This season is the first in awhile where the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs home games do not conflict with each other – meaning I do not have to choose which game to attend. Two years ago, I chose to attend the Bears home opener rather than the Cubs game since Tailgate Rob was tailgating before the game. This year was no exception as Tailgate Rob tries to attend the Bears home opener each season. Needless to say we were in the South Lot by 8:30 am.

After the tailgate, my friend and I headed to Soldier Field from the parking lot, but realized the lines to enter the south side of the stadium were too long to try to enter through. Instead we saw the “United Club” entrance line was shorter and figured we could enter there since the line was much shorter and gets you into the main part of the stadium before entering the United Club. We successfully got into the line which saved us lots of time. But, instead of heading to our seats we noticed that there was a gap between the barrier to the United Club and the wall, so we entered through that gap and gained access to the United Club. Since we did not have actual seats, we hung back by the bar and watched through the glass. This is a good strategy on a cold game at Soldier Field. It also worked today as it was pretty hot outside.

United Club
Watching the game from inside the United Club is not the best spot since fans sitting in their seats block your view when they stand up. But, you are out of the weather and have the game on television right in front of you. Plus, you have a bar right next to you so there is never a need to wait for a beer.

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
The Bears took a 19-14 lead with 1:32 left in the 4th quarter as Matt Forte caught a pass from Jay Cutler. However, that lead disappeared as Calvin Johnson appeared to catch the game winning touchdown pass with 31 seconds left in the game. But, Johnson let the ball go as it touched the ground and the referees’ ruled the ball incomplete. That call gave the Bears the victory after the Lions threw two more incomplete passes.

Forte’s 89-yard reception in the second quarter was the longest TD reception by a Bears running back in franchise history.

Post Game Dining
Since we were in the United Club we decided to stay in the United Club after the game. The United Club continues to serve alcohol throughout the fourth quarter and for awhile after the game so if you find yourself in the club plan to stay for awhile post game.