The excitement in Chicago is palpable as the Chicago Bears prepare to face their long-time rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in a playoff game on Saturday, January 8, 2026. This matchup marks only the third time in NFL history that these two teams have met in the postseason, intensifying the fervor among fans and local businesses alike.
Jenna Blazevich, an embroiderer based in Albany Park, captures the spirit of the city. Although she has never attended a game, the cheers from nearby Christina’s Place notify her of significant plays while she works at her shop, Vichcraft. Blazevich has a unique connection to the Bears, having embroidered merchandise for fans at the team’s draft party. Her motto, “You can be thunderous,” resonates with the Bears’ passionate supporter base.
As the game approaches, the atmosphere throughout the city grows more electric. The Bears’ mascot, Staley Da Bear, along with the Monster Squad and the team drumline, will greet fans at various commuter stations on Friday morning. Social media platforms are filled with fans showcasing their Bears merchandise, including the newly released NFC North champions shirt, as anticipation builds.
Tailgating festivities at Soldier Field will commence approximately four hours before the scheduled 19:00 kickoff. Local bars are bracing for a surge of fans eager to celebrate the Bears’ playoff run. Tom Migon, owner of Tommy’s in Norwood Park, noted that the team’s success has revitalized his bar after a prolonged closure due to an electrical fire. “With the Bears playing well, it’s reenergized the bar,” Migon stated. “Last time they played the Packers, the bar went upside down when they won.”
The fervor extends beyond local establishments. At Advocate Children’s Hospital, young patients were treated to a visit from former Bear Anthony “Spice” Adams and Staley, who brought joy to children during a challenging time. The team’s vice president of fan development and brand marketing, Sarah Smith, emphasized the unifying power of the Bears: “You can feel that energy in the city, especially on a game day.”
For fans hoping to attend the game, ticket prices are steep. As of Thursday morning, tickets on StubHub were listed at around $370 for the more affordable options, while premium seats in Section 136 were available for over $3,600. Despite the high costs, the enthusiasm for the matchup has local businesses optimistic about high sales. Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, likened the upcoming game day to “being as busy as a Super Bowl” due to the rarity of a Bears-Packers playoff clash.
Food preparations for the event are also ramping up. Vienna Beef plans to supply over 26,000 hot dogs and Polish sausages to Soldier Field. Tom McGlade, the company’s senior vice president of marketing, confirmed that grocery stores have increased their orders in anticipation of tailgating and home viewing parties. When asked how Vienna Beef suggests serving their hot dogs, McGlade responded, “Chicago style. Drag it through the garden.”
On the merchandise front, demand has surged for novelty items, particularly foam hats shaped like cheese graters—an homage to Packers fans’ traditional “cheesehead” hats. Manuel Rojas of Houston-based Foam Party Hats reported selling 7,000 cheese grater hats since just after Christmas. These hats retail for $39.99 online. Rojas mentioned that the company is currently experiencing a backlog in orders, indicating high demand among Bears fans.
As the city rallies around its team, the excitement for the playoff game against the Packers is undeniable. Whether attending the game or joining fellow fans at bars and homes across Chicago, the spirit of the Bears unites the community in anticipation of what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
