Bears Overview

Fast facts

League: NFL

Head Coach: Matt Eberflus

Team Mascot: Staley Da Bear

Year Opened: 1924

Capacity: 61500

City / State: Chicago / Illinois

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers Image Source

Bears vs Packers

Rival Team: Green Bay Packers

Known as the most historical and compelling rivalry in the NFL, matchups between the Bears and the Packers guarantee physical play. It is the league’s longest continual rivalry, and the victories are split almost evenly between each team, so you can expect players to duke it out in zealous fashion. Fans might egg each other on, but at the end of the day one team advances further, and the other team gets a better draft pick when all is said and done. There isn’t a better time to take in a game at Soldier Field then when the hated Green Bay Packers are in town, so if you can only make it to one game make sure it’s a Bears-Packers game.

Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Image Source

Bears vs Lions

Rival Team: Detroit Lions

The Bears-Lions rivalry is the longest running rivalry in the NFL as the two divisional rivals have met every year since 1930. These two rivals have been in the same division since 1933, and the rivalry has only grown stronger over the years. The Lions and Bears have only met once in the playoffs, which happened when the Bears beat the Lions 9-0 to take home the 1932 NFL title. The Bears hold the all-time series lead 96-71-5 and will look to extend their lead the next time these two Midwestern rivals get together.

Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings Image Source

Bears vs Vikings

Rival Team: Minnesota Vikings

The Bears rivalry with the Vikings began in 1961 when the upstart Vikings shocked the Bears 37-13 to secure their first ever win in their first ever game. The rivalry has grown since then as the two teams have met over 100 times since with the Vikings holding a 57-50-2 in the all-time series. In recent seasons this rivalry has been known to produce some wild finishes including their last meeting in the Metrodome.

Bears Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

In Chicago, tailgating is as much a part of the lifeblood of the city as the Bears. If there is one thing Chicagoans love it’s grilled meat and after that it would probably be a close race between beer and da Bears. You’ll find one of the best tailgating scenes anywhere in the NFL when attending a game at Soldier Field, so come prepared to fire up the grill and throw back a few brewskis with a great group of fans.

The first thing needed for any tailgate is good food, and when it comes to food, Chicago is almost unbeatable! If you’re in the mood for hot dogs then you’ve come to the right place, just make sure they are Chicago-style with a poppy seed bun, tomato, mustard, onion, sweet relish, dill pickles, sports peppers, and some celery salt. After polishing off a hot dog to get you started, you can move on up to a polish sausage or Italian beef. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you should opt for the Chicago tailgating specialty, Grilled Krispy Kreme donuts!  Just replace a traditional hamburger bun with two donuts, and you will have a unique Chicago tailgating experience.

After enjoying some of Chicago’s famous cuisine, you’ll need to wash it down with an ice-cold beer. Bears fans are big beer drinkers so it will not be uncommon to find people lounging around and throwing back a few brews. Other drinks are welcome, but beer is the way to go! Sit back and enjoy a cold one while talking with fellow Bears fans about what happened last week or if like most weeks you want to forget about what happened last week you can always discuss the greatest team in the history of the game, the ‘85 Bears.

One warning, though, make sure to get to Soldier Field early since the lots tend to fill up quickly and tailgating space is a bit limited. Early arrival will, however, ensure you can maximize your time tailgating, so come on down to Soldier Field five or so hours before kickoff to get your Bears game day started off on the right foot.

Chicago Bears fans tailgating
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Buses at a tailgate lot during Chicago Bears game
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Chicago Bears tailgating at parking lot
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Chicago Bears Ambulance
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Chicago Bears fans tailgate
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Chicago Bears Fans barbecue party
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Traditions

Fiesta Bob Chicago Bears fan Image Source

Fiesta Bob

Before games, fans should check out Fiesta Bob and his game day rally speeches. He can be found wearing bright orange beads, a bushy mustache and a jersey with “Fiesta Bob” embroidered on the back. Fiesta Bob has been tailgating for over 20 years and makes a speech before every home game. That’s a devout fan!

