Are you ready to attend a Chicago Bears Preseason Game? I am starting a new tradition of attending a preseason game every year. In 2021 I went to Nashville. Before the pandemic, I was in Indianapolis. The Bears were 2-0 before I headed to Cleveland for the final preseason game.

Flight and Accommodations

The roundtrip flight to Cleveland on Southwest was only $142. I did not want to use Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or World of Hyatt points to reserve my room. Some time ago, I developed a sensitivity to carpets, and I now try to avoid booking hotels with carpeting throughout the room. I checked my IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) account and reserved a room at the Holiday Inn Express Downtown. I only booked at an IHG property once when I reserved a room at the Kimpton Overland Atlanta Airport to attend the Black Women’s Expo in 2020.

Tickets for the Chicago Bears Preseason Game

I did not purchase my ticket to the game until Thursday night. By this time, tickets at FirstEnergy Stadium were as low as $4 in the 500 sections. There is no way I was buying any of those tickets. However, I purchased two tickets for $28 in section 105. Why? When I searched for a single ticket, the price started at $55 with a decent view of the field. However, the tickets for $28 offered an excellent view of the field. After taxes and fees, I only spent $4 more on two tickets. Before purchasing a ticket for a sporting event, try the interactive stadium seating charts to preview your seats.

Public Transportation or Rideshare

Of course, I intended to use my $15 Uber Cash Credit from American Express. However, the customer service agent at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Information Desk highly recommended the RTA. The Uber fare was $30, and a ride on RTA was $2.50. You must purchase a ticket before you enter the station. The rail car was clean, but I was surprised the seat coverings were cloth. The Tower City stop is under a mall. Even though I arrived on Saturday and left on Sunday, most stores appeared closed on the weekend. The Holiday Inn Express is about a seven-minute walk from the terminal. As a solo traveler, I felt safe taking public transportation and walking to the hotel.

Holiday Inn Express Cleveland Downtown

The hotel is in an 1894 historic bank building. Although I read the reviews, I did not let that affect my decision to reserve a room. Yes, some features are not “up to date,” but the hardwood floors have a nice varnish and are well maintained. The Dove products were a nice touch, and the air conditioning unit worked. The elevators are small, but the building is over 100 years old. Were there issues? Yes. When I checked in, my keys did not work. I tried again, but no luck. The manager on duty explained the battery probably needed changing. He apologized and upgraded my room. If there is an issue with your accommodations, you should handle the matter calmly. You could receive an upgrade for your understanding and patience. Oh, breakfast is complimentary, but I picked up something to eat at the airport lounge.

Mabel’s BBQ and First Energy Field

I asked two employees for restaurant suggestions and both highly recommended Mabel’s BBQ. The restaurant was a short walk from the hotel. I felt welcomed when I entered, but seating was only available at the bar. I ordered Pork Belly (Tony Packos pickles, kraut, and rye bread) to go and the Spring Fever at the bar while I waited on my food. The cocktail was refreshing. The meal was delicious, and you will not be disappointed. You must stop by Mabel’s. After dinner, I walked to the stadium in a sea of Browns fans in my Bears t-shirt. I had great seats next to a season ticket holder. We talked about Chicago, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and how bad Cleveland was playing in this last preseason game. At the time, the Bears were leading 21-3. I walked back to the hotel at the end of the third quarter.

Priority Pass Select

The Bears won 21-20. I arrived in Cleveland Saturday afternoon and was on my way to the airport Sunday morning. My gate was in Concourse B, and the lounge was in Concourse B. I enjoyed breakfast and lunch. The staff was friendly, and everyone provided service with a smile. This lounge is small, but I was comfortable sitting at one of the high-top tables across from the bar. The preseason is over. Are you ready for the regular season games? Show support for your favorite football team. Click on the link below.