Life as a long distance Detroit Lions fan living in Chicago
By J.D. Laker
Fortunately, there are a number of Lions bars in the Windy City. But the bar scene can get expensive and doesn’t provide the comforts of home.
Finding a good seat means you usually need to arrive early. You’ll usually have to spend money you wouldn’t have had to at your own home or at a friends. The food is usually mediocre, at best, and there is usually some hooligan loudly supporting the Lions’ opponent trying to get under everyone’s skin.
It is maddening that with the technology in place a fan can’t just pay extra money to watch their favorite team live despite their cable provider.
After living in a number of apartment buildings with various cable providers, that could not provide live Lions coverage, I finally have DirecTV. With Sunday Ticket, I can watch live Lions all season. But unfortunately, DirecTV can also pose a threat to watching the Lions.
When there is inclement weather, which during football season in Chicago is basically every weekend, the satellite dish can put the kibosh on watching the Lions at home. Thus, leaving me right back at square one.
While I always find a way to get my Lions fix, it’s not always easy. I’ve even had games where I’ve had to change locations multiple times in a single quarter.
Next: Detroit Lions - The Best 30 Draft Picks in Franchise History
Being a long-distance Detroit Lions fan can be the equivalent of being a football Nomad. But there’s nothing like walking around Chi-Town with your head held high after a big win over the hometown Bears. Also, living on the road really helps you appreciate being surrounded by Lions faithful when you make it back to Detroit for a home game, which I try and do every Thanksgiving.