Down, Set, Hike! Chicago Park District Invite Football Fans, Parents and Alumni to Soldier Field with Free Parking and Admission to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Junior[...]

Players' guardians recognized in pre-game chrysanthemum ceremony, current players, alumni to be honored at halftime of IHSA-officiated championship game between the Odgen Park Vikings and the La Follette Park Wildcats!

The Chicago Park District is thrilled to celebrate the 75th season of the Junior Bear Football Program at the Mum Bowl Championship game on the grass at Soldier Field, located at 1410 Special Olympics Dr., on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Gate 0 at the stadium will open to spectators of all ages for free at 10:30 a.m. Then, the Chrysanthemum Ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony and remarks from Chicago Park District General Superintendent Rosa Escareño, and others.

The championship game between the Ogden Park Vikings and the La Follette Park Wildcats kicks off at 12:00 p.m. All visitors must abide by the Soldier Field bag policy and security procedures at the Mum Bowl Championship.

"For 75 years, Junior Bear Football has been an enduring testament to the Chicago Park District's commitment to strengthening comradery between communities, and teaching sportsmanship to young people at a critical stage of development," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareno. "The Mum Bowl is a tradition that celebrates young players' passion and talent while also honoring parents' contribution to their children and their peers' development. We invite all of Chicago to join us and witness these amazing young people compete for the cherished championship trophy!"

Admission and parking at the Waldron parking complex, located south of Soldier Field, across Waldron Dr., will be free for all football fans, Junior Bear Alumni, parents, and supporters at the Mum Bowl. The Mum Bowl features the standard rules of football, with 10-minute quarters, with a halftime intermission that honors both Walter Payton Award nominees and Junior Bear Football program alumni. The game will be officiated by an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) certified crew.

Junior Bear Football is a free tackle football program that has served children ages 8 to 13 citywide since 1948, and is currently made possible by the philanthropic arm of the Chicago Bears, Bears Care. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rendering the 2024 season as the 75th anniversary.

This season, over 500 players, including 15 young women, were rostered across the 12 varsity teams. The league is split into two divisions; varsity serves kids ages 11 to 13, and pee-wee serves kids ages 8 to 10. This year, 12 parks participated in the varsity division, while 12 parks participated in the pee-wee division. All teams competed in one game a week for 9 weeks at Chicago Park District neighborhood football fields. The Mum Bowl Championship features the remaining teams after a single-elimination playoff.

Marlenni Laureano, who serves as Senior Program and Event Coordinator at the Chicago Park District, is the first female commissioner of Junior Bear Football in its 75-year history. This is Laureano's third season as commissioner and her 14th year the Chicago Park District.

Mum Bowl Championship Run of Show:

• 11:30 a.m.: Chrysanthemum Ceremony (See Description Below)
• Approx. 11:50 a.m.: Speaking Program Begins
• 12:00 p.m.: Mum Bowl Championship Kickoff
• Approx. 1:00 p.m.: Halftime Intermission: Walter Payton Award Ceremony (See Below)
• Approx. 1:15 p.m.: Halftime Intermission: Junior Bear Alumni Recognition (See Below)
• Approx. 1:20 p.m.: Mum Bowl Championship Play Resumes

The Mum Bowl consists of the following traditions that make the event both an exciting and emotional display of Chicago's young athletes:

The Chrysanthemum, or "Mum" Ceremony

Starting at 11:30 a.m., all players from each team will lineup, and have their name called one by one to present a Chrysanthemum Flower to their mother or guardian as a gesture of gratitude for their support throughout the season.

Walter Payton Award

The Walter Payton Award is an honor that recognizes exemplary leadership, integrity, and academic achievement. Coaches from each participating Junior Bear team nominate one player from their roster. Each player will be recognized at centerfield during the halftime break, and one player will be awarded the distinction. The following young men are nominated for the Walter Payton Award:

• Jeremiah Knighten - Ada Park
• Jovan Winters - Chopin Park
• Kalob Hayes - Clarendon Park
• Jovan Lacy - Fosco Park
• Samir Hudson - Hamilton Park
• Demire Eddins - Jackson Park
• Logan Pring Laguardia - Kelvyn Park
• Jahmir Dantzler - La Follette Park
• Durrell Daniels - LeClaire-Hearst Park
• Jonathon Frausto - Lindblom Park
• Malachi Ennis - Ogden Park
• Malachi Boston - Washington Park

Alumni Recognition

Junior Bear Football program alumni will be invited to stand and be recognized during the halftime intermission. Through 75 years, this free program has propelled participants into positions as players and coaches at the Chicago Park District, high school, collegiate, and professional levels of football. Junior Bear Football alumni are invited to RSVP here for this years' Mum Bowl Championship to be celebrated at halftime.

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