Tailgate Party Central

TAILGATING WEBSITE UPDATED FOR THE 2009 SEASON

urlacher2000 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:24:57 GMT

http://www.forkyoutailgatingclub.com

Only 3 regular season games this year: Steelers, Browns & Vikings. (hopefully we will also have some post-season Tailgating as well)

Follow the Fork You Tailgating Club on Twitter @BearsTailgating

OFFICIAL BEARS PARTY VAN 11/22 PHI

Bears Jimmy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:05:32 GMT

UGH, a night game in a bad season, with a bad parking lot. I will contact Standard Parking's Director on Monady, and find out what time the regular cash lot will open. I have learned that the truck marshalling yard cannot be counted on. Two weeks in a row we were told it should be open, only to find it sealed off. I am hoping to get to the new lot because we want to tailgate all day, not waiting for 1pm. More to follow......

BEER PONG:

If we get to tailgate all day, we will have Beer Bong set-up for some type of tournament. If we are stuck with the 1pm lot, we will set up the grill 1st, cook right away, then have beer pong around 3pm before it gets dark. I am bringing my partner to the game.

MENU:

I am having Philly Cheesesteak meat shipped up, so anyone wanting a REAL Philly, can come by and pitch in to get one. I will have plenty to go around. Looking to cook them around 1 to 2pm no matter what parking lot we end up in.

31 St. Parking Situation for Sunday - Confirmed with Standard Parking

slmlc02 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:50:31 GMT

I was told at 9:45 Friday morning that the parking situation in 31st Street will be as follows:

1) No Cash Parking because of the show they have going on.

2) Permit holders lot will not open until 2 p.m. at the earliest.

If you'd like to confirm, please call Standard Parking at 312.808.3125. If they tell you something different, please post here.

Packers Game - 6 from Nova Scotia looking to tailgate

stonehands — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:50:46 GMT

There are 6 of us coming in from Nova Scotia for the Packers game. It's our first time in Chicago, and for most it's the first NFL game so we're looking to join with some Bears fans and partake in some tailgate action before the game. We're not all that interested in a commercial tailgate, would rather find some real fans who tailgate old school. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks

South Lot Pass for Bears vs. Eagles Game 11-22-09 For Sale!!

superscorer3 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:04:28 GMT

For Sale is a Premium South Lot Parking Pass. The pass is for the Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles game on Sunday, November 22, 2009. Premium parking passes get the the parking spots closest to the entrance. This is where all the major tailgaters can be found. A great environment to be around during the pre-game partying. Shipping for this item will be express overnight shipping with the USPS. If you choose to pick up the pass, that is another option.If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Just email me at superscorer3@sbcglobal.net and I will respond promptly.

When will 31st street lot open for Philly game?

FBall_Chick — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:30:56 GMT

We are trying to figure out what time we will need to be there by for the 7:20PM night game. Think it's safe by noon?

Bears @ 49ers

W'Hills Hippie — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:38:10 GMT

Anybody have any idea about Bears tailgating at Monster Park? Just got tickets and I'd love to meet up with some other Bears fans.

The 31st lot Parking Nazi

Slats — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:22:12 GMT

Anyone have any run ins with this guy?

He walks a round hand on gun, pouty lip, big cigar and is just the worst excuse for a human being I have seen.

He's ignorant, he's rude, he's completely unprofessional. He threatens people pushes around their property, just a complete waste of space. Talk abouyt a guy who takes his $8/hour job way to serious.

Totally ruining the tailgate experience.

Anyone know who I'm talking about?

Best Place To Tailgate?

kingtana1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:02:43 GMT

Hello,

I am attending the game with couple of freinds this weekend, and while I have gone to a handful of bears games at soldier field I never really tailgated before and we are entertaining the thought of tailgating for this game but never having done it before, just wondering if i could get some insight from the pros and tailgaters on the board. any help is appreciated, thanks guys and go bears!

OFFICIAL BEARS PARTY VAN 11/8 AZ

Bears Jimmy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:18:47 GMT

Another surprise last week....the "new spot" was closed again, and we migrated to the old spot at 3D. What a mess! Anyway, I am told, again, that the new spot in the marshalling yard will be open. That means no 6am restriction. However, I will call Std Parking manager tomorrow and try to confirm this. With that being said....if the new spot is open, do we all want to migrate there (like the Pittsburgh game), or do we just want to go at 6am, and use the old spot. THOUGHTS anyone?? The head Monterrey security guy (with gun) said he would take care of us. But is it worth it?? I guess if you say you are with Bears Jimmy's tailgate, the white van, they are supposed to let you over there..........I guess it helps if you say you have a CANOPY as well.

