The Walter Payton memorial service will begin at noon Saturday at Soldier Field and is expected to conclude about 1:30 p.m.
Admission is free, but fans are encouraged at bring a new toy for distribution to needy children during the holiday season through Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services.
The Soldier Field parking lots will open at 8 a.m. and the stadium gates at 10 a.m. Parking will be $7 per car, with proceeds going to Bears Care-Walter Payton. No overnight parking will be allowed.
The service will take place regardless of the weather. All of Chicago’s major TV stations will carry it live.
The Chicago Department of Transportation has issued a traffic advisory for the Grant Park area, and fans are encouraged to use public transportation. The CTA will provide extra service on the 146 Marine-Michigan route starting at Kinzie Street downtown, and shuttle buses will be available on the No. 12 Roosevelt route.
