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Ireland vs. All Blacks at Soldier Field: Your Chicago Visitor’s Guide

On November 1, 2025, Chicago’s Soldier Field will host an epic rugby showdown: Ireland vs. the All Blacks. Whether you are traveling in from overseas or heading downtown for the day, game day is the perfect opportunity to explore the city and celebrate with fellow fans. This guide covers where to stay, what to see, and where to celebrate after the match.


View of downtown Chicago skyscrapers and the Chicago River at sunset, highlighting the city where the Ireland vs. All Blacks rugby match and after party will take place.

Where to Stay


For the easiest experience, choose a hotel close to Soldier Field or downtown. Here are a few convenient options:



Tip: Reserve your room early, as demand will be high for this weekend.


Things to Do in Chicago


Before or after the match, make time to see a few of Chicago’s signature attractions:


  • Cloud Gate (The Bean): Millennium Park’s famous mirrored sculpture is a must-see and one of the city’s most photographed spots.

  • Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Gardens: Walk through Millennium Park and enjoy its architecture and landscaping.

  • Grant Park and Museum Campus: Visit Buckingham Fountain or explore world-class institutions like the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, or Adler Planetarium.


Where to Eat and Drink



Set on the Chicago River, Lizzie McNeill’s is a favorite for Irish visitors and locals alike. With a warm atmosphere, hearty pub food, and a great selection of Irish whiskey, it is an ideal stop to gather before or after the Ireland vs. All Blacks match.


Interior of Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub in Chicago with guests seated at the bar, enjoying drinks while TVs display sports games in the background.
Guests enjoy drinks and conversation at Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub, a favorite Chicago spot for rugby fans and visitors alike.


Following the final whistle, head to Millennium Hall in Millennium Park for an Ireland vs. All Blacks After Party. Located just steps from Cloud Gate, this central venue offers a lively atmosphere, drinks, and food to keep the celebration going.



Millennium Hall patio in Chicago with outdoor seating and umbrellas, set beneath Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, the venue for the Ireland vs. All Blacks after party.
Millennium Hall, located beneath Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, will host an epic after party for the Ireland vs. All Blacks match on November 1.

Game Day Tips


  • Transportation: Parking near Soldier Field is limited. Use public transportation or rideshare if possible.

  • Timing: Allow extra time to arrive at the stadium, as traffic and pedestrian crowds will be heavy.

  • Evening Plans: Soldier Field is about two miles south of Millennium Hall. After the match, head north to continue the evening at Lizzie McNeill's.


The Ireland vs. All Blacks match is more than a game. It is a chance to experience Chicago’s best attractions, enjoy the iconic Chicago pub atmosphere at Lizzie McNeill’s, and join rugby fans from around the world at the after party at Millennium Hall. Plan ahead, explore the city, and make the most of this unforgettable weekend.

 
 
 
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