I’m a Brit coming to Chicago for the first time. My girlfriend got me tickets for my 30th knowing I’m a big Packer’s fan.
I see that the NFL are putting on something at Grant Park but I was just wondering what plans people had for pre and post game that would be Packer fan friendly, would love to get involved in some tailgating.
Thanks,
Jamie
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I’m hoping you see a Packer upset!
I’m hoping you see a Packer upset!
I have no answers to your questions as I won't be at the game. Wanted to say congrats on getting those tickets! You must have a wonderful girlfriend.
Hope you have a great time no matter what you end up doing.
You might be better off asking in a Bear forum. Not too many of us are familiar with the Chicago area. That said, I'd expect to here a lot of shit talking if you wear Packer gear. There will be drunks and they will talk a lot of shit trying to instigate something.
JStan posted:I’m a Brit coming to Chicago for the first time. My girlfriend got me tickets for my 30th knowing I’m a big Packer’s fan.
I see that the NFL are putting on something at Grant Park but I was just wondering what plans people had for pre and post game that would be Packer fan friendly, would love to get involved in some tailgating.
Thanks,
Jamie
Generally speaking the best Packer Bar in the area is Will's Northwoods Inn, however, it's about 10 miles from Solider Field. Which means it could be a 5.3 hour drive depending on the time of the day. I'm exaggerating only a little. It's at least an 30 minute drive most times of the day. A Thursday night? Ugh...
Given you're coming in from out of town, I'm assuming you're looking to crash an existing tailgate vs your own? Parking lots open 4 hours before game time so plenty of time to walk around and find a friendly outing.
With game starting at 7:30, my suggestion would be...
Do lunch at a local hot dog joint or Italian Beef place. There are a hundred of them every neighborhood. Pick one. Research online where you're staying at and find something within walking distance of hotel.
Take a Lyft (depending on distance) and head to Will's Northwoods any time after lunch. Chill out, talk to some Packer fans, drink a few beers or Sconny Old Fashioneds, make fun of the bears.
Plan to head to the Parking Lot of Solider and arriving there like 5-6 (again traffic will be a nightmare so plan accordingly). Then walk the parking lot looking for Packer flags/people with jerseys. Packer fans are typically welcoming to anyone, especially while being in enemy territory. Play up that accent (I'm assuming?), and I would bet anything they'll be throwing beer and food at you nonstop.
And, if you can't find anything in parking lot, head into the stadium. Have fun, don't be too much of a mouthy jerk and typically the rivalry will be heated and fun and not stupid where people will just throw crap at you, threaten you, etc.
(that said, unless its free and in a luxury box, I avoid NFL games in person. Too many drunks, too much hassle, too few instant replays...)
If you need bar/restaurant suggestions for nights not including a football game, ping me and I can help...
