LAMBEAU FIELD, Wis. (WBAY) — Fans tailgating outside Lambeau Field ahead of Sunday’s Packers-Bears game said the rivalry, one of the oldest in NFL history, brought out passionate supporters from both sides.
Isaac Beltran, of Kenosha, said he has heard about the rivalry for as long as he can remember.
“Ever since I was able to connect with my brain, I’ve heard about this rivalry. And I’ve been waiting for the day that the Bears take over and become dominant in this rivalry,” Beltran said.
Beltran said he expects the Bears to change the recent trend in the matchup.
“I think the Packers are very used to winning in winning ways. And I’m going to be honest, we’re not. But it’s our time. It’s our time,” Beltran said.
He said he noticed a difference in the mood among fans outside the stadium.
“And honestly, I’m seeing a lot of very passionate Bears fans out here. And I’m seeing a lot of very discouraged Packers fans out here,” Beltran said.
Packers fans confident despite close game
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Bob Biaggio, known as “Packer Bob,” said he expects a loud crowd at Lambeau Field.
“I think the crowd is going to be raucous. A lot of people are doubting the commitment of the Packers fans. Well, look at us here. There’s no lack of commitment. They just got to give us a win,” Biaggio said.
Biaggio said he noticed a friendly atmosphere between rival fans before the kickoff.
“It’s high energy. Even the Bears fans have been really nice to me. But the opening kickoff hasn’t occurred yet. So, we’ll see how things go after that,” Biaggio said.
Bears fans honor Mike Ditka
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The game comes the same week as the death of former Bears coach Mike Ditka.
Randy Miller, of Elkhart, Indiana, said he and others wore sweaters to honor Ditka.
“Well, in honor of Coach Ditka, we broke out the sweaters today,” Miller said.
Tyler Smith, also of Elkhart, Indiana, said supporting Ditka was a priority despite the weather.
“It’s a beautiful, warm day, but we’ve got to support the legend,” Smith said.
Miller said Ditka had a lasting impact on the Bears community.
“We’re grateful to be for his leadership in the Bears community for many, many years, and we just wanted to honor him today with these sweaters,” Miller said.
Dan Driscoll, of Cordova, Illinois, said he expects the Bears to win in Ditka’s honor.
“The Bears are going to win for Ditka,” Driscoll said.
Driscoll said he has felt welcomed by Packers fans during past visits to Lambeau Field.
“Coming to Lambeau is a riot. I absolutely have a ball. They take us Bear fans in, and we love it,” Driscoll said.
Rivalry dates back nearly a century
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The Packers-Bears rivalry dates back to the 1920s. Fans on both sides said competition between the teams is part of the appeal.
Jacob Muller, of Green Bay, said Bears fans recognize the quality of the rivalry.
“Bears fans, they know this is the best rivalry in football. We do, too. And it makes for a great atmosphere,” Muller said.
Tyler Johnson, known as the “Mayor of Titletown,” said the rivalry brings a unique atmosphere to game day.
“It’s the oldest rivalry in sports. You know, this is why we play. This is why there’s so many people here. The energy is electric. I love it,” Johnson said.
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