10th Annual Convention a sell out

By Larry Mayer

Pro Bowler Devin Hester greets the crowd at the Bears Fan Convention.

CHICAGO – Thousands of avid fans from all over the world flocked to the Hilton Chicago today for the sold out 10th annual Chicago Bears Fan Convention, a popular three-day event that celebrates the past, present and future of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.

About 50 current and former Bears players attended. The group included Pro Bowlers Olin Kreutz, Tommie Harris, Devin Hester and Ruben Brown; Hall of Famer Gale Sayers; and Bears all-time sack leader Richard Dent, the MVP of Super Bowl XX.

Other current players that participated include Mark Anderson, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, Dusty Dvoracek, Roberto Garza, Brian Griese, Rex Grossman, Chris Harris, Israel Idonije, Patrick Mannelly, Fred Miller, Muhsin Muhammad and Dante Wesley.

Recently-signed Bears Adam Archuleta and Anthony Adams also attended.

Players were introduced at opening ceremonies, with past and present heroes taking a lap around the ballroom balcony while their highlights are shown on a big screen TV.

A capacity crowd arrived on Saturday for the “Inside the Bears” seminar as team president and CEO Ted Phillips, general manager Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith discussed key issues and answered questions from fans. 

Other seminars included, question and answer sessions with Bears players, panel discussions with front office staff and video game sessions for kids.

Other convention highlights included an interactive kids area with inflatable games, the chance to purchase authentic Bears equipment, specialty vendors and a Payton family book signing.