Way back when new Soldier Field was completed, I had met up with several CBMB posters at 31st/Moe Dr. Lot B and we really had a blast tailgating for all home games dating back to 2003. We had 20+ STH's parking in the same area below the I-55 overpass on a regular basis for several years... Anybody remember the Fork You Tailgating crew??
Unfortunately tailgating has become very constrained over the past 2-3 years making a large group get together a real PITA unless you have a bus or RV spot. Prior to 2003, the old South lot or Adler lots were both great and you could meet up with everyone in the same exact spot. Now all lots prevent saving spots and the only way to park next to your crew is to try and line up together before you go thru the gate... Even then its a crap shoot.
I tailgated at Lot B for the Buc's game and while it is probably the best option for a cash tailgate lot, it just isn't the same anymore. SP Nazi's have taken control and have ruined the experience, just like they did at all of the other coupon lots. Each and every vehicle is parked mirror to mirror and you have no choice of spots. You must now hope you get parked behind a car so that you can easily access the tailgate of your truck. No canopies!, No Open Fires!, No spreading out! No exceptions!
If you decide to park at 31st Lot B... My suggestion, as others have stated in other threads, is to be there early, maybe 20-30m prior to the gate opening at 8am for a noon game. By 8:15am the line of cars extended all the way up Moe Dr. and traffic was backed up all at least a block down 31st. It took us at least 30m to get in the gate for the lot. Of course, I was lucky? enough to have a car parked behind me making tailgate access nice and tight.
Once parked we made the best of it and pulled up just enough to get to our gear, but were not allowed to turn the truck around. It was so tight, I did not even pull out my flag pole and hang all my flags... Forget about trying to setup corn hole boards, hillbilly golf etc... You will have just enough room for your grill, table and maybe 4 chairs.
Moving forward, I really think it makes the most sense to join up with a large group who has an Bus or RV as the spots reserved for 31st RV parking have plenty of room to setup. If you had a group of 10+ chipping in and splitting the cost, it really may best to park a car in a garage and walk/ride to your camp.
I am hoping others will share their feedback on tailgating the way it is today... Maybe there is tailgating lot I don't know about nearby that has more freedom? I am considering parking at Burnham Harbor cash lot now that it is open... Have not parked there for over 10 years. Really hoping someone can weigh in on tailgating at Burnham as it is closer and really may be better now that 31st has become SP controlled.
