The festivities in Grant Park on Thursday were designed to help launch the Bears’ 100th season – with a matchup against the arch-nemesis Green Bay Packers.
But for many fans it felt more like the Super Bowl or the playoffs with past Bears greats working the crowd, a star-studded nationally televised concert and giant screens set up throughout the park to watch the game.
But thankfully, there was no double-doink.
And fans were grateful.
“I wish they could do this every single Bears game,” said Francisco Argote, who came in from west suburban Berkeley to enjoy the interactive experiences offered at the event.