Bears in Bourbonnais

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 1, 2011 4:30PM

Thanks to the last-minute deal in the labor talks between the players and owners, NFL training camps opened a few days later than planned. But the Bears descended upon downstate Bourbonnais once again this year for their annual training camp. The team opened camp at Olivet Nazarene University on Friday and will remain in Bourbonnais until they break camp on Aug. 20.

While the team has spent the past few days on the field, tonight's 7 p.m. practice will be the first with players in pads. As always, practices are open to fans to watch for free. Gates open an hour before the scheduled practice time each day.

In addition to watching the Bears players gear up for the upcoming season, the family-friendly atmosphere includes various activities like junior training camps and autograph sessions for kids. There are also special themed days such as Armed Forces Day, Comcast Hispanic Night, Family Night at ONU and Youth Football Day.

For those who don't want to make the hour drive downstate to see the Bears practice, they will also be holding Family Night at Soldier Field this Friday night. Activities outside the stadium begin at 4 p.m. while practice itself starts at 7 p.m. The Soldier Field practice isn't free, however. Reserved tickets are $8 in advance or $12 for walk-ups.