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NFL fans will be in for a real treat on Thursday, as the NFL Kickoff Experience will take over Chicago's Grant Park ahead of the Bears' showdown with the Green Bay Packers.
The event, which coincides with the opening of the NFL's 100th season, will feature all sorts of entertainment, music, and activities, and will be free and open to the public.
Gates to the event will open at noon, and the day will wrap up with a massive watch party for the Packers and Bears' nationally televised showdown.
According to Chicago's Office of Emergency Management Communications and the NFL, a "Clear Bag Policy" will be in place, and all bags may be searched, and magnetometer screening and handheld metal detectors will be in use.
The NFL is encouraging fans not to bring bags of any kind into Grant Park, but if necessary, bags must not exceed 16" x 16 " x 6", the league says.
Exceptions may be made for medically necessary items, but those bags will still be subject to inspection.
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Prohibited items include:
-Animals (except assistive animals)
-Backpacks
-Banners
-Coolers
-Firearms
-Motorized scooters
-Pom poms
-Selfie sticks
-Tripods
-Whistles
For a full list, fans can consult the league's website.
If fans are going to go from the Kickoff Experience to Soldier Field, they will be required to adhere to the league's clear bag policy.
Those planning to attend the festival are strongly encouraged to use public transportation, as parking will be extremely limited near the park.
For those attending the event, fans can check out a display of all 53 Super Bowl championship rings, as well as the Lombardi Trophy. NFL Combine drills will also be used, and the Bears' Drumline will perform.
Bears alumni Jim McMahon, Matt Forte, and Charles Tillman will also sign autographs.