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fans Tailgating before the Chicago Bears game Image Source

Ultimate Tailgate

The Miller Lite Ultimate Tailgate is a great place to hang out before the game early in the season. At the Ultimate Tailgate, you’ll have the chance to get autographs from former Bears as well as grab a quick bite to eat or something to drink. If you’re not looking to go through the effort to set up your tailgate party, then the Ultimate Tailgate is the perfect place to pregame before entering Soldier Field.

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Memorial water fall soldier field entrance Image Source

The Memorial Water Wall

The 250-foot long granite wall features a continuous stream of water that flows over eight medallions and seals honoring the different branches of the armed services. The water wall is located on the north side of the stadium and provides fans with a dramatic entrance into Soldier Field.

The 1985 Chicago Bears Superbowl Shuffle Image Source

85' Bears & the Superbowl Shuffle

The 1985 Chicago Bears have gone down as the best ever in the NFL, and Chicago fans still talk about. We're sure you'll hear the Superbowl Shuffle at some point, as well as hear people talk about them!

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Party Atmosphere

Chicago Bears Fans love to party, and love to drink. You'll find plenty of people chugging and slamming beers as fast as possible, to prevent paying the $9 Beer Prices!

Blue & Orange

You will see an incredible amount of Blue and Orange while walking through the tailgates. Chicago Bears fans get 100 decked out!

Where to tailgate

Bears Stadium Guide

In Game

Soldier Field is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL having opened in 1924. However, renovations in 2003 will ensure you’ll enjoy a state of the art experience when taking in a Bears game. The Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971 and have made quite a few lasting memories over those years, most notably their 1985 season in which the team went 15-1 en route to their only Super Bowl title. A trip to Soldier Field is a must for any die-hard NFL fan out there as the place oozes with passion and tradition.

The fans inside Soldier Field are some of the most diehard you’ll find anywhere. Unlike some other stadiums in the NFL even in the most expensive seats, you’ll find Bears fans cheering loudly for their team. The atmosphere inside of Soldier Field is among the best as everyone in Chicago rallies behind the Da Bears on game days.

Typically Bears fans are most vocal when their team is on defense. Not only because the fans want to disrupt the opponent’s play calling, but also because, over the course of their history, the Bears have managed to have one of the best defenses in the league consistently. If you love bone jarring hits and turnovers, then you’ll love taking in a Bears game where nasty defense is expected by everyone in the crowd and on the field.

Another great part about attending a game at Soldier Field is the fact the stadium lives up to its name. Both inside and around Soldier Field you’ll find several tributes to American Armed Forces.  All these tributes are well done and present great opportunities for you to pay respects to the men and women who have fought and died for our country.

The intense atmosphere of a Bears game combined with the excellent venue that is Soldier Field means there are few places better to take in an NFL game, so make the trip to Soldier Field to see the Bears as soon as possible.

Chicago Bears game players entrance
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Military service members honored during Chicago bears game flag
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Chicago Bears mascot Staley Da Bear
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Chicago Bears fans at the Soldier Field
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Chicago Bears players at the Soldier Field
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Things to check out

The Colonnades at the Soldier Field Image Source

The Colonnades

The Colonnades are the most distinctive feature of Soldier Field and a must see when attending a Chicago Bears game. They also offer you a magnificent view of the city of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Along the south end of the upper promenade fans can see the Medal of Honor display, which features recipients of the highest award for valor in action. No trip to Soldier Field is complete without snapping a pic with these iconic columns, so make sure you get the chance to visit them before watching the Bears take down the opposition.

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Doughboy Statue

If you enter at Gate O, you’ll be greeted by the life-size bronze Doughboy Statue. The term “Doughboys” was used for the World War I infantryman and is yet another significant tribute to the men and women of our country’s armed forces. Also, located along the inside wall surrounding the doughboy are panels with falling leaves, which specifically pay homage to all the soldiers who have lost their lives in battle.

