My Experience Behind Enemy Lines

Not going to lie, I was nervous Sunday morning. After my post about my future trip to watch the rival game on the Bears’ home turf, I received a fair share of warnings and stories that didn’t settle my stomach.

I knew I was going to catch some crap for being a Packers fan in Chicago. I also knew the tension would be high since the last time the two rivals met was for the NFC Championship that would lead the Packers to a Super Bowl victory. However, the stories of beer pouring and coffee being thrown at fans had me a little uneasy.

I was graciously asked to go to the game with my neighbor and friend, Mike, who is a Bears season ticket holder. The trash talk was kept to a minimum Sunday morning because both of us had our nerves working against us. Mike was nervous that the Bears offense would fail to show up for a second week in a row and I was afraid an angry Bears fan would set fire to my Rodgers jersey while it was still on my back.

Welcome to Chicago

Not even five minutes after we stepped off the blue line in downtown Chicago, some took notice to my jersey. I know what you’re thinking…oh crap, the first nasty comment. Nope. Across the block came a loud and passionate chant of “Go Pack Go!” Two girls who had recently moved from Wisconsin to Chicago were excited at the sight of my jersey. I immediately felt a sense of welcome that was shattered less than a minute later when an SUV drove by yelling some not so positive comments about the Green and Gold.

The Bears Fans

Overall, the fan base was …wait for it…nice. Yeah, I know. Some of you are thinking, “What no way?!” and others are saying, “What kind of poison did they mix in her beer to confuse the poor thing?!” But it’s true. Fans openly teased me, but not disrespectfully. For the most part, I could just laugh their silly comments off.

The fans we sat by even gave me a fist pound when the Packers offense had a good play. Although they were too wrapped up to pay much attention to me when Cutler and the gang were suppose to be struttin’ their stuff. Most of the fans gave Mike more crap for inviting a Packers fan than they gave me for being a Packers fan.

Toward the end of third quarter and the beginning of fourth quarter, the Bears fans began to feel antsy for their offense to do something, and Packer fans sensed the beginning of the end. This is when choice words were thrown between rival fans, and the mood got tense. At this point in the game, my adrenaline began to rush. I could feel my emotions come into play with each series.

Surprises at Soldier Field

There were two things that caught my attention at Soldier Field. The first one was the ringing sound of “Kuhhhnnnn” when it was his time to shine. My face lit up when I realized there were enough Cheeseheads in the stadium to create the epic ringing in every Bears fans’ ears.

The other thing that surprised, or more shocked, me was the Bears fans booed their own players. I believe it happened twice at the game, where soldier field erupted into a loud “BOOO” after a disappointing play. I just couldn’t fathom ever booing a Packer off the field. I know I have been disappointed in players, but I think the unity between fan and player/team is broken if you can’t show your support. Maybe that’s just my personal opinion.

It’s hard not to have fun at a football game, especially a Packer game. Let’s face it, nothing beats Lambeau Field.

Tags: Chicago Bears, Packers, Rivals, Soldier Field, Week 3