Curious about the cost of being a Chicago Bears fan in 2024? Here’s a guide on how to watch every game this season and stay connected with your favorite team.

Being a dedicated sports fan involves more than just cheering from the sidelines; it encompasses the financial investment in tickets, merchandise, streaming services, and other related expenses. For Chicago Bears fans, 2024 promises an exciting NFL season, but understanding the costs involved in following the team is essential for planning your budget and ensuring you don’t miss any action.

This comprehensive guide will break down the different ways to watch every Chicago Bears game in 2024, the associated costs, and how to stay connected with the team, whether you’re attending games in person, streaming from home, or engaging through media and social platforms.

—

## The 2024 Chicago Bears Season Overview

### Key Details

– **Season Duration:** Typically from September to January, with potential playoff games extending the season.
– **Number of Games:** 17 regular-season games, plus any playoff matchups.
– **Home Stadium:** Soldier Field, Chicago.
– **Broadcast Partners:** NBC, ESPN, Fox, Amazon Prime Video, and local Chicago channels.
– **Streaming Options:** NFL+, Amazon Prime, local sports networks, and more.

Understanding these basics helps in planning your viewing and attending options.

—

## Attending Chicago Bears Games in Person: Costs and Tips

### Ticket Prices

Attending a game at Soldier Field is an iconic experience, but the costs can vary significantly based on factors such as opponent, seat location, and whether you buy tickets early or last-minute.

– **Average Ticket Price:** In 2024, ticket prices for Bears home games typically range from $100 to $400 or more per ticket.
– **Lower-tier seats (upper levels, end zones):** $100–$150.
– **Mid-tier seats (sidelines, lower levels):** $200–$300.
– **Premium seats (club level, suite):** $400 and up.

### Additional Expenses

– **Parking:** $20–$50 per game, depending on proximity.
– **Concessions:** $10–$20 per person for food and drinks.
– **Transportation:** If you’re not driving, rideshare or public transit costs can add up ($10–$30 per trip).

### Season Ticket Packages

– **Season Tickets:** These are sold through the Bears’ official channels and can cost anywhere from $1,200 to over $5,000 for the full season, depending on seating. Season tickets often come with perks like priority access and discounts.

### Tips for Saving

– **Buy Early:** Ticket prices tend to be lower when purchased well in advance.
– **Group Tickets:** Consider group packages for discounts.
– **Resale Market:** Use reputable resale platforms like StubHub or SeatGeek, but beware of inflated prices close to game day.

### Summary of In-Person Costs

| Item | Approximate Cost (per game) | Total (for 8 home games) |
|——–|——————————|————————–|
| Tickets | $100–$400 | $800–$3,200 |
| Parking | $20–$50 | $160–$400 |
| Concessions | $20–$40 | $160–$320 |
| Transportation | $10–$30 | $80–$240 |
| **Total per game** | $150–$520 | **$1,200–$4,160** (for the season) |

—

## Watching Bears Games from Home: Streaming and Cable Options

### Traditional Cable TV

Most NFL games are broadcast on major networks—Fox, NBC, CBS, and ESPN. Local Chicago Bears games are typically shown on:

– **Local NBC affiliate:** WMAQ-TV.
– **Regional Sports Networks (RSNs):** NBC Sports Chicago.

**Cost:**

– **Basic Cable Package:** $50–$100 per month.
– **Additional Sports Channels:** May require higher-tier packages.

### Live TV Streaming Services

In recent years, streaming platforms have become the primary way to watch NFL games without traditional cable. Here are the most popular options for Bears fans in 2024:

#### 1. **NFL+**

– **Description:** NFL’s official streaming service offering live local and primetime games, game replays, and NFL Network content.
– **Cost:** $4.99/month or $39.99/year.
– **Coverage:** Live local and primetime games, but not all away games.
– **Best for:** Fans who want portable access and replays.

#### 2. **Paramount+**

– **Description:** Streams CBS games, including some Bears matchups.
– **Cost:** $9.99/month (ad-supported) or $19.99/month (commercial-free).
– **Coverage:** Local CBS games and NFL on CBS.

#### 3. **Hulu + Live TV**

– **Description:** Includes NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, and local channels.
– **Cost:** $69.99/month.
– **Coverage:** Most NFL games, including Bears’ home and away games.