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Bears Ring of Honor

A series of blue and orange panels recognizing Bears Hall of Famers wrap around the Mezzanine Level of the stadium. The Ring of Honor celebrates the standout players by offering a visual representation for fans to see. The Bears have the most Hall of Famers out of any other NFL team, and they are well represented by the venue’s Ring of Honor.

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Comcast Bears Den

The Comcast Bears Den highlights the storied history of the Chicago Bears and is a must see for Bears fans and NFL fans everywhere. The interactive area contains vibrant artwork showcasing the Bears history throughout the decades.

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Time Out

One of the most comical traditions of the Chicago Bears is the time out. Whenever the PA announcer says, “There’s a timeout”, the fans all reply, “Where?” The PA announcer then responds, “On the field,” to which the fans say, “Ohhhhhhh!”

Chicago Bears mascot Staley Da Bear Image Source

Staley Da Bear

Named after Bears founder A.E. Staley, Staley Da Bear is the official mascot of the Chicago Bears. On game days you can find him revving up the crowd by performing a variety of antics, so keep your eyes peeled for him during the game since you’ll never know what he’ll do next.

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Fight Songs

  1. Bear Down, Chicago Bears

    “Bear Down, Chicago Bears” is the team’s fight song that can be heard after every Bear scoring play. The historic song was first written in 1941 during the beginning stages of the “Monsters of the Midway” era. Other teams around the NFL have tried to duplicate this tradition by having their fight songs, but none are quite as loud or significant as this one

    Bear down, Chicago Bears
    Make every play clear the way to victory!
    Bear down, Chicago Bears
    Put up a fight with a might so fearlessly
    We’ll never forget the way you thrilled the nation
    With your ‘T’ formation
    Bear down, Chicago Bears
    And let ’em know why you’re wearing the crown
    You’re the pride and joy of Illinois
    Chicago Bears, bear down!

  2. Super Bowl Shuffle

    Famous song from the Bears legendary 1985 season

    Chorus
    We are the Bears Shufflin’ Crew
    Shufflin’ on down, doin’ it for you.
    We’re so bad we know we’re good.
    Blowin’ your mind like we knew we would.
    You know we’re just struttin’ for fun
    Struttin’ our stuff for everyone.
    We’re not here to start no trouble.
    We’re just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle.

    Walter Payton
    Well, they call me Sweetness,
    And I like to dance.
    Runnin’ the ball is like makin’ romance.
    We’ve had the goal since training camp
    To give Chicago a Super Bowl Champ.
    And we’re not doin’ this
    Because we’re greedy.
    The Bears are doin’ it to feed the needy.
    We didn’t come here to look for trouble,
    We just came here to do
    The Super Bowl Shuffle.

    Willie Gault
    This is Speedy Willie, and I’m world class.
    I like runnin’ but i love to get the pass.
    I practice all day and dance all night,
    I got to get ready for the Sunday fight.
    Now I’m as smooth as a chocolate swirl,
    I dance a little funky, so watch me girl.
    There’s not one here that does it like me,
    My Super Bowl Shuffle will set you free.

    Mike Singletary
    I’m Samurai Mike I stop’em cold.
    Part of the defense, big and bold,
    I’ve been jammin’ for quite a while,
    Doin’ what’s right and settin’ the style,
    Give me a chance, I’ll rock you good,
    Nobody messin’ in my neighborhood.
    I didn’t come here lookin’ for trouble,
    I just came to do The Super Bowl Shuffle

    (Repeat Chorus)

    Jim McMahon
    I’m the punky QB, known as McMahon.
    When I hit the turf, I’ve got no plan.
    I just throw my body all over the field.
    I can’t dance, but I can throw the pill.
    I motivate the cats, I like to tease.
    I play so cool, I aim to please.
    That’s why you all got here on the double
    To catch me doin’ the Super Bowl Shuffle.

    Otis Wilson
    I’m mama’s boy Otis, one of a kind.
    The ladies all love me
    For my body and my mind.
    I’m slick on the floor as I can be
    But ain’t no sucker gonna get past me.
    Some guys are jealous
    Of my style and class,
    That’s why some end up on their -,
    I didn’t come here lookin’ for trouble,
    I just get down to The Super Bowl Shuffle.

