The first public training camp of the Chicago Bears' 2026 season turned the grounds of Halas Hall in Lake Forest into a sea of navy and orange, as thousands of fans turned out to mark the unofficial start of the NFL calendar.
A Family Affair and Bold Predictions
Among the crowd, Alan Rivera, a lifelong supporter, shouted his confidence that the Bears could finish the season undefeated, a claim that sparked laughter and debate among onlookers. For many, the practice was more than a glimpse of strategy; it was a ritual that ties generations together.
Payton Rietgraf, who drove two hours with his wife and teenage son, described the outing as a cherished family tradition, noting that each summer they make the pilgrimage to watch the team fine‑tune its play before the preseason kicks off.
The event featured food trucks, face‑painting stations, and athletic challenges that turned the practice into a community festival. Bears fan Ben Chamness took advantage of the atmosphere to snag autographs and capture photos, later calling the experience “one of the best days I’ve ever had at Halas Hall.”
Sandra Gardea, who declares she lives and breathes the Bears, stood among the cheering crowd, her enthusiasm epitomizing the deep‑rooted loyalty that has defined the fan base for decades. Organizers highlighted the nine remaining public sessions scheduled before the team’s first preseason game on August 15, promising more opportunities for supporters to engage before the regular season begins.