Chicago Bears fans garbed in jerseys and other orange and blue memorabilia flocked to Soldier Field in anticipation of Sunday afternoon’s Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. For some, the trip required crossing continents.

       Arturo Rivas, 31, traveled from Spain with his parents for the game — his first visit to the United States. A lifelong football fan who grew up playing the “Madden NFL” video game and watching the Bears with his dad, Rivas got to the stadium about three hours early to tailgate and drink beer. He called Chicago “one of the top three cities” in the country, saying the Field Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo were two of his other favorite attractions so far.

       Despite last year’s disappointing 3-14 record, Rivas is hopeful the Bears will be playoff contenders this season. He’s particularly looking to third-year quarterback Justin Fields to improve offensive productivity. It’s the team’s second season under coach Matt Eberflus.