In this post, I follow the Chicago Bears on the road during a pandemic. In 2019, we followed the Bears to Indianapolis and Los Angeles, but COVID-19 surfaced in 2020. Even though the football season was in jeopardy, I found a way to attend a Bears game during the pandemic in Jacksonville. Because I monitor football scores across the league, I noticed fans at a Jacksonville game. On their website, I discovered spectators were allowed. I booked a flight using 19,188 Wanna Get Away points and logged on to Ticketmaster to purchase my ticket. I wanted to be near TIAA Bank Field. The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is a short walk from the stadium.

The Club ATL and Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

It was the day after Christmas, and as I made my way to the gate for a connection, I received a delayed flight notification. Can you guess where I went to hang out? I hopped on the Plane Train to Concourse F, entered Club ATL, and enjoyed complimentary food and drinks for two hours before boarding the Plane Train to catch my flight. I used my Amex Platinum $35 Uber credit for my ride to and from the airport in Jacksonville. It was 8:00PM when I arrived at the Hyatt. Check-in was a breeze, and I received a discount card as an Elite World of Hyatt member to use at the Market and Shor Tavern. I dropped off my suitcase and headed to Shor for a cocktail. You must try the French Martini. I also ordered fish and chips to take to my room.

Chicago Bears on the Road in a Pandemic

It’s game day. Of course, I was orange and blue head to toe. I walked past the Maxwell House Coffee Plant. It was a 20-minute walk to the stadium, but I took longer to get to my seat in Section 441, Row FF. I commend the staff at TIAA Bank Field for helping fans enjoy this game safely. Only ticketed seats were left open. All other seats were tied off. The Bears won 41-17. After the game, I stopped by the Shor for another order of fish and chips and a French martini. You can always tell when bartenders and chefs change. My food and drink did not look the same. Chicago fans took over the Shor and were having a great time celebrating the win.

Time to Head Home After Following the Bears on the Road in a Pandemic

Of course, after I made my way through security, I learned of a flight delay. You know I headed to the airport lounge, Club JAX. I left the lounge in enough time to catch my flight to BWI. Although I continued to travel during the pandemic, I was impressed with the crew on Flight 630 to Baltimore/Washington. Passengers exited the plane row by row. Even though I arrived at Concourse B at BWI with an hour to spare, the airport lounge is in Concourse D. Even with TSA PreCheck, I would not have enough time to enjoy complimentary food and drinks at The Club BWI. Yes, I had to wait at the gate.

Budget Jacksonville, Florida

When we landed at Midway, I caught the shuttle to the Economy Lot and headed home. After I paid $45 for parking, my final expenses were $602. The Bears game was my Christmas gift. I applied the $260 I saved from my trip to Miami to this Jacksonville trip. Because I used points instead of cash, I only spent $11.20 on the flight. I also earned 4,228 World of Hyatt Points. As I write this post, the Bears lost their wild-card game. Even though I am looking forward to the 2021 Bears season, I learned three NBA teams allow spectators. Of course, I will try to attend a Bulls game. For now, Bear Down!