Shufflin' Crew

Midway Monster — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:05:31 GMT

Leaving the RV lot and coming to the 31st street lot soon!!! Look for the Shufflin' Crew as the season progress'. Web site coming soon too! Tailgaters will soon be united! Follow this thread in the weeks to come! GO BEARS!

Premium South Lot Pass For Sale - Bears vs Browns 11-1-09

superscorer3 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:15:11 GMT

Hello. I have a south lot pass for the premium section for sale. I have decided not to go to the game and I have already sold the tickets to the game. I am asking $115 for the pass. If you are interested email me at Superscorer3@sbcglobal.net. We can then arrange payment via PayPal or Cash if you would like to pick it up.

Thanks

Scott

OFFICIAL BEARS PARTY VAN CLE 11/1

Bears Jimmy — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:21:34 GMT

Well last game had some surprises....like back to the "old spot"! Looking forward, we will alwyas go to the "new spot" in the marshalling yard. We definetely prefer the ability to sprawl out, have tents, and have no a--hole Monterey Security bugging everyone. If we cannot get in there due to trailer parking, we will default to the old spot.

Bear fan support/ tailgate in Cincinnati

bearssec226 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:23:26 GMT

Any list that doesn't include Bear fans at the top of visiting fan support in the NFL is crazy. The Longworth Hall lot was at least 40% (maybe more) Bear fans. The bars in Kentucky were nuts, Hofbrauhaus at closing in particular. I refer in particular to an NFL.com segment where one of the guys didn't have Bear fans listed, since they weren't into it enough...(Pitt was top, w/Giants, Eagles, Green Bay, NE, Oakland up there) The other guy (I think it was Warren Sapp) said he was nuts and asked if the other guy ever played a home game against the Bears.Even in places I have been to like Jacksonville, SF, Denver....we show up. If we can drive,like Cincy and St. Lousi, increase it 5x, 10x.

I did think Bengals fans did a good job also. Put them at or near the top, for places I have been. (never been to a GB, Pitt) They get into it. Not many jerks while we were getting slaughtered or afterwards (were a few, always are) laying into us.

Other than game, great time with fellow Bear fans.

GO BEARS!

Anyone going to the Game in Cincinnati??

FBall_Chick — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:02:19 GMT

Looking to tailgate with either local Bear fans in Cinci or hook up with others who are traveling in from Chicago for the game on Sunday Oct 25th. My friends and I (there are 6 of us girls total) are looking to tailgate before the game. Send me a note at ChiBearsFan2009@gmail.com.

DA BUS IS THE TAILGATE WARRIOR CHAMPOIN ON FOOD NETWORK

Timmy from Da Bus — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:06:39 GMT

DA BUS AND ITS CREW WON THE COOK-OFF ON TAILGATE WARRIORS WITH GUY FIERI ON SATURDAY NIGHT. WE ARE THE TAILGATE WARRIOR CHAMPIONS!!! CHECK OUT DA BUS AT THE 31st STREET LOT EVERY GAME DAY!!! CONTACT tshanley@sbcglobal.net FOR ANY INFO ABOUT COMING OUT TO TAILGATE WITH THE BEST ON THE BLACKTOP!!! WATCH TAILGATE WARRIOIRS AGAIN ON WED. AT 7:00 PM ON THE FOOD NETWORK

Where is best place to watch Bears away game in Chicago?

yojimbo2373 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:04:33 GMT

I will be in Chicago this weekend and looking for recommendations on places to watch the Bears game. Staying near Navy Pier area. Love watching football and cheering on the local team. Go Bears!

