Chicago Bears: How to Tackle Training Camp

It's official: The NFL is back!

Coaches, rookies, free agents and crafty veterans have less than three weeks until Chicago Bears preseason football gets underway. While preseason football is way overpriced and the lack of starters playing doesn’t really add juice to it, training camp is another animal altogether.

The Bears have one of the top two NFL training camps when it comes to overall attendance. For fans that have never gone or live in a bubble, the Bears get their reps in at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill.

Whether your making a long trip to camp or you live locally, there are some ways to make it a great experience. And just like preparing for vacation, there are steps you can make so it’s pleasant for you and your family.

The major factor that all fans will have to deal with is the heat. Most of the practices are held during the day in the sweltering heat. Initially, there will be long lines prior to camp. The best way to tackle this is to bring a cooler with tons of fluids of your choice.

Tailgating is also promoted. Travel with a group so when the fans start entering you can have a few guys bring your yeti coolers back to your vehicle to save your spot in line or the waiting was all in vain, and trust me: Cutting in line will not make you a fan favorite.

In all honesty, the night practices are the most enjoyable and the players seem to try a bit harder.

While Bourbonnais store owners might want you to believe that you need to get off at Exit 315 to get to camp the easiest, that is not the case. It might not be the fastest way, but the less stressful way to get to the camp is off Exit 308, then make your way to Olivet from Schuyler Avenue.

If you need to stock up, the Wal-Mart in Kankakee, Ill., is far less busy and easier to maneuver. Next to Wal-Mart, you have a great Mexican restaurant, Dollar Tree, KFC/Taco Bell, Subway, two gas stations and a Hilton all in close proximity.

Everybody wants less stress these days, especially when they are shopping. While the gas stations around camp are filled to the brim and getting out of the parking lot onto Kennedy Drive can take forever, you can get all of your party favors picked up before the traffic rush.

If you or your children want to see their favorite players up close, you better get to camp at least two hours early to get next to the fences. And if you want an autograph, you better bring a small child because players aren’t looking for beer-gutted guys with the torn and tattered No. 54 jerseys on.

Actually, the camp program states they will sign autographs for children only.

If you want to catch an athlete just doing the regular guy thing, there are some good strategies.

For one thing, go to the big department stores and the large car wash on Route 50. If you see a large group of Yukons or Hummers, chances are there are some Bears there. Also, check the schedule of the practices. If the team is practicing at night or late afternoon and isn’t practicing at noon the next day, you could have a chance to catch some of the players having cocktails at one of the establishments on Broadway or just north of campus.

Most will have no problem saying "hi" as long as you are respectful.

And if you have a picture with a Bear, people might actually pay attention to your Facebook pics.

The very best thing about NFL training camp is the price. Minus what you spend on supplies, entrance is free and you get to see how the offense and defense is gelling. While Lovie Smith isn’t known for a lot of heavy hitting at practice, you can guarantee seeing Jay Cutler throwing the deep ball into the Bears secondary.

Take a friend or take your children and enjoy some free entertainment!

Check out www.chicagobears.com for the updated camp schedule.