    Steve Fuller
    They say Jimbo is our man.
    If Jimmy can’t do it, I sure can.
    This is Steve, and it’s no wonder
    I run like lightnin’, pass like thunder.
    So bring on Atlanta, bring on Dallas,
    This is for Mike and Papa Bear Halas.
    I’m not here to feather his ruffle,
    I just came here to do
    The Super Bowl Shuffle.

    Mike Richardson
    I’m L.A. Mike, and I play it cool.
    They don’t sneak by me ’cause I’m no fool.
    I fly on the field and get on down.
    Everybody knows I don’t mess around.
    I can break’em, shake’em,
    Any time of day.
    I like to steal it and make ’em pay,
    So please don’t cry to beat my hustle
    ‘Cause I’m just here to do
    The Super Bowl Shuffle.

    (Repeat Chorus)

    Richard Dent
    The sackman’s comin’, I’m your man Dent.
    if the quarterback’s slow,
    He’s gonna get bent.
    We stop the run, we stop the pass,
    I like to dump guys on their -.
    We love to play for the world’s best fans,
    You better start makin’
    Your Super Bowl plans.
    But don’t get ready or go to any trouble
    Unless you practice
    The Super Bowl Shuffle.

    Gary Fencik
    It’s Gary here, and I’m Mr.Clean.
    They call me “hit man,”
    Don’t know what they mean.
    They throw it long and watch me run,
    I’m on my man, one-on-one.
    Buddy’s guys cover it down to the bone,
    That’s why they call us the 46 zone.
    Come on everybody let’s scream and yell,
    We’re goin’ to do the Shuffle,
    Then ring your bell.

    William Perry
    You’re lookin’ at the Fridge,
    I’m the rookie.
    I may be large, but I’m no dumb cookie.
    You’ve seen me hit, you’ve seen me run,
    When I kick and pass, we’ll have more fun.
    I can dance, you will see
    The others, they all learn from me.
    I don’t come here lookin’ for trouble,
    I just came here to do
    The Super Bowl Shuffle.

    (Repeat Chorus)

Bears Bars & Restaurants

  1. Kasey’s Tavern

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Set in a vintage storefront, this sports-bar stalwart pairs its TVs with a top-shelf beer list.

    701 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

    312-427-7992

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Kroll’s South Loop

    Krolls

    Kroll's is your South Loop neighborhood bar and grill offering daily drink specials

    1736 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

    312-235-1400

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Mother Hubbard’s Sports Pub

    Hamburger Pattys

    45 televisions. 28 satellite feeds. Game on!

    5 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

    312-828-0007

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Weather Mark Tavern

    WeatherMark Tavern

    An outstanding destination for lunch and dinner, Weather Mark Taverns atmosphere is upscale fun for sailors and non-sailors alike

    1503 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

    312-588-0230

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. Flo & Santos

    Flo and Santos

    A hybrid of pub, pizzeria & Polish-American restaurant.

    1310 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

    312-566-9817

    Bar website

    american - european - pizza - $$

  6. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

    Lou Malnatis

    A must-try for Chicago-style pizza.

    805 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

    630-904-4222

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  7. First Draft

    First Draft cheese

    Brick- & wood-accented hangout with lots of TVs, American grill fare & rotating craft brews.

    649 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

    312-461-1062

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  8. Morton’s

    Mortons steak

    Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse dishes.

    65 E Wacker Pl, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

    312-266-4820

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  9. Devil Dawgs

    Devil Dawg

    Dawg-gone good food

    767 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

    312-583-9100

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

    Joes lobster

    Steak cooked the right way in Chicago.

    60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

    312-379-5637

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  11. Kim & Carlos Hot Dog Stand

    Kim And Carlos hot dog store

    Big, juicy and quick hotdogs for those on-the-go

    1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

    Bar website

    american - $