On the field and in the stands, it was back to football as usual Sunday at Soldier Field.
But outside the gates, the scene looked more like a garage sale. Tables were piled high with discarded binocular cases, satchels, fanny packs and duffel bags–the many casualties of the Bears’ strict new security measures in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Washington and New York.
After a week’s hiatus, the National Football League resumed play Sunday and poncho-wearing fans flocked to the stadium. At the door, they were greeted with a friendly frisking.
“Lift your ponchos up,” yelled security guard Debbie Gordan. “If you got a large purse or a fanny bag, it stays right here.”
For the last week, Bears officials had been trying to spread the word about the new policies, but come game time, many fans still hadn’t heard.
Yasu Kondo, 31, came to the game with a backpack filled with blankets and food. His wife, Yuki, thought nothing of bringing a handbag. They had to walk back to their car after security wouldn’t let them through.
“It’s a hassle, but it’s something I can live with. We’re all scared,” said Yasu, a downtown banker who lost colleagues in the World Trade Center attacks.
The security staff Sunday was much larger than usual, said Bears spokesman Scott Hagel. Guards wouldn’t allow plastic bags into the stadium, and vendors inside couldn’t give customers their merchandise in bags. But lines weren’t held up too much at the entrances, fans said. “We want to err on the side of caution right now,” Hagel said. “These measures will continue throughout the season just in case.”
Despite the tougher policies put in place, the elaborate pre-game tailgating parties in the parking lot were not affected, to the rejoice of everyone.
“If they took away our tailgating, we just wouldn’t come to the game,” said Barbara Gaylord, who has been tailgating at Soldier Field for 27 years.
Gaylord and her friends usually take in bags with binoculars, radios and extra food. But this time they left them behind.
Still, pride and patriotism managed to overcome inconvenience on the Bears’ first day back. “It’s really not that much to put up with to keep your country safe,” said Dennis Clements, 34, who had the flag draped across the roof of his car.
