Week 12

Nate's Tailgate

In 2021, four years ago, Nate and his best friends — who all go back at least 30 years — were brand new to the tailgate scene, but now, their pregame party on the Waldron Deck is a game day staple. With a speaker system, the spiciest wings in the lot and great company, Nate and crew enjoy celebrating the Bears inside and outside Soldier Field.

“We make sure that we have a plan. Sidney does the ribs and the brats, chef Clarence does the hot ‘n spicy chicken wings and everybody else just brings something to drink.”

“All the fans are here for the same purpose. We want to see the Bears win, but even when the Bears don’t win, the tailgate is always a win. We’re gonna always win out here.”

Week 12

Jim's Tailgate

Jim grew up on Chicago’s South Side and has been tailgating at Bears games for 40 years. 20 years ago, he invested in a simple white conversion van to take his Waldron Deck courtyard setup to new heights. Over the years, Jim and his buddies have transformed the van into a portable mancave with speaker systems, a TV and plenty of Bears signage.

“This van has been a 20-year project. It’s a 1989 ’85 Bears circa van. Every year, we’ve added something. This year we added the outdoor speakers on top, but it’s a hit for tailgating. We usually have 30-70 people every week.”