The Chicago Theatre
Chicago, IL · Theater
The Chicago Theatre lets you bring a bag as long as it stays within 22 by 14 by 9 inches and fits comfortably under your seat. Clear bags are not required here, so a normal purse, tote, or small backpack within that size is fine. This is one of the friendlier MSG-operated rooms because there is an on-site bag and coat check, so an oversized bag does not mean you get turned away at the door. You check the big bag for a small fee and walk in. Every bag, whatever its size, goes through x-ray screening at the entrance, and outside food and drink are not allowed. Because prohibited items can shift for certain shows, glance at your specific event page before you head out. What gets in cleanly is a phone, a wallet, and a right-sized bag that slides under your seat.
Venue details
Need a concert bag for The Chicago Theatre?
Stadium-approved clear bags that meet the policy.
What you can bring
- Bags within 22" x 14" x 9" that fit under your seat
- Non-clear bags, purses, totes, and small backpacks within the size limit
- Phones and personal cameras without telephoto or zoom lenses
- Oversized bags and coats when checked at the on-site bag check for a small fee
Not allowed inside
- Large bags over 22" x 14" x 9" carried into the seating area (these must be checked)
- Outside food and beverages, including alcohol and sealed cans or bottles
- Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, tasers, mace, and pepper spray
- Professional or commercial cameras with telephoto or zoom lenses
- Tripods, selfie-sticks, monopods, and audio or video recording devices like GoPro
- Laser pointers, drones, aerosol cans, signs, banners, and noisemakers
Guests with a medical condition or specific needs that require bringing in outside food or beverage should contact Guest Relations before the event at 212-465-6225. Personal phones and non-professional cameras are generally fine, though some shows are designated device-free.
Upcoming events
Heading to a show at The Chicago Theatre? Here are the next events, with tickets on StubHub and SeatGeek so you can compare before you buy. The bag policy above applies to every one of them.
Browse all upcoming concerts →
No bag that fits? Plan ahead
The Chicago Theatre provides an area to check bags, coats, or other personal belongings for a small fee, so an oversized bag can be stored rather than refused. Local guest guides list the fee at around $2 per item.
Common questions
Does it require a clear bag?
No. The Chicago Theatre does not have a clear bag policy. Any non-clear bag is fine as long as it stays within 22 by 14 by 9 inches and fits under your seat.
What is the maximum bag size?
Bags must be within 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Anything larger has to be checked at the on-site bag check rather than carried to your seat.
What if my bag is too big?
You are not turned away. The theatre has a bag and coat check where you can store oversized bags, coats, and personal items for a small fee, roughly $2 per item.
Can I bring food or drinks?
No. Outside food and beverages, including alcohol and sealed cans and bottles, are not permitted. Guests with medical needs can call Guest Relations at 212-465-6225 in advance.
Can I bring a camera?
Phones and basic personal cameras are generally allowed. Professional or commercial cameras with telephoto or zoom lenses, tripods, selfie-sticks, and recording devices such as GoPro are prohibited, and some events are device-free.
Getting there
Gates open
The main entrance sits under the landmark marquee at 175 N State Street between Lake and Randolph. Every bag is x-ray screened at the doors, so arrive early and travel light.
Parking
SpotHero is the theatre's official parking partner, and the nearby InterPark Theater District Garage at 181 N Dearborn often offers discounted event rates. Additional paid garages and limited street parking are available around the Loop.
Public transit
Take the CTA to State/Lake on the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple Line, or the Red Line to Lake, all within a block. Metra riders can use Millennium Station about two blocks east.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft use designated drop-off and pickup zones along State Street. Expect heavy curb traffic right before and after shows, so a pickup point a block off State can be faster.
Seating chart
Verified July 2026 against the The Chicago Theatre official policy. Rules can change for one-off events, so check your event page too.