Tens of thousands of fans are expected to pack Soldier Field on the Near South Side Saturday as the Bears host their first home playoff game since 2015. Nearly 61,000 fans are projected for the wild-card matchup, according to the Chicago Bears Football Club. The CTA reports its adding extra Red Line trains and bus service as parking prices climb.
The playoff run is also driving sales, with Bears merchandise up 60 percent compared to last season, according to the team. Playoff gear now accounts for five of the top ten best-selling items across Fanatics sites, with cold-weather items like blankets leading the way.
Among those set to be in the stands is native Chicagoan Jamie Hart, who says he left the city at 18-years-old to join the military and now lives in Arizona. Hart says a work trip with a layover in Chicago gave him the chance to attend with a last-minute ticket.
Fans are also traveling from far outside the U.S., including Eduardo Lopez from Mexico. "I have been to other states for other football games," he told WBBM. "The vibes are amazing," he said.