LOOK FOR DA BUS ON TAILGATE WARRIORS WITH GUY FIERON THE /FOOD NETWORK

Timmy from Da Bus — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:53:45 GMT

DA BUS DROVE TO BUFFALO FOR THE BEARS PRE SEASON GAME TO FILM TAILGATE WARRIORS WITH GUY FIERI CHECK US OUT THIS SATURDAY AT 8:00 PM ON THE FOOD NETWORKTO SEE IF DA BUS BEATS THE TEAM FROM BUFFALO IN A HEAD TO HEAD THROW DOWN. TUNE IN AND CHEER ON THE CREW FROM DA BUS...A TAILGATING ICON CELEBRATING ITS 20TH SEASON OF TAILGATING AT SOLDIER...LOOK FOR DA BUS IN THE 31ST STREET LOT ON GAMEDAY...EVERY GAMEDAY SINCE 1990!!!

DA BUS IS ON TAILGATE WARRIORS WITH GUY FIERI ON THE FOOD NETWORK

Timmy from Da Bus — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:55:10 GMT

LOOK FOR DA BUS, A TAILGATING ICON AT SOLDIER FOR 20 SEASONS ON A FOOD NETWORK SPECIAL PRESENTATION CALLED TAILGATE WARRIORS WITH GUY FIERI
WHICH AIRS THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH @8:00 PM CENTRAL ON THE FOOD NETWORK...WISH US LUCK AS WE TAILGATE AGAINST A CREW FROM BUFFALO IN A 2 HOUR COOK-OFF DA BUS...20 YEARS OF TAILGATING...ENJOY THE RIDE..VISIT www.da-bus.com

Tailgating for BEARS vs.ATL!!!!

jbizzy — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:00:45 GMT

For those tailgating...what lot will you be in by the GA Dome?

Article: ESPN: Caple: The how-tos of tailgating

mutt627 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:16:43 GMT

http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=4527043

Caple: The how-tos of tailgating

By Jim Caple
ESPN.com

• Tailgate photo galleries: The fans | The stands

The drawback of a good tailgate is that eventually you must pack everything up and go inside the stadium to watch the game. Then again, I guess no one will make you go inside.

"There have been times when I tailgate the entire game," Jeff Hancock told me as he savored his spread outside Husky Stadium before a recent game in Seattle. "Simply because the games have been pretty terrible football recently. Plus, I can see the JumboTron from here and watch the game that way."

And why wouldn't you, when you consider the tailgate parties available?

Louisiana State fan Jerry Payne tailgates at every LSU game in a 40-foot motor home that retailed for $400,000 and comes complete with a master bedroom and bath, real wood cabinetry and a 37-inch hi-def TV. And by every game, I mean home and away, even to Husky Stadium on the University of Washington campus, some 2,600 miles from LSU's campus, the farthest from home the Tigers football team had ever played.

Payne says the drive took him 35 days -- "The game was a good excuse for a road trip" -- but by Southern tailgating standards, he had to leave only a little ahead of normal. Tailgaters at schools in the South are renowned for showing up three days before the game, if not earlier.

And if you think that's serious, some tailgaters are sponsored by beer companies.

But you don't need a beer sponsorship or a rig so lavish USC could offer it as a recruiting incentive to a running back's parents. Your tailgate will get votes in all the polls as long as the grill is hot, the drinks are cold and you have all the required ingredients:

Accessories

Regardless of whether you drive one of the most expensive motor homes in the world or the old Toyota Nissan that still has stains from your 21st-birthday run, the key is to show your school pride. Mark your territory by flying so many pennants and banners other fans confuse you for the team store.

To fill the hours -- if not the days -- before the game, you must be wired. A radio might have cut it back in the days when "the wave" was cutting-edge in the stands, but now you need, at minimum, an HD TV with a dish pulling in games from across the country, a wireless router, "NCAA Football" for Xbox 360, a cornhole game in team colors, plastic cups for beer pong and the marching-band CD blaring so loud on the stereo system you get noise complaints from frat row.

Or, if you can't arrange that, bring a football to toss into someone else's tailgate party, then just stick around when you pretend to retrieve it.

Alcohol

Some people say fans should not introduce alcohol to a college campus filled with young and impressionable students, many of whom aren't yet of legal drinking age. I say why let the students have all the fun?

Still, which is the proper beverage for a tailgate -- beer or wine? The answer, of course, is both. The key is properly pairing it with the opponent.

For an early-September, unranked nonconference opponent such as Northwestern, savor the final warm days of summer with a white wine, like a Riesling or a gewurztraminer.

When the days cool, switch to red wine -- a nice pinot -- for those opening conference games.

As autumn deepens and the games take on added meaning against the occasional ranked opponent, add some hard ciders or winter ales.

