Chicago Bears defeat New England Patriots 30-24, honor Mike Ditka at Soldier Field
· Yahoo Sports
Excitement built outside Soldier Field as Bears fans gathered early to tailgate ahead of a highly anticipated prime-time matchup against the New England Patriots.
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The Bears defeated the Patriots 30-24 on Thursday Night Football.
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Fans filled parking lots under sunny skies, with some wearing T-shirts as they prepared for a game featuring two 4-2 teams vying for the playoffs. The matchup also showcases two young quarterbacks drawing significant attention: Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
Williams returned from a hamstring injury on Sunday and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Maye, meanwhile, has been playing at a high level over the Patriots' last three games
Many Bears fans said a victory against a playoff-caliber opponent, on a national stage, would provide a major boost for the team's season.
"5-and-2 is a lot different than 4-and-3, so this win would mean a lot, especially with the upcoming games we have, two more primetime games," said Bears fan Tristan Clark. "It's beautiful. Once we win this one, it'll be... nothing can stop us."
Amanda Huerta said she believes Williams is poised for another strong performance.
"I think if you saw Caleb's attitude for last game, how excited he was and how pumped he was, I think that he's ready to go, and I think that we're all ready to go and see him take us to the Super Bowl," Huerta said.
Another fan, Jacqueline Herrod, expressed confidence in the Bears' chances.
"Of course, we're happy to have Caleb back, so we anticipate that we're going to win this thing," Herrod said. "We're going to Bear down!"
Not all fans were predicting an easy win. Rich Galgano pointed to the challenge presented by New England.
"The Patriots got a great front line. It's going to be a tough game. This is not going to be a walk in the park," Galgano said. "We'll see. I don't like making predictions, but go Bears!"
RELATED: Remembering Mike Ditka: Tributes pour in after Chicago Bears legend dies at 86
The game also carries emotional significance for the franchise and its fans. It is the Bears' first home game since the death of Mike Ditka at age 86, and tributes are planned throughout the evening.
Among them, free Mike Ditka mustaches are scheduled to be distributed to the more than 60,000 fans attending the game. Earlier in the day, Bears Chairman George McCaskey was seen outside Soldier Field wearing a No. 89 jersey, Ditka's number, greeting fans and taking selfies.
The connection between the teams adds another layer to the night. The Patriots were the opponent the Ditka-led Bears defeated in Super Bowl XX.
Many said they hope the Bears can honor the former coach with a victory.
Bears-Patriots matchup drives soaring ticket prices at Soldier Field
Fans attending Thursday night's Bears-Patriots game at Soldier Field are paying some of the highest ticket prices seen in the NFL this season, with the get-in price hovering around $800.
The Bears are hosting New England on the lakefront, drawing fans from across the country willing to spend heavily for the experience.
The Chicago Bears are back in the national spotlight Thursday, hosting the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football as they honor Mike Ditka.
Michael and Nanette Silva, who traveled from California, said they paid about $800 per ticket.
"We're excited. We did pay around 800 per ticket because we wanted good seats. Like it said, it may be the first and last time we come here," Michael and Nanette Silva said.
Other fans said the trip and ticket costs added up quickly.
"We got some pretty good tickets. We got them the day they released, like section 400," Jordan and Marcus, who traveled from California, said. "It's crazy, especially for us from California, so it cost us a good arm and leg, so pretty expensive."
Ticket brokers said demand has pushed prices to unusual levels.
"I've been doing this 35 years. This is the exception, not the norm," ticket broker Steve Buzil said. "Normally you can get into a game 400, 300, sometimes 250, but just to get into the door today it's 800-900, close to a thousand."
"It's an anomaly this thing this is crazy but this is like a playoff game, Buzil said. "It's better than a playoff game. This is better than the first game of the season I've never seen it like this in years."
Part of the demand is being fueled by New England's traveling fan base. Patriots supporters from out of town said Chicago was an appealing destination for a football weekend.
"I love it. Nice city. It's clean, polite and easy to get around," Allen and Ann Marie McVay of Rhode Island said.
Fans at Soldier Field also received mustaches as part of a tribute honoring Bears legend Mike Ditka.
"I like Ditka. RIP. He's a legend. Sad day, but we're gonna win it for him tonight," Jordan said.
For many in attendance, the combination of a marquee matchup, visiting fans and a special tribute created an atmosphere that made the steep ticket prices worth the cost.