Categories: Spectator Sports
Pro Sports: Chicago Bears
Author: Emily Capdevielle
The 2008 Chicago Bears are ready for a new season to begin and to follow through to Super Bowl XLII. Whether it's supporting the Bears in the comfort of your own home, or in the bleachers with your face painted orange and blue, fans are hoping for a Super Bowl victory!
In Chicago, when multi-colored leaves fall from the trees and coat the ground, the fall season is here. Meaning another National Football League (NFL) football season will be kicking off their yearly race toward the Super Bowl at Soldier Field.
History
In the beginning of football history, George Halas and 12 other club representatives came together to form the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in 1920 and won the APFA title in 1921. The Chicago Bears weren't always named as such; they were once named the Decatur Staleys with NFL founder George Halas as their coach. It wasn't until 1922 that the Chicago football team was named the Bears. The team's first game was at Wrigley Field and they shared the field with the Cubs until 1970 when they moved to Soldier Field.
The Bears have won four NFC Conference Championships, the NFL Western Championship in 1956 and 1963, and the NFC Championship in 1985 and 2006. The Bears were also victorious in winning 21 Division Championships and the Super Bowl in 1985.
The most memorable season--not only in Bears' history, but the NFL, as well--was 1985. They won the first 12 games of the season when the Miami Dolphins interrupted the Bears' winning streak ending their remarkable regular season 15-1. The infamous "Super Bowl Shuffle" was also made during the season as a reminder that nothing was going to prevent them from going to the Super Bowl. The playoffs were nothing short of record-breaking after the Bears impressive regular season.
The Bears crushed the New York Giants by shutting them out 21-0 and the Los Angeles Rams 24-0. The Bears made it to Super Bowl XX playing against the New England Patriots. With a Bears' victory 46-10, they not only robbed the Patriots of their Super Bowl rings but also of their dignity, beating them by the largest margin ever in a Super Bowl.
As the Bears gear up for the 2008 season, fans can only hope that they will make the Super Bowl and bring home the Vince Lombardi trophy with speed demon and wide receiver Devin Hester. Hester set an NFL record at the Super Bowl in 2006 when he returned the opening kickoff 92 yards and scored a touchdown. Defense player Brian Urlacher leads the Bears defense and has accumulated 1,299 tackles thus far in his first eight seasons, the most a Bears player has ever accumulated in that period of time. The on and off performance of quarterback Rex Grossman leaves fans curious as to how this season will play out. However, with Grossman leading the Bears into the Super Bowl in 2006, many are hoping for more consistency and a successful season.
Dining
During a football game, it's crucial to stay energized throughout the game with a variety of food and beverages available in and around Soldier Field. There are concessions, including: First Down Franks, Second City Pizza, Gridiron Grill, Chicago Dogs, Southside Brats and Brews Brothers. There are also portable concession stands so you don't have to risk missing a moment of the game. Either way, from Cajun peanuts to Philly Cheese Steak, your appetite will be satisfied.
If you and your fellow Bears fans have time to spare before or after the game there are dining options near Soldier Field. The Park Grill in Millennium Park, Billy Goat's Tavern or Boston Blackies are fine choices for classic American cuisine.
There are also bars that will have the game on if you weren't able to score some tickets. Kincade's, Joes, and ESPN Zone will provide you with front row seats to Bears entertainment on multiple screens. The ESPN Zone also provides you with a 15-ft projection screen in their Sports Arena for the ultimate Madden NFL Football gaming experience.
Events
If you can’t get enough of the Bears, there are many events to celebrate the football season. On Aug. 1, watch the Bears work on their game in practice at Comcast's “Chicago Bears Family Night," which everyone can enjoy. Before practice, there is live music and the “jersey off their back” contest, providing a chance to win a signed jersey from one of the participating Bears players and meet them on the field.
There is also the “Weber Ultimate Tailgate” located in the southeast lawn outside of gate six at Soldier Field. Before the game begins, whether you have a ticket or not, you can listen to the pre-game radio broadcast, get autographs from Bears alumni and enjoy the food and beverages.
The Staples Chicago Bears Training Camp opens July 23 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. Fans can watch players practice, free of charge, with gates opening an hour beforehand for family events. Throughout the three-week affair, each day has a different theme and special events for all participating Bears fans.
From watching the game to meeting your favorite players in featured events, football season promises a fantastic time for all football devotees.
Check out places of interest near Pro Sports: Chicago Bears:
Chicago Bears Football
425 E. McFetridge Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60605
With the 2008 Bear's season coming up, Super Bowl XLII is on the minds of football aficionados everywhere. Come watch the Chicago Bears play at Soldier Field to support the team and to see your favorite players in action!
