Chicago Bliss Returns To Sears Center Arena

By Marcus de la Fuente
Legends Football League officials have announced that one of the most storied franchises will be returning to its old home. The Chicago Bliss are headed back to Sears Center Arena for 2013. The arena hosted the historic, first-ever LFL game that saw the Bliss beat the Miami Caliente 29-19 in front of a near capacity crowd. Several Chicago Bears players were in attendance that day, the most noteworthy being Chicago football figure Mike Ditka, who presented the opening coin-toss.
That night, another Chicago milestone was reached as the Bliss got their first win in front of a packed stadium. Winning at home, in front of a large crowd, would become tradition for the Bliss as they would remain undefeated at the Sears Center Arena over the next two years.
Perhaps the most memorable LFL game played at Sears Center Arena was on December 18, 2010 when the Bliss met the Philadelphia Passion, amidst a 3-foot snowstorm and gusting winds. Despite the treacherous weather, thousands of loyal fans made their way to Sears Center Arena in order to pack the stadium. In fact, a line of cars stretched all the way back to the highway and led to a delayed kickoff. Once the crowd was inside, they watched their team rout the Passion 46-19.
With the success that the Chicago Bliss franchise had on the field and in the stands, you might ask why, in 2011, they moved to the South Side’s Toyota Park in Bridgeview?
The reason was simple: The league wanted to draw even larger crowds in a much larger venue. While that strategy appeared great on paper, the magic of the Sears Center Arena and North Side fan base did not follow the team to the South Side stadium. Toyota Park drew merely respectable crowds, and the team struggled on the field with an 0-2 record.
Fast-forward to 2013. League officials have gone back to recreating the old magic of the original Bliss franchise, bringing back head coach Keith Hac and returning to their beloved home of Sears Center Arena.
Opening night of the Chicago Bliss 2013 season will feature one of the most anticipated match-ups of the year. The 3-time LFL champion Los Angeles Temptation arrive in Chicago to take on the Bliss on Friday, April 19th. What better way for the Bliss to open their return to an old and magical era than with a match-up against LA?
2013 Chicago Bliss Home Schedule
Friday, April 19 vs. Los Angeles Temptation
Friday, May 10 vs. Las Vegas Sin