#### 4. **YouTube TV**

– **Description:** Similar channel lineup to Hulu + Live TV.
– **Cost:** $64.99/month.
– **Coverage:** All major networks broadcasting NFL games.

#### 5. **FuboTV**

– **Description:** Focuses heavily on sports channels.
– **Cost:** $74.99/month.
– **Coverage:** NFL networks, regional sports, and local channels.

#### 6. **Amazon Prime Video**

– **Description:** Streams Thursday Night Football and select games.
– **Cost:** Included with Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year).
– **Coverage:** Exclusive Thursday Night Football.

### Cost Summary for Streaming

| Service | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Notes |
|————|—————-|————–|——–|
| NFL+ | $4.99 | $39.99 | Limited to local/primetime games |
| Paramount+ | $9.99 | $120 | CBS games, including Bears’ matchups |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99 | $839.88 | Most NFL games included |
| YouTube TV | $64.99 | $779.88 | Comprehensive NFL coverage |
| FuboTV | $74.99 | $899.88 | Sports-focused, regional channels |

**Note:** Many streaming services offer free trial periods, so you can test which platform best suits your viewing habits.

### Antenna (Over-the-Air)

For fans in Chicago, a digital antenna can pick up local NBC, CBS, and Fox broadcasts for free, providing access to some Bears games without any ongoing costs.

### Summary of Streaming and TV Costs

– **Monthly average:** $4.99–$74.99.
– **Annual total:** $120–$900+.
– **Additional costs:** Subscriptions to multiple services may be necessary for full coverage.

—

## Digital and Social Media Engagement

### Following the Team Online

– **Official Website:** ChicagoBears.com offers news, schedules, and live updates.
– **Social Media:** Follow the Bears on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
– **Mobile Apps:** The Bears app provides game day updates, ticket management, and exclusive content.

### Podcasts and Fan Communities

– Engage with podcasts like “Bear With Me” or “The Chicago Bears Podcast.”
– Join fan forums and Reddit communities to discuss games, players, and team news.

### Cost

– Free to access most online content.
– Some premium content or memberships may have a fee (~$5–$10/month).

—

## Other Costs and Considerations

### Merchandise and Memorabilia

Supporting the team through apparel, jerseys, hats, and collectibles can add to the overall cost of fandom:

– Jerseys: $100–$300.
– Hats and shirts: $20–$50.
– Collectibles: Varies widely.

### Fan Experiences and Events

– Participating in fan events, tailgates, or signing sessions can incur costs but enhance your connection to the team.

—

## Budget Summary: How Much Does It Cost to Be a Bears Fan in 2024?

| Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|——————————|—————-|————–|
| Attending games (season tickets + extras) | ~$1,200 | ~$4,160 |
| Streaming services (annual) | ~$120 | ~$900+ |
| Merchandise and memorabilia | ~$100 | ~$300+ |
| Total (approximate, in-person + streaming + gear) | **$1,420** | **$5,360+** |

**Note:** Many fans will choose a combination of in-person attendance and streaming, adjusting costs based on preferences.

—

## Tips for Fans to Save Money and Maximize Experience

– **Early Ticket Purchases:** Secure discounted tickets and better seats.
– **Bundle Streaming Services:** Some platforms offer discounts if subscribed to multiple services.
– **Use Free Antennas:** For local broadcasts without extra cost.
– **Attend Fan Events:** Often free or low-cost, providing great engagement opportunities.
– **Shop Sales:** Look for discounts on gear, especially during holiday sales.
– **Join Fan Clubs:** Some offer exclusive discounts or experiences.

Following the Chicago Bears in 2024 involves a range of costs depending on how dedicated you want to be—whether attending games in person, streaming from home, or engaging online. Attending a game can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for season tickets and related expenses. Streaming services offer flexible, more affordable ways to catch every play, with costs ranging from $5 to around $75 per month.

Supporting your team also includes merchandise, attending fan events, and engaging with the community, all of which add to the overall investment of fandom.

Ultimately, being a Chicago Bears fan in 2024 can be as budget-friendly or as premium as you choose. With various options available, you can tailor your experience to fit your budget while staying connected to the team you love.

Whether you’re cheering at Soldier Field, watching from home, or following online, your passion for the Bears is a valuable part of your life—one that’s accessible at many price points.