June 7, 2008
A new tradition began for me last year. During a Christmas gift exchange, my friend Erik gave me and another friend Noe tickets for the Chicago Bears Fan Convention. It took place in March at the Hilton downtown and was a blast.
I enjoyed it so much, I was determined to return. Some changes were made as they now call it the 'Expo' and moved it to Soldier Field to take place in June. None of that mattered to me and I made a long train ride + walk on Saturday morning.
I have not been to Soldier Field and it was breathtaking. The Chicago Bears are my favorite sports team and it was very surreal to be in the place where I see my team play on tv.
I entered the stadium and went to the United Club where the seminars were being held. I arrived in time for the Fashion Show... yes, they had models and players show off the new line of Bears apparel.
As I waited for the next seminar, I sat by a guy and his kids. I was alone, so I figured I'd strike up a conversation with him. I tapped him on the shoulder and asked about his tattoo on his calf. He was excited to tell me about his very first trip to Las Vegas and he and a friend decided to get their favorite sports teams tattooed on their body. I listened as he excitedly told me about this and a thought came to my mind. "I know this might sound odd, but.... may I take a picture of your calf?" The fan was extremely eager to let me and peaked at my camera to see the end result.
The players would speak briefly and they opened it to the floor where fans could ask questions. The comedy moment of the day was when a fan asked Marty Booker "we haven't had a Pro Bowl receiver since you left the Bears... can you help me become a Pro Bowl receiver?" That person asking was this was wide receiver Mark Bradley.
Anthony Adams, Danieal Manning, Dave Barnett, Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd
Equipment Seminar featuring Tommie Harris and Nathan Vasher
I also attended a seminar from a former Official in the NFL where he described his experiences, career and his current role in the NFL.
The last seminar was historic: Mike Singletary and Otis Wilson sat together reminiscing about their days together, giving Ditka stories, addressing the SuperBowl Shuffle and discussing their lives after playing football.
After Singletary and Wilson were done speaking, fans ambushed them with autograph requests. I went a different direction.... At last year's convention, Noe and I spotted an interesting character who we approached and asked to have out pictures taken with him. This year, I spotted him and ran after him shouting "Bearman! Bearman!" He turned and looked at me. I couldn't help my huge smile and requested a picture with him.
Superbowl XX Champions
