LAKEMOOR, Ill. () — The Chicago Bears took their show on the road Tuesday, turning the McHenry Outdoor Theater into a sea of navy and orange. The sold-out gathering marked what organizers described as the first Bears takeover in the drive-in’s 75-year history.
The venue felt less like a movie theater and more like a football tailgate as fans filled the property, wearing Bears gear and calling out “Bear Down.”
For many in attendance, the appeal was simple: they could take part in a Chicago Bears event without traveling into the city.
“When we heard about it, we bought the tickets right away because it’s five minutes away, so we could celebrate the Bears five minutes from our home,” Natalie Ryan said.
Larry Hoffman welcomed the team’s effort to build a closer connection with supporters in the suburbs.
“I think it’s great that the Bears are reaching out to places outside of the city and around the suburbs. You know, we’re all Bears fans, so it’s great to have them come close to home,” Hoffman said.
Mackenzie Barry said the gathering gave Bears fans from across the region a chance to celebrate together.
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“It’s just great to have the Bears up here and Bear down,” Barry said.
Event marketing director Joe Cicero said the Bears’ appearance stood out among the events hosted at the theater.
“I have not seen an event like this where the Bears have come out to the McHenry area,” Cicero said.
The capacity crowd also gave organizers plenty to celebrate.
“It’s not just exciting for us as a theater, but for the community. For the Chicago Bears to come to little McHenry, that’s a really big deal for us, and we don’t take that lightly,” said Scott Dehn, president and owner of Golden Age Cinemas.
With the first event drawing a sold-out crowd, some fans said they would like to see it become an annual tradition.
“Oh, yeah. Hopefully it’s a yearly thing. We can make a tradition for our family and the kids and come every year,” Ryan said.
