
Illinois
Inducted: December 7, 2008
Captain: Tim Shanley
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Tim Shanley
Tim Shanley is the driving force behind the Chicago Bears Tailgating Club, a legendary gathering that captures the heart, humor, and hardiness of Midwestern football culture. More than just a tailgate host, Tim is a master of connection—uniting diehard fans and first-time visitors alike through warmth, generosity, and a fierce love for the Monsters of the Midway.
With every home game, Tim turns the shadow of Soldier Field into a sea of navy and orange celebration. His natural charisma and tireless dedication have built more than just a tailgate—they've created a community. From meticulously planned menus to perfectly timed toasts, from welcoming wide-eyed newcomers to rallying the regulars with game-day energy, Tim ensures every detail reflects pride, tradition, and Bear Down loyalty.
Known for his infectious enthusiasm and rock-solid leadership, Tim has helped the Chicago Bears Tailgating Club become a staple of the fan experience. Under his guidance, it’s not just about the food or the football—it’s about making lifelong memories in the lot. For many, Tim’s tailgate is the highlight of the season, and his presence is a big reason why.
For more information on tailgating with the CTBC, contact Tim Shanley at:
Learn More About Our Tailgate
There’s something electric about game day on the south side of Soldier Field. The chill in the air, the sizzle of meat on the grill, and the steady hum of thousands of fans in navy and orange—this is where tradition meets tailgating in its purest form. And at the center of it all, tucked into the heart of the Museum Campus parking lots, sits one of the great pillars of the Chicago Bears fanbase: the Chicago Bears Tailgating Club, better known by locals as the home of Da Bus. A gleaming tribute to decades of Monsters of the Midway fandom, Da Bus is more than a vehicle—it’s a destination. For Bears fans near and far, it’s a sanctuary, a symbol, and a must-visit gameday rite of passage.
The story of CBTC starts with a challenge. In 2016, after Soldier Field implemented restrictive policies that severely limited traditional tailgating—particularly for larger rigs and full-scale fan operations—many feared the end of an era. But rather than step back, a group of lifelong fans doubled down. Led by frontman Tim Shanley, the Chicago Bears Tailgating Club took shape as an open, welcoming space for any and all Bears fans looking to experience what true Chicago tailgating is all about. Family-friendly, inclusive, and fueled by a shared love of the game, CBTC quickly grew into one of the most iconic and inviting tailgates in the NFL.
At the heart of this tailgate stands Timmy and Da Bus. Shanley, a Chicago native now living in Austin, Texas, has missed only eight home games since 1984—a stunning feat of loyalty, considering he’s flown more than 16,000 miles annually just to host these tailgates. Every Friday during the season, he boards a plane to O’Hare. Saturdays are for prep—finalizing menus, securing the lot, checking equipment. Then, before the sun rises on Sunday, he’s already in place at Soldier Field, setting up shop as fans begin to pour in. And what awaits them is nothing short of incredible. A tailgate of this magnitude doesn’t run itself, and the CBTC crew operates like a well-oiled machine, bringing an unmatched energy and professionalism to every gameday experience.
The food is the stuff of legend. Central to the CBTC tradition is their full-cow rotisserie, a custom-built setup that slowly turns an 800-pound steer over a bed of fire, hour after hour, until it's ready to be carved and served. But this isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a mission. Through their charitable initiative, Tailgating for Hunger, the club donates approximately 500 pounds of beef per game to feed the hungry across Chicagoland. What began as a cookout has become a community lifeline, merging tailgating with a deeper sense of purpose. And that cow is just the beginning. A typical spread at CBTC might include 40 pounds of roasted beef sandwiches with giardiniera, 30 pounds of pork loin with Dijon mayo, 40 pounds of wings, stir-fried chicken thighs with scallion, and pork chops with grilled onions. It’s hearty, hot, and high-volume, designed to satisfy hundreds of hungry fans who arrive eager for both food and fellowship.
Da Bus itself is a rolling museum of Bears history, signed by over 40 players spanning seven decades of the franchise. Visitors from around the world—England, Japan, and beyond—have made the pilgrimage to step aboard, share a drink, and take in the sights and sounds of one of the most famous tailgate vehicles in football. The experience isn’t just visual, either. Live music pulses through the lot, and as kickoff nears, crowds swell around Da Bus, forming a scene that’s part block party, part NFL rally, and all Chicago. And while the vibe is festive, it’s always respectful, with CBTC known for its welcoming spirit—even toward rival fans. Packers jerseys may be greeted with a side-eye or two, but they’re still invited to eat, drink, and talk football with the best of them.
As the sun rises over Lake Michigan and the lots around Soldier Field begin to fill, the energy of game day builds. Cornhole boards are set out, speakers come to life, grills roar into action. Fans decked out in jerseys, scarves, and lucky socks gather in tight groups, warming themselves with coffee, beer, and anticipation. When you arrive at Da Bus, you’re not just visiting a tailgate—you’re stepping into a full-body Bears experience. The music is loud, the food is unforgettable, and the welcome is genuine. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll feel like part of something bigger. You’ll feel like you’re home.
For nearly four decades, Tim Shanley and the Chicago Bears Tailgating Club have defined what it means to be a fan in the Windy City. Rain, snow, or sun, the crew shows up. They cook, they cheer, they give back. And in doing so, they’ve built more than just a tailgate—they’ve built a community. One cow, one song, and one Sunday at a time.