Destination:
BEARS
The 2024 NFL season brims with excitement for football fans across the nation, especially here among fans of the Chicago Bears. With away games in iconic American locales such as Washington, Detroit and the San Francisco Bay Area, the new season offers avid fans the opportunity to travel to see their Bears up close, and to also partake in other local sports-centered activities that make for an unforgettable trip.
WASHINGTON
The Bears will play against the Washington Commanders Oct. 27 at Northwest Stadium (formerly Commanders Field) in suburban Landover, Maryland.
Landing & Lodging
Enjoy the excitement surrounding the upcoming game as you touch down in Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Finding nearby lodging is essential for maximizing your experience, and with many hotels in the Maryland suburbs, convenience and comfort are ensured at every price point.
Begin your quest by settling into the Courtyard New Carrollton Landover for premier access to Northwest Stadium, located less than five miles south. Featuring spacious rooms and suites, an in-house restaurant, a bar and an impressive fitness center, this hotel provides visitors with everything needed before and after the game. Also a quick drive away from Northwest Stadium is the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Largo, and both the Hilton and the Courtyard are located not far from the U.S. Capitol, museums and other historic sights.
For a budget-friendly stay, head to the WoodSpring Suites Washington – DC East Arena Drive in Hyattsville. Or, check out the La Quinta Inn & Suites – DC Metro Capital Beltway in Capitol Heights, where you can easily access the stadium via car.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Shortly before fall officially gives way to winter, the Bears will trek to Northern California for a Dec. 8 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The game will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, which is approximately a 45-minute drive south of San Francisco and a 20-minute drive north of San Jose.
Landing & Lodging
Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or to San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) and start getting in the mood for the big game. Public transportation to Levi’s Stadium is available throughout the Bay Area and there are a multitude of lodging options to explore, with your preference depending on how close you would like to be to the game.
For a blowout downtown San Francisco stay, head to the Proper Hotel San Francisco, a charming boutique hotel known for its inviting atmosphere and posh suites. For another great and comfortable option in the heart of the city, be sure to check out Hotel Epik.
For premier access to Levi’s Stadium, head over to the Hyatt Centric Santa Clara, located a five-minute drive away. Other nearby stays worth looking into include the Radisson Hotel Sunnyvale or Marriot Bonvoy’s Aloft Santa Clara.
Game Day Celebrations
Regarding Bay Area football culture, passion permeates every corner. From lively tailgating events to iconic stadium views and post-game celebrations, the perfect itinerary exists for every sports enthusiast. You’re also certain to have fun in designated tailgating areas just outside of Levi’s Stadium, where you’ll find fans loading up on snacks and beverages while engaging in a few friendly rounds of horseshoes or cornhole.
After the game, head to San Francisco and stop by Sam’s Tavern in the Financial District or The Boardroom in North Beach. And before you leave town, visit the Golden Gate Tap Room near Union Square, or go to the shopping and tourist hub Pier 31 and check out the Players Sports Grill & Arcade, where at both establishments you can find game hall classics like Skee-Ball and foosball.
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Game Day Celebrations
Tailgating is a beloved part of football culture, and in Washington, the tradition brings together locals and visitors alike for barbecue and regional meats like Virginia country ham. Whether you are grilling in the surrounding lots of Northwest Stadium or enjoying a festive atmosphere further away in the parks by the National Mall, tailgating in and around the nation’s capital is the quintessential way to celebrate game day.
The Commanders’ tailgating experience was made famous for decades by a group of fans calling themselves the “Hogettes,” who took to wearing party dresses, floppy hats and pig snouts during pre-game parking lot festivities, as well as in the stands at gametime. The Hogettes, who after a 30-year run retired as a group in 2013, are so legendary among NFL fans that they once were featured in a TV commercial for Visa. Even more impressive than the group’s fandom was its philanthropic work, as it raised over $100 million for children’s charitable causes in the Washington area and nationally.
DETROIT
The Bears travel to Detroit and take the field Nov. 28 against their NFC North rival Lions, who host their annual Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field. The Lions first hosted a Thanksgiving game in 1934, with the event becoming an annual NFL tradition in 1945.
Landing & Lodging
Kick off the holiday weekend visit to Michigan by landing at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Part of Detroit’s charm lies in its diverse lodging options, where visitors can choose between a boutique hotel or a cozy inn for the ideal weekend stay.
Discover the historic charm of The Siren Hotel, a Detroit landmark. In addition to learning a history lesson or two, visitors can indulge in this downtown hotel’s culinary delights and artisanal coffee offerings. Its prime location, just a seven-minute walk from Ford Field, makes your stay and commute a convenient one.
Also, a mere walk away from the football action is the ROOST Detroit, a new hotel in the extraordinarily restored Book Tower building, along with the Sonder Gabriel Richard, a modern apartment hotel known for its spacious accommodations and sleek, artistic design.
If you’re looking for other options near the stadium, consider residing at the Wyndham’s Fort Pontchartrain hotel for a more classic experience. This charming stay strikes a balance between a personal and professional ambiance, and its indoor pool is among its noteworthy accommodations, making it a key selling point when fall gets chillier.
Game Weekend Celebrations
In what has been coined as “the most compact sports district in America” by Forbes magazine, there are many activities for sports enthusiasts to enjoy before and after the game in downtown Detroit.
Experience the thrill of stepping into one of the Motor City’s many restaurants and sports pubs, where you can find fanatics cheering on the Lions, as well as baseball’s Tigers, basketball’s Pistons and hockey’s Red Wings — all of whom have regular season games in the fall. Begin your journey northeast of downtown in suburban Grosse Pointe at local favorite Marge’s Bar and Grill, a friendly spot with wings, salads and a Coney Island chili dog (a quintessential Detroit staple).
For more fun, come back to the city and head over to the Elwood Bar & Grill, which has been in service since 1936 and is located across the street from Ford Field. Finally, stay nearby and check out the Tin Roof, a live music venue known for its exhilarating atmosphere during game-day weekends (hours may vary for Thanksgiving).