First and Ten Tailgate (F.A.T.T.) is where Chicago Bears fandom becomes a shared tradition deeply rooted in community and camaraderie. Most of the crew hail from the South Side, though their tight-knit circle welcomes Northsider Bear Misterio into the fold as family. Every home game, they set up just outside Soldier Field, draping their lot with navy-and-orange canopies and welcoming fans of both the Bears and the visiting team. Because for F.A.T.T., football isn’t just about allegiances—it’s about being “fans of fans,” extending warm hospitality to anyone who shares the love of the game.

What started as a group of South Siders quickly evolved into a family affair thanks to the leadership of the ‘BAR’—Billy, Bear, Andy, Alex, Raf, and Ray—who vote on tailgate decisions and oversee the preparations each week. Some of these leaders are hometown heroes: Raf, who owns Sovereign and Crusade Burger, and Bear, proprietor of Taco Villa. Tailgate meals are a nod to their roots—deep-dish chili, Italian beef sliders, and craft sausages—but also reflect their diverse, Chicago-caliber culinary influence. It’s a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation, shaped by people who live and breathe Chicago sports.

What sets F.A.T.T. apart is how inclusive and versatile the experience is. On away game weekends, they don’t just sit out—they team up with other Chicago tailgates and host charity events from coast to coast. They even host a veterans’ tailgate each season at American Legion Post 231, raising funds and honoring service members. But F.A.T.T. isn’t limited to football—they show up for the Bulls, Hawks, Cubs, Sox, and Chicago Fire. These aren’t one-off events—they’re gatherings with wives, children, and entire neighborhoods cheering under one communal spirit.

When you arrive, you’ll find plenty of friendly faces around the cornhole boards or the vintage speaker system that fills the air just enough to set the mood without drowning out conversation. A ritualistic toast of “First and Ten!” signals kick‑off time, and it’s more than a cheer—it’s a shared pledge of hope and unity. The bar, the cooks, the families—they all stand shoulder to shoulder, a testament to what football can build.

F.A.T.T. embodies the Joe Cahn vision of tailgating as “the last great American neighborhood.” Here, grownups and kids alike join forces in the same way neighbors once gathered on front porches—a place where smile and laugh matter more than standings. Whether they’re cheering on the home turf or traveling across states, their actions remind us that sports can be a vehicle for connection, service, and heartfelt celebration.

On any Chicago Bears Sunday, stopping by F.A.T.T. means stepping into a lively, extended family where Chicago’s gritty spirit meets genuine hospitality. From seasoned tailgaters to newcomers raising a beer alongside veterans, everyone is welcome. Their lot becomes more than a pregame spot—it’s a rally point for shared stories, traditions, and the kind of friendships that last through seasons—and lifetimes.

Stop by First and Ten Tailgate at your next trip to Soldier Field. Expect homemade flavors from Chicago’s finest, purposeful giving beyond football, and a community crew led by BAR under a mission of unity and pride. With every “First and Ten!” echoing through the lot, F.A.T.T. turns gameday into something much bigger—bringing people together in the most Chicago way possible.