The weather figures to be a major storyline during Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, and the visitors from sunny California are going to be dealing with all the frigid conditions the Windy City can offer.
James Neveau of NBC Chicago provided the latest weather forecast and noted temperatures are expected to be in the teens with wind chills around zero degrees at kickoff.
Neveau also noted teams that play their home games in domed stadiums are just 2-15 in outdoor playoff games with temperatures below freezing since 2000.
Izzy Stroobandt of NBC Chicago reported the Bears released a safety advisory and are “implementing enhanced game day measures” because of the expected weather and cold air.
“While winter weather is part of the authentic Chicago game day experience, fans are encouraged to dress in layers, stay alert to changing conditions and prioritize safety throughout Sunday’s matchup,” the team said in the advisory.
Other safety measures include warming centers that will be available for fans, concessions such as hot chocolate and cider readily available, hand warmers for sale, and permission to bring in blankets or battery-operated clothing.
Former NFL player Gerald McCoy offered some advice for the players who will take the field:
Former NFL head coach Tony Dungy also weighed in on the conditions:
Precautions or not, it will be quite cold for anyone in attendance, including ESPN’s Jeff Darlington.
ESPN’s Randy Scott teased his colleague, who was more than ready to get to one of the warming centers:
How 37-year-old Matthew Stafford deals with the cold figures to go a long way toward determining the outcome, and the Rams quarterback is taking notable measures to counteract it.
In fact, he will wear a scuba suit in an effort to stay warm.
“I’ve worn it quite a few times since I’ve been here,” Stafford told ESPN’s John Keim. “It keeps you warmer. That’s how it affects me. It’s not skintight or anything like that.”
If it does keep him warm, he figures to have success against a Bears defense that was 29th in the league in yards allowed.