Yellow buses have started to hit the road and colorful notebooks and pens have been purchased from store shelves — reminders that summer is winding down and the school year is beginning..
Lucky for Bears fans, the team's final two preseason games in Chicago will feature family-friendly activities for fans who want to put an exclamation point on the end of summer.
The Bears return home for two preseason games before the regular season kicks off. The team makes its Chicago debut on Saturday, Aug. 25 at noon vs. Kansas City and finishes up preseason play on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. when it hosts Buffalo.
The team has a number of special activities planned with families in mind. Both games will feature the Meijer Bears End Zone, an interactive area located at the Stadium Green (outside of Gate 6) open from two-and-a-half hours before kickoff until 30 minutes before the game.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet former Bears players, the Chicago Bears Drumline and the Monster Squad. Younger Bears fans will love the chance to hang out with Staley Da Bear.
The Meijer Bears End Zone will feature an interactive "First & Goal" bungee run, rock wall and carnival games. Fans can also get a taste of what it's like to be a pro and test their leg with a field goal kick.
For those looking to keep two feet on the ground, fans will have the chance to participate in Bears putt-putt and pose for a picture with the Ryder Cup trophy.
All the fun will be accompanied by live music. To the 9's takes the stage on Aug. 25 and Boy Band Review will be rocking out for fans on Aug. 30.
The fun doesn't stop once fans enter Soldier Field. Inside the stadium, DJ Sasha will be spinning tunes on the Dr Pepper Patio to get the crowd hyped before the game. The area will feature a Bears locker room replica and graffiti wall where fans can pose for photos. A caricaturist will also be on hand for fans looking to take home a fun memento. First-time fans will have the opportunity to get a "My First Bears Game" certificate to commemorate the occasion.
The final two Bears games - complete with activities for the whole crew - are the perfect excuse for a family outing as the Bears look to end the preseason on a high note before rolling into the opening week of regular-season football.
That's the ticket:
As part of a league-wide initiative, the Bears have replaced the print-at-home PDF ticket option with mobile ticketing. PDF tickets will no longer be valid for entry. Bears Season Ticket Holders received printed tickets in the mail and can enter the stadium using their printed tickets or mobile tickets via the free Chicago Bears Official App brought to you by Verizon. Single-game ticket buyers through Ticketmaster can download the free Chicago Bears Official App to access mobile tickets for entry or request that tickets be left at will call or mailed to them for a minimal fee. Season Ticket Holders and single-game ticket buyers through Ticketmaster will also be able to manage tickets via their online accounts. The Chicago Bears Official App is available for Android and iOS devices. To download, search for the "Chicago Bears" app in Google Play or the Apple App Store.
