Sunday, January 23, 2011

A Thowback Game

Packers vs. Bears, Bears vs. Packers. I cannot help but think of my Dad this time. He was a devoted Packer fan and held season tickets for years until his financial situation in the 60's forced him to give them up. I first started going to Packer games in the mid-50's when they played at old City Stadium, a wooden bleacher stadium that held about 30,000 souls. When Lambeau opened in 1958 it was like another world. Dad went to the inaugural game and ended up riding down the elevator at the Northland Hotel with Miss America who was part of the pageant.

Today the Packer's play the Bears at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago, not far from Lake Michigan. The temperature at game time is supposed to be 9 above. It is old time football at its finest. On the line is the NFC championship with a shot at the Super Bowl to the winner. Obviously I want Green Bay to win. Some experts are picking the Pack to win, however I've seen the Bears play and their defense is powerful. Green Bay is also playing stout defense and Green Bay's offense is probably one of the best in the league. Aaron Rogers is certainly playing superb ball. So my hopes are riding on the Green and Gold, but my heart will also be thinking of my Dad and how much he would've enjoyed the game today. So, c'mon Pack, win one for Vern.