When the frosts of November arrive, fortify yourself with hot chocolate and a shot of amaretto or schnapps.

For those late-November games against archrivals with BCS bids on the line, go with the hard stuff -- scotch or good old American whiskey.

And whenever you find yourself a two-touchdown underdog, go with all of the above to deaden the pain come the fourth quarter.

(Just remember to ALWAYS have a designated driver available, as valuable to your Saturday as a quality offensive line.)

Food

I once tailgated with some LSU fans who served up jambalaya, duck and oyster gumbo, stuffed quail, deer sauce piquante, wild duck, Cajun sausage, crawfish étouffée, rabbit, alligator stew and marinated pork tenderloin. And that was for a Division II opponent.

While you don't need to have Emeril as your personal chef, proper tailgating does require a local approach to grilling. Tailgating at Washington or Oregon demands cedar-planked salmon. Tennessee needs barbecue. Wisconsin cries out for bratwurst, and plenty of it.

To really take your tailgate over the top, though, add dishes that reflect the opponent. I'm not talking about grilling their school mascot -- which could be nauseating, offensive and, in the case of Nebraska's Herbie Husker, probably illegal (though not necessarily a bad idea) -- but offering dishes that reflect their home state. So if Iowa is in town, serve up plenty of corn on the cob, then devour it just like your school's defense will eat up the Hawkeyes offense.

Location

The best places to tailgate are The Grove at Ole Miss, on a boat moored on Lake Washington in Seattle or the Tennessee River in Knoxville, with a view of the Wasatch Mountains (BYU), within sight of Touchdown Jesus (Notre Dame) or anywhere within scent -- and reach -- of an LSU fan's grill.

Ideally, you also want to enjoy the marching band and cheerleaders as they head to the stadium. And having a bathroom nearby is nice.

But really, as long as you're on campus and close enough to walk to the stadium, you're doing fine -- because the last thing you want to do is drive to the game and still need a ride from your car to the stadium.

Good friends

This is the most important ingredient. Student loan payments may force you to serve up the packages of ramen left over from your sophomore year, but you're still good if you're surrounded by plenty of friends from college who make you feel young enough to stack empty beer cans in the front window.

As Lisa MacGeorge said, the food is fun but it's the old friends that make the tailgate. "A lot of us don't see each other except at Husky football games," said the UW fan.

Just remember, when you tailgate, everyone is welcome. That means total strangers wandering by, even if they're wearing the opponents' colors.

In fact, especially when they wear the other teams' colors.

"At LSU, we share everything," said Tigers follower Louis Petersen.

It's just a game, folks, so take the high road and welcome even your enemies to a cold one and a pulled-pork sandwich. It's the right thing to do. Plus, when they have their mouth full they won't be able to respond to your trash talk.

Jim Caple, aka The Road Warrior, is a senior writer for ESPN.com. His Web site is at jimcaple.net, with installments of "24 College Avenue." His book with Steve Buckley, "The Best Boston Sports Arguments: The 100 Most Controversial, Debatable Questions for Die-Hard Boston Fans," is on sale now.

OFFICIAL BEARS PARTY VAN 10/4 DET

Bears Jimmy — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:17:23 GMT

Thanks for everyone's support for the first game! I did not expect such large crowds of people. I was a little bit rusty, but all-in-all it was a blast!! Everyone now knows where the new spot is, in the NE corner of the truck marshalling yard lot, located at the sign "3F". I will gladly restock the bar, and update info as needed! LET'S GO BEARS!!

No Olympics = 31st Lot Safe...For Now

ChicagoBears4Eva — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 03:40:08 GMT

Now that Rio got picked for the 2016 Olympics, the 31st lot looks to be safe for awhile. If the Olympics would have come here, the plan was to demolish the 31st lot and Michael Reese hospital and to put the Olympic Village there. There are plans to put some condos there eventually, but in this economy, who knows when that will get built.

tailgate recipes

coachmnowak — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:18:34 GMT

anyone have any good breakfast/dinner tailgate recipes?

especially for cold games? i got tix for Browns, cards, rams and Green bay...

Parking at 31st St.

diehardbearluvr — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:28:40 GMT

Does anyone know if 31st St. is going to be accessible to everyone this year? In another post, it sounds like it is going to be available thru the lottery system. It also said it is going to be controlled by standard parking. Am I just not reading this right?