Chicago's most unlikely football fanbase has taken the NFL by storm - literally. For over a decade, a group of friends who met through their shared love of Chicago Bears football have been hosting tailgates in South Loop parking lots. These gatherings, aptly named "First and Ten Tailgate," have evolved into a vibrant community that welcomes fans from all corners of the NFL.
The crew's humble beginnings date back to when Rafael Gomez, Ray Maali, and Carolyn Mendoza would gather with just a few friends for small, low-key tailgates. Over time, their enthusiasm and camaraderie grew, and so did their fanbase. Today, dozens of like-minded individuals flock to the First and Ten Tailgate events, bringing an infectious energy that transcends team loyalty.
As the sun sets on another Chicago Bears game day, fans from all walks of life come together to share in the excitement. There's Edgar Mejia, sporting a colorful lucha libre mask and shoulder pads, ready to unleash his signature chants; Lena Duda, flinging blue and orange pompoms into the air with unbridled enthusiasm; and Jessica Gomez, proudly donning her Bears jersey while sipping on Modelo beers.
The First and Ten Tailgate crew's mantra is simple: "We're not just fans of one team - we're a community of football fans." And it shows in their inclusive atmosphere, where Green Bay Packers fans are warmly welcomed alongside Detroit Lions enthusiasts. This unorthodox approach has earned the group a reputation as one of the most passionate and welcoming fanbases in the NFL.
As the Bears take on historic rival the Green Bay Packers in Saturday's playoff game, the First and Ten Tailgate crew is ready to celebrate - or lament, depending on the outcome. Whatever the score, they'll be there, united in their love for football, friends, and good times.
The crew's humble beginnings date back to when Rafael Gomez, Ray Maali, and Carolyn Mendoza would gather with just a few friends for small, low-key tailgates. Over time, their enthusiasm and camaraderie grew, and so did their fanbase. Today, dozens of like-minded individuals flock to the First and Ten Tailgate events, bringing an infectious energy that transcends team loyalty.
As the sun sets on another Chicago Bears game day, fans from all walks of life come together to share in the excitement. There's Edgar Mejia, sporting a colorful lucha libre mask and shoulder pads, ready to unleash his signature chants; Lena Duda, flinging blue and orange pompoms into the air with unbridled enthusiasm; and Jessica Gomez, proudly donning her Bears jersey while sipping on Modelo beers.
The First and Ten Tailgate crew's mantra is simple: "We're not just fans of one team - we're a community of football fans." And it shows in their inclusive atmosphere, where Green Bay Packers fans are warmly welcomed alongside Detroit Lions enthusiasts. This unorthodox approach has earned the group a reputation as one of the most passionate and welcoming fanbases in the NFL.
As the Bears take on historic rival the Green Bay Packers in Saturday's playoff game, the First and Ten Tailgate crew is ready to celebrate - or lament, depending on the outcome. Whatever the score, they'll be there, united in their love for football, friends, and good times.
. I mean, what's the real motive here? Is it just a bunch of people trying to impress each other with their fake enthusiasm for a sport they don't even really care about? And those costumes?! Edgar Mejia and his lucha libre mask are totally trying too hard 
. Give me a break...
the way these guys have brought together a community of NFL fans from all walks of life is literally amazing! i mean who wouldn't want to hang out with fellow football fans over some beers and chants? 
they're totally crushing it with their inclusive vibe, it's not just about the Bears (although let's be real, they are kinda awesome 
) but about sharing that passion for the game. i'm low-key tempted to check out one of these tailgates myself, who knows maybe i'll even join the lucha libre mask squad 
I'm loving how this Chicago Bears fanbase has created this huge community of like-minded folks who all share a passion for football. 
Their tailgate parties are literally taking over the parking lots, but it's not just about the game - it's about the people and the vibes! 
I'm all for this inclusive approach, especially with the NFL's increasing global reach. Can you imagine watching a game with fans from different countries, all cheering on their shared love for football? 
It's like one big, happy, football-filled party! 
It's kinda nice to see, but also a bit worrying - we're losing some of the boundaries that keep us apart... 
. Like, shouldn't they be following the rules too? And what if someone gets hurt or something? 
But on the other hand, I guess it's kinda awesome that people are so passionate about football and they're all embracing each other's differences... unless it's the Packers vs Bears 
.
. I mean, these tailgate parties are getting bigger and more raucous by the year! South Loop parking lots aren't exactly known for being party hubs, but I guess that's what happens when you've got a crew as dedicated as First and Ten Tailgate. It's awesome to see fans from all teams coming together – it's like one big happy football family 
...or at least that's the vibe they're going for 
. And can we talk about how lit this tailgating scene is? 
I'm sure the energy will be electric on game day 
!
! its awesome that people from different teams come together and have so much fun. like edgar's lucha libre mask is lit 
. The fact that they're welcoming fans from other teams too? That's just awesome 
.
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Still gonna be a tough day for Bears fans... Packers are looking strong this season 
. First and Ten Tailgate crew might have created an amazing community but let's not get too carried away here... their chances of winning the whole thing seem slim 
. Still gonna enjoy watching all that excitement from a distance though 