Bear Down and Rise Up: Inside the Unyielding Spirit of Chicago Bears Fans

 

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What it Means to be a Chicago Bears Super Fan

Chicago Bears superfans support their team unconditionally. Whether the record, the talent or the weather, Bears fans always show up to sell-out Soldier Field and “Bear Down” during the tough times and great times.

Bears superfans have made their voices heard around the United States. A majority of cities around the country have one or more groups dedicated to the Chicago Bears. The blue and orange runs deep with all fans. They know the history of the Bears, starting in 1921 with George S. Halas as one of the founders of the NFL and the Chicago Bears (known then as the Staley Bears), then the impeccable record of the Bears and with their nine championships throughout their more than a century of playing. Bears fans also know and respect legends such as Dick Butkus, Walter Payton, Mike Ditka and Brian Urlacher, all the way to current quarterback Justin Fields. To be a true Bears superfan you have to know, understand and appreciate the history, not just focus on the current state of the Bears. It is also a must for superfans to not just dislike, but to despise the Green Bay Packers.

Chicago Bears Fans on Gameday

Game day in Chicago is more of a religion than a sporting event. The city buzzes with the optimistic cheers of fans. Starting with tailgating around Soldier Field in Chicago, Bears fans surround the stadium to drink, eat and play games before the official game begins. Tailgating is available in all the lots of the Museum Campus around Soldier Field four hours before kickoff. Tailgating is also permitted on the upper level of the Waldron Deck and the Southwest Parking Facilities (McCormick Place 31stt Street Lot B, Lot D and Lot E). Fans also know the surrounding neighborhoods of Soldier Field have unofficial tailgating locations scattered throughout. These tailgates are full of sausages, brats, hotdogs, italian beef and more.

Fans are known for singing “Bear Down, Chicago Bears,” on game day and are always sure to yell “Where!” when a timeout is called during the game, with the announcer confirming it is “On the field.” Game days are also filled with impersonations and lookalikes of Hall of Fame player and coach Mike Ditka, as well as impressions of the legendary Chris Farley’s SNL “Bill Swerski’s Superfans” skits. Blue and orange fill Soldier Field and talks of how good the ’85 Bears were truly make game days in Chicago a sight to behold.

Memorable Moments in Chicago Bears Fandom

The “Monsters in Midway” refer to the tremendous defense the Bears have shown throughout their history, starting in the early 1940s when they went to five championships and won four. The tradition of superb defense continued through the decades and hit a peak during the Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl win. In recent years, Bears fans have remained loyal despite the lack of traditional victories.

Famous Chicago Bears Fans

 

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The Chicago Bears have a long list of famous fans. NBA legend Tim Duncan famously made the San Antonio Spurs’ team flight wait to take off until a 2006 Bears game in overtime was over. Fellow basketball legend Dwyane Wade is also a lifelong Bears fan and can be constantly spotted at Soldier Field. Actor Vince Vaughn grew up in Illinois and is a vocal supporter of the team. Vaughn even served as an executive producer and narrator for ESPN’s “30 for 30: The ’85 Bears.” Chicago legend Bill Murray is a notorious Chicago Bears fan. Stories of Murray randomly showing up at Bears events or local bars are well-known in Chicago. President Obama is also a Chicago Bears fan. He welcomed the 1985 Bears to the White House in 2011 for an honorary memorial of the iconic team.