Hello Chicago! The Steeler Game from The Dark Horse

Last week we traveled to the windy city to meet up with the folks who are making a documentary about Steelers Fans at The Dark Horse Tap and Grille in Chicago.

I have to admit that I was a little nervous when I got of the plane and was walking through Midway airport wearing my Steelers t-shirt – it was not the usual sea of black and gold that you find at the Pittsburgh airport. I took the train from the airport to the Dark Horse and I was relieved to sit down across from a Steelers fan. These girls were headed to the game. She is not from Pittsburgh but she is a die hard fan and commented that she was nervous because she had changed her Steeler gear outfit from the week before.

Steelers Fan (and friend) on the train to soldier field

I arrived at the Dark Horse just in time to take the bus to the game – those who had tickets to go to the game had met at the Dark Horse earlier in the day for some pre-game festivities and then chartered their own party bus to head to Soldier Field.

Fans on the bus to the game

Then we made our way over to the Steel City Mafia/Iron City Beer Tailgate that was wrapping up – Bears and Steelers fans were peacefully coexisting in the parking lots.

Steeler's Tailgate Bus

Then it was back to the Dark Horse to watch the game. Interviewing some Steelers fans – everyone at the Dark Horse was dressed in black and gold, some are native Pittsburghers, others had attended school in Pittsburgh – one guy we talked to was a dancer who had attended Point Park – most had moved to Chicago for work.

Interviewing a serious Steeler fan for the documentary

The Dark Horse has a great back patio that was set up for game watching – televisions and projectors – you could see the screen from every seat on the patio (plus there were more tvs inside)

back patio at the Dark Horse Saloon

Then the rain started – thankfully the Dark Horse brought out umbrellas for all of the tables – and those who wanted to be closest to the television screens by the bar stood together and took turns holding the umbrella for the crowd by the bar.

Steelers fans share umbrella to watch game in the rain

Here are a few photos of the inside of the the Dark Horse

Seats for serious fans: I took this photo after the game - some of these guys had been sitting at the bar since the morning

Large "Steeler Country" banner hangs above the tvs

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