Published: January 19, 2007
NFC(R) Championship Playoffs Send Bears(R) Fans Clawing for 'Gould-En' Ticket Jersey

As the Chicago Bears® make a run for the Super
Bowl®, fans are making a run for Soldier Field's® Bears Pro Shop. Since
last weekend's game-winning field goal, which sent the Bears to the NFC
Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints® this Sunday, kicker
Robbie Gould's replica jersey is the golden ticket item -- currently
available exclusively at the Bears ProShop at Soldier Field in Chicago and
online at www.store.chicagobears.com, both operated by Delaware North
Companies Sportservice.
"Gould's 49-yard overtime kick last Sunday has sent us into overdrive,"
said Jason Smothers, e-commerce manager for the Chicago Bears. "Fans are
buying us out of the Gould jerseys and other Bears items almost as quickly
as we are ordering."
It's no surprise -- Gould's No. 9 jersey now ranks, in terms of popularity,
alongside those of quarterback Rex Grossman, linebacker Brian Urlacher and
defensive back Devin Hester. Despite the rush, Smothers says the Bears Pro
Shop planned ahead as much as possible to meet demand and has more items on
the way.
Currently, the store offers 600 Bears products and plans to add an
additional 200 to 300 items in the coming weeks. If the Bears defeat the
New Orleans Saints on Sunday, new items will include adult T-shirts for men
and women, hats, glassware, pennants, children's apparel, novelty items and
collectibles donning the NFC Champion logo. The Exclusive Tradition
merchandise, which was among the most popular items in 2006, will also
expand in 2007.
Fans hoping to tackle these hot ticket items can visit the store virtually
at www.store.chicagobears.com.
About Delaware North Companies Sportservice
Delaware North Companies Sportservice has been a global leader in food,
beverage and retail management for nearly a century. The company provides
concessions, gourmet catering and fine dining operations at more than 50
professional sporting venues for Major League Baseball, the National
Football League and the National Hockey League, as well as at entertainment
complexes and convention centers across the United States and Canada. From
the Stanley Cup Championships and Major League Baseball's World Series to
the Olympic Games and world-class entertainment, Sportservice continues to
set the standard for innovation, creativity and customer service
excellence.
Throughout its impressive history, Sportservice has kept its focus on the
fans and evolved its facilities, operations and food and retail offerings
to meet the ever-changing industry trends and consumer demands. Whether
it's introducing healthier food selections and signature cuisine to fresh
takes on traditional fare and new organic options, Sportservice is
committed to taking the fan experience to a whole new level.
About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the world's leading hospitality and food
service providers. Its family of companies includes Delaware North
Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment,
Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North
Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International, TD
Banknorth Garden and American Park 'n Swap. Delaware North Companies is one
of the largest privately held companies in the United States with revenues
approaching $2 billion annually and 40,000 associates serving half a
billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom,
Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit
www.DelawareNorth.com.
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