that digital identification is intended to supplement, not replace, traditional forms of ID. State officials reminded residents that they must continue to carry their physical driver’s license or state ID card, as digital IDs are not yet accepted in all situations or locations.
Illinois introduced its Mobile ID program for iPhones and Apple Watches in mid-November, allowing residents to securely store their state-issued identification within Apple Wallet. The program is designed to provide a convenient and privacy-focused way to verify identity and age, particularly in controlled settings such as airport security checkpoints and, now, select stadium concessions.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, plans are already in place to expand the Mobile ID program beyond Apple devices. Support for Google and Samsung digital wallets is expected to launch in the future, though officials have not provided a specific timeline for when that expansion will occur. Until then, the current implementation remains limited to Apple Wallet users.
The addition of digital ID acceptance at Soldier Field reflects a broader shift toward mobile-first solutions in public venues, as organizations look to streamline operations and improve the fan experience. For Bears fans, the change offers added convenience on game day, while maintaining existing safeguards and compliance with state regulations governing alcohol sales and age verification.
