Chicago fans are ready to face the brutal cold as the Bears face the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on Sunday.
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The last time the Bears and Rams met in the playoffs was 40 years ago. The Bears then went on to win the Super Bowl, and fans are hoping for the same outcome this time.
It’s been a week full of excitement and energy across the city, even as fans get ready for the brutal cold.
Forecast
Fans can expect snow showers at kickoff for the game with temperatures in the teens and wind chills in the single digits.
ABC7 meteorologists say it will be 17 degrees at kickoff, but the wind chill will be about 8 degrees.
The bitter cold temperatures are not stopping fans from coming out and showing their support.
“You know what, I’m just going to buy the ticket. It was $600 dollars. It is section 250, so we are pretty close,” said Bears fan Mykenze Ostrom.
Fans, all layered up, packed the South lot of Soldier Field ahead of the playoff matchup.
Ruth Moriarty and her son were among the people in attendance.
They were gifted tickets by ticket broker Steve Buzil after ABC7 interviewed him last week.
The mom and son duo were visiting Soldier Field in honor of her late husband’s 40th birthday. He was an avid Bears fan.
“I think he would be so excited for his son to be here. I don’t think there is anything better. I am fulfilling one of his dreams. I am a lucky lady,” Moriarty said.
Brandon Martinez was another familiar face in the crowd. He’s now known as the Cheese Grater Guy after this viral moment during last week’s Bears game against the Packers.
His family brought a Ram-shaped pinata to their tailgate.
“We were able to get a Rams pinata. We are going to take care of it right now. We are drinking out of horns. We might put a taco of birria there,” Martinez said.
The Bears are accustomed to frigid conditions, of course, but “subfreezing weather” is barely in the vocabulary of Los Angeles residents.
“They can’t play in the cold. We thrive in the cold. This is what we do. Bear down,” said Bears fan Joey Gigliotti.
It remains to be seen just how much the Rams will be affected by the cold.
Click here to see the chilliest games teams have played in the postseason.
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Kickoff
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT at Soldier Field, and the game will air on NBC.
Staying Warm
If you’re headed to Soldier Field to see the game, here’s what you need to know:
-Battery-operated clothing is permitted; however, you may be subject to additional security screening.
-Warming centers will be located at Loop Landing (behind Section 146), on the Service Level down the southwest tunnel near the Dr Pepper Patio, NW colonnade (situated on the tiled landing at the top of the stairs by Gate 31) and on the south side of the colonnades.
-Fans may not take cardboard to sit or stand on.
-Blankets are allowed at Soldier Field. The stadium says fans may carry them in hand or in an approved clear bag.
The winner of Sunday’s game will go on to the NFC Championship to face the Seahawks in Seattle.
More Soldier Field showdown coverage
–Grieving mother, son gifted Bears-Rams tickets on late-husband’s birthday
–Chicago Bears fan goes viral as ‘Cheese Grater Guy’ during playoff win against Green Bay Packers
–Ben Johnson not sorry for Packers rant: ‘I don’t like that team’
–Fans rallying behind Chicago Bears with parties, food specials for Rams playoff game
–St. Viator High School cheering on alum Cole Kmet as Chicago Bears continue playoff run
–Chicago Bears install Caleb Williams ‘Iceman’ sculpture at Merchandise Mart
