When is Game Day at The Grove?
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Tailgate check-in and setup: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Tailgating begins: 9 a.m.
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers kickoff: 12 p.m.
Where is the event?
The Grove at Goselin Park
700 Main St. NW, Bourbonnais
How much does it cost to reserve a tailgate space?
$50 per tailgate space
Advance registration and payment are required.
Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Due to limited availability, reservations are limited to one space per transaction.
How large is my tailgate space?
Each designated tailgate space is approximately 20' x 20' (*two standard size parking stalls)
Your vehicle and all tents, canopies, grills, tables, chairs, coolers and other tailgate items must fit completely within your designated space.
Can I choose my tailgate space?
No. Spaces will be assigned by the Village of Bourbonnais based on the order in which completed registrations and payments are received.
Your assigned space number and check-in information will be provided prior to the event.
Can I transfer my reservation to someone else?
No. All tailgate reservations are final and nontransferable.
Do I have to be 18 to reserve a space?
Yes. The individual completing the reservation and signing the Tailgate Reservation Agreement must be 18 years of age or older.
When can I arrive and set up?
Tailgate check-in and setup: 8 a.m.– 9 a.m.
Tailgating officially begins at 9 a.m.
For the safety of attendees, no vehicle movement will be permitted within the designated tailgate area after 9 a.m.
Please arrive, check in and have your vehicle positioned before 9 a.m.
Can I park my vehicle in my tailgate space?
Yes. Non-commercial vehicles are permitted within your designated 20' x 20' tailgate space.
Your vehicle and all tailgating equipment must remain completely within the boundaries of your assigned space.
Can I bring a tent or canopy?
Yes, provided it fits completely within your designated 20' x 20' space.
Tent/canopy weights are required.
Staking into the ground is strictly prohibited.
Are grills allowed?
Yes, but grills are permitted ONLY within your designated tailgate space and ONLY during this unique experience.
Grills are NOT permitted on The Grove/Village Green.
Grills must be safely operated and remain within the boundaries of your reserved space and cleaned up after.
What do I do with charcoal and trash?
All charcoal must be properly disposed of in designated onsite containers.
All trash and waste must be placed in designated onsite receptacles.
Please help us keep The Grove clean and safe for everyone.
Failure to do so may result in fines.
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Yes. Guests may bring their own food, beverages, alcohol and coolers.
Attendees are also encouraged to support The Grove concession stand, which will be open with food and beverages available for purchase. Glass bottles are prohibited.
Can I bring alcohol?
Yes. Alcohol may be brought for personal consumption in accordance with applicable Village and event regulations for ages 21 & up with proper identification. Proper identification must be presented if asked by Village officials. Glass bottles are prohibited. Selling alcohol or any other items is prohibited.
Can I sell food, drinks or other items from my tailgate?
No. Selling of any kind is prohibited on the premises.
Tailgate spaces are for personal recreational use only and may not be used for commercial activity.
Can I smoke in my tailgate spot?
No. Smoking tobacco, vape, or marijuana is prohibited throughout The Grove.
Is electricity available?
Limited 120V electrical service is available onsite on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserving a tailgate space does not guarantee access to an electrical outlet.
Guests may bring their own generators.
Generators must be safely operated within the designated tailgate space and may not interfere with neighboring tailgaters or event operations.
Can I bring tailgate games?
Yes! Traditional tailgate games such as cornhole and footballs are welcome.
Games must be safely enjoyed without interfering with neighboring spaces, pedestrian areas or event operations.
Does my tailgate reservation include a reserved game-viewing area?
No. Your $50 reservation is for your designated tailgate space only.
Game viewing on The Village Green is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A tailgate reservation does not include or guarantee a reserved viewing location.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets for game viewing.
Do I need a tailgate reservation to watch the game?
No! Game Day at The Grove and the game viewing are free and open to the public.
A paid reservation is only required for guests wishing to secure a designated tailgate space prior to the game.
Will the entire game be shown?
Yes. The Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers broadcast will be shown in its entirety, including halftime, on The Grove's giant LED screen.
Is the event rain or shine?
Yes. Game Day at The Grove is a rain-or-shine event.
Guests are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and plan accordingly.
What happens if there is severe weather?
The Village of Bourbonnais will monitor weather conditions with public safety as the priority.
Registered tailgaters will be notified if conditions require changes to or cancellation of the event.
Can I receive a refund if I can't attend?
Tailgate reservations are nonrefundable for no-shows or individual cancellations.
Refunds will only be issued if the Village of Bourbonnais cancels Game Day at The Grove due to weather or other circumstances that prevent the event from taking place.
Are restrooms available?
Yes. Restroom facilities will be available onsite.
Is accessible parking available?
Yes. ADA-accessible parking will be available.
Additional parking and accessibility information will be shared prior to the event.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Friendly leashed pets are allowed at The Grove. Owners are responsible for their behavior and appropriately picking up and disposing of any waste. Irresponsible pet owners may be asked to remove the dog from the premises and/or result in fines if failure to comply.
When does the event end?
Game Day at The Grove includes tailgating starting at 9 a.m. with game viewing beginning at noon. Following the conclusion of the football game, attendees will be given approximately one hour after to cleanup their viewing spaces and tailgates while properly disposing of any charcoal, trash and any other items. Leave the park as you found it!
What happens if tailgate rules aren't followed?
Participants must comply with all Village regulations, event rules and instructions from Village personnel.
Failure to comply may result in removal from the event and/or applicable fines.
The Village of Bourbonnais reserves the right to modify event operations or site arrangements when necessary for public safety or event operations.