That's right.. FREE tickets. It turns out he gets a pair to every game and is working for most of them and has no use for his seats. Nice friend to have, huh? Now.. if I can only figure out a way to make friends with somebody who works for United or American Airlines.
In any case, I gave Dan a whirlwind tour of downtown Chicago, including stops at the Sears Tower, Grant / Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the waterfront, the Magnificent Mile, and Wrigley Field. We also made sure to grab some Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza.
Saturday night, just a few hours after getting in and dropping our stuff off at my Grandma's place (who was very kind to let a couple of goof-offs stay with her), we headed downtown to catch the Illinois -- Penn State football game at a Big Ten bar I'd been to a few times. Little did we know, though, that the place was the headquarters for the night of the Chicago Illini Club -- the city's UI alumni organization. Needless to say, Dan was outnumbered. But, his team wound up winning so he was happy.
Sunday was the main event, though. In the afternoon we met up with a couple of my friends from college (Don, Jennifer, Zack, Colton) -- who are Bears season ticket-holders -- at their tailgate. Thanks to them for some great company and awesome food. After a couple hours of tailgating, we made our way into Soldier Field. As hideous as the place looks from the outside (you know, with the UFO having landed on the classic, old, columned stadium), it is spectacular on the inside. Not a bad seat in the place and some great concourses/facilities. And, I'm happy to say Sunday was my night to leave happy.. as the Bears managed a great upset of the Eagles.
In all.. it was a great trip. We packed a lot of stuff into just a few days, but it did a lot to remind me about how much I love that town.
Here are a few pictures from the weekend:
This dude at the Bears game at Red Sox hat on. Weird.
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