The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the official kick-off of the 104th NFL season, and fans will have the opportunity to watch D.J. Moore, Justin Fields, and the new-look team in action up close during an upcoming training camp.
The Bears gave fans a sneak peek at their training camp schedule in mid-June and included details on how they can secure practice tickets. However, those who want to attend these public practices must get free mobile tickets, which have been available on the club’s website since July 6th, ahead of schedule.
This will present eager Bears fans with the first opportunity to gauge the chances of their favorite NFL club making a concerted playoff push in 2023.
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Training camp tickets are now available
The Soldier Field outfit will hold the Chicago Bears Training Camp presented by Enjoy Illinois from Wednesday, July 26th, through August 14th in Lake Forest. This gives fans the first chance to see the new-look Bears team aiming to return to the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Nine training camp practices are open to the public: July 27th, 28th, 29th, and 31st, as well as August 1st, 4th, 8th, 9th, and 10th. The move comes weeks after Bears announced that its plans to build a new stadium on a 326-acre land it purchased for $197 million in Arlington Heights might stall despite voter support last year.
Free mobile tickets to the nine public Bears training camp practices are now available at chicagobears.com/camp but are subject to availability. Fans can claim up to four tickets per practice date.
Head coach Matt Eberflus, General Manager Ryan Poles, and the scouting squad have been busy rebuilding the Bears roster for the 2023 season through free agency and the NFL draft.
With a contingent of ten rookies brought in through the draft, training camp will offer an early glimpse of how the roster-building is coming together under coach Matt Eberflus’s second year at Soldier Field.
Fans will be excited to watch Justin Fields continue his impressive development as a Bears quarterback and new aces like running back David Montgomery and receiver Darnell Mooney up close.
Ticket holders can enjoy a wide array of family-friendly activities at Halas Hall throughout the Bears training camp. Kids will get autographs signed by their favorite players, play interactive games, and learn about the latest football techniques in a clinic with Bears trainers.
There will also be meet-and-greets and live entertainment by the Chicago Bears Drumline, Monster Squad, and Staley Da Bear.
Family Fest practice at Soldier Field on August 6th
The Bears will also hold the Meijer Chicago Bears Family Fest at Soldier Field on August 6th, in addition to the regular public practices at Halas Hall. The event celebrates the first time the 2023 Bears will practice at their home stadium before they kick off their NFL season on September 10th.
Plenty of kids-friendly activities will take place outside Soldier Field, beginning at 8:30 a.m., highlighted by the beats of the Chicago Bears Drumline and the antics of the lovable Staley Da Bear.
The event features football activities for fans of all ages beginning at 8:30 a.m., with gates opening at 9 a.m. Aside from an opportunity to get player autographs, kids will also enjoy interactive games, inflatables, live bands, and face painting, amongst other fun activities.
The tickets for the Family Fest are now available for $13 each. The team’s ceremonial practice at Soldier Field will kick off at 10:35 a.m.
Bears’ joint practices with Colts, August 16-17
Once the Chicago Bears Training Camp closes on August 14th, the team will travel to Indianapolis for joint practices with the Colts on August 16th and 17th. Fans can attend both training sessions at Colts’ Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield, Indiana, but they must get the tickets in advance.
The tickets for the joint practices are free and available on the Training Camp website of the Colts. The event will incorporate many family-friendly activities, including meet-and-greets with Colts and Bears players.
It’s a great opportunity to see the Bears match up with another talented AFC opponent ahead of the regular season.
Shuttle buses will be available from nearby parking
To accommodate large crowds, the Bears advise that no parking is available at Halas Hall itself. Fans should instead park for free at Hawthorn Mall, where shuttle buses will provide transportation to and from practices.
Shuttle rides are free with a valid mobile training camp ticket. No parking is allowed within Conway Park or at neighboring businesses. Rideshares and drop-offs are also prohibited near Halas Hall.
Check the Bears’ training camp website for up-to-date transportation and parking information.
Looking into the Bears’ 2023 season
Coach Eberflus has been ramping up his roster ahead of the 2023 season kick-off, with punter Ryan Anderson and linebacker Sterling Weatherford recently cut. The duo was dispatched after the Bears brought in two free agents, wide receiver Isaiah Ford and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Buddy Johnson.
With the continued growth of quarterback Justin Fields and a wave of new additions to the roster, there’s growing excitement and optimism around the Bears heading into the 2023 season. The team is looking to rebound after crashing out at the bottom of the NFC North standings with a paltry 3-14 record last season.
Some key moves have set the stage for better results this year. Drafting offensive tackle Darnell Wright and trading the #1 overall pick for receiver D.J. Moore has perked up Eberflus’ roster. The Bears also added playmakers in running back Roschon Johnson and receiver Tyler Scott in the later rounds.
Fields is coming off a record-breaking rushing season for a quarterback, though he still needs to improve as a passer. With an upgraded receiving corps and protection, the Bears are hopeful they can take a big step forward in year two under coach Eberflus and beat the odds offered by Illinois online sportsbooks.
Wrap-Up
Training camp will be the first chance for fans to see the new personnel in action. If the team gels as hoped, Chicago could surprise some teams in 2023 and return to contention in the NFC North.
