Pillar Article 1

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 For my first Pillar article I am going to provide a step by step guide for attending a Bears game at Soldier Field in Chicago.

1.       Know your mode of transportation well in advance.

-          I personally live in the suburbs so the best way to get downtown for anything including a Bears game is the Metra trains. These are the trains that vein out over most of the entire Chicagoland area.  Although from the farthest stops it could take about an hour and a half to two hours, it’s still the safest and most economical way to get downtown. Another positive about taking the train is you don’t have to deal with parking at Soldier Field, where there is little to no parking. These trains will either drop you off at Ogilvie or Union stations, both are pretty much in the heart of the city. From there you can either walk, which is about a three mile walk, or catch a cab. In my experiences, if it is nice weather, I would recommend walking because you get to see a lot of Chicago and a lot of skyscrapers. If it’s an early season game, I would highly recommend getting there a little early and waking straight east from Union station until you hit the lake. From there you can walk along the lake about two miles to the field, this is also a cool walk as you get to see the Chicago skyline.

2.        Do take part in the pregame tailgating.

-          In my experiences, this can be a great experience or a terrible one. The tailgating at Soldier Field is not the best in the NFL, but it’s in the top ten. Usually everyone at the tailgates’ is very nice and usually offers up some burgers, brats, and beer to everyone and anyone. There is just something missing about going to an NFL game if you don’t eat a burger or drink a lukewarm beer before the game. This is one thing that I think gets better with the colder weather. Although less people will tailgate in the cold weather, the ones who do are crazy fans and they are really fun to be around. Even though it is usually a blast, I have seen the terrible part about tailgating at Soldier Field. Usually where there is beer, there is always that one or two guys or girls that drink a little or a lot too much. I have seen crazy brutal fights take place at tailgates and it never ends well for anyone involved. I would recommend if you had little kids that you might want to watch who you tailgate with.

3.        Don’t bring too much

-          By saying this I mean don’t bring to many clothes and don’t bring to many bags and cameras, etc. First of all I’ll talk about the clothes situation. If you’re from Chicago you know that it can be way colder at Soldier Field, right alongside the lake, than in the suburbs. Having said this I know sometimes you just don’t know about the weather until you get there. I have had this same problem, but the opposite way. I went to a December game a couple years ago, and it turned out to be one of those rare upper 40 degree days in the winter. Now we dressed as if it was going to be in the 20’s so we were pleasantly surprised. The bad part about this is that because your sitting in close quarters to other people there is nowhere to put spare clothes or jackets. The other part I’ll talk about is personal items like bags and cameras. All across the NFL the last couple of years the security at games has been getting tighter and tighter. As you enter Soldier field you have to go through a metal detector and might get patted down by a security member. They also go through all of your bags and pockets, etc. After the Paris attacks this past year, the NFL decided to limit the size of bags that are allowed at all NFL stadiums. As of now, I believe you are only allowed to bring a little handbag in. I would highly recommend bringing the least amount of stuff that you need just make the checking in process go a little quicker.

4.       Don’t be that Guy

-          By saying this I basically mean be respectful to other people at the game. Everyone else at the game spent the same if not more to be there. Be aware that people bring their kids to the game also. I cannot say how many times I have seen fans go crazy and start dropping F-bombs directed at the team when there are little children seated only a couple seats away. Usually this ends up with the parents getting disgusted and leaving the stadium. Don’t be that guy that stands up to yell every five minutes and blocks everyone’s view behind you. If you do in fact want to be that guy, stay home and watch the game in your living room, where you are free to say and do whatever you want. Be aware of how many times you want to get up and go get a beer or a bathroom break. I have been to many games where my seats were located at the end of an aisle. It is very annoying when you have to keep standing up to let the same people in and out of your row. Another good point to remember is that if you have time, wait it out at the end of the game. Usually right when the game ends everyone rushes to the exits and it creates a mess of people. If you have time, sit there and relax while you watch everyone go crazy running for the exits.

5.       In conclusion

-          Attending an NFL game should be a great, fun experience that you remember for a long time. I am planning on going to a game or two this next year so I will have to see if any of these things have changed. I hope these tips help out next time you go to a Bears game.

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