Gail Freund, Bears Superfan

This is exciting...it's so close to opening day at Soldier Field. That is always great because the fans are so full of expectation...as well they should be. Of course, we know a win is certain. It's great to get there early and take in all that there is to offer. Tailgating is fun. arriving before 8:00 a.m. and staying until 6:30 p.m. to wait until the traffic subsides. Great times with friends enjoying lots of food and drinks. If you take part in Bears events regularly you end up with tons of friends who are in all different spots on game day. But there is also so much to experience at Soldier Field before the game.

Taking the bus from Schaumburg, my friends and I get there early to check out everything going on in and around the stadium. There's usually lots of giveaways, former players on hand to have your picture taken with either inside or outside the stadium, even an area set up where you have your picture taken "with Lovie on the Field". Be sure to see the Armed Services Wall outside the north entrance. There is plenty of interesting memorabilia to look at inside Soldier Field. We used to take the train but it never failed that you would get back to the station, running to catch your train, missing it by seconds and ending up sleeping for the next two hours waiting for the next train. Being a regular you even get to know all the professional scalpers.

We go into the stadium as soon as the gates open so we can watch the two teams practice on the field and take pictures. Now there are plenty of new ushers which made preseason a nightmare because they wouldn't let you anywhere near the field unless you had a ticket for that specific section. If you are going to your first game at Soldier Field be sure that you are familiar with all the rules on what you can and cannot bring into the stadium. Every game people have to leave strollers, umbrellas and oversized bags outside the entrance. These items will not be there waiting for you when you leave. Yes, you can bring your own food in, too...just not beverages. The best way to carry items into the stadium is in one of the see-through Chicago Bears bags from the gift shop or booths.

Remember to make lots of noise when our defense is on the field, but be quiet when our offense is out there. Steve McMichael will be on the big screen reminding you. Also, take off your hat during the singing of the National Anthem and sing the Bears' Fight Song after each score. If you don't know the words (hard to believe you don't) they make it simple enough by showing them. And don't be obnoxious to the opposing teams fans. They are just there for a good time, too, although many of them need to remember that, too. Particularly Vikings fans...but that's another blog. Have fun.

GO BEARS!