A bar divided: The Rivalry in Burlington brings Packers and Bears fans together

 

BURLINGTON, Wis. (CBS 58) — Green and gold or blue and orange?

If you're a house divided, one bar in Burlington is the place to show some love for both teams on Sunday.

The Rivalry opened 12 years ago on Main Street in Burlington, as a place for owners Bob and Brenda Hansen to show their allegiance.

"He's from Illinois and he's a Bears fan, and I was grown up to be a Packers fan. So, I thought it would be funny,” Brenda Hansen said.

It's all in the name and the logo, a cartoon football donning a half-Bears, half-Packers helmet.

The inside is decked out with memorabilia from both teams.

"I tried to pick ones that meant the most, and I believe we accomplished that throughout the bar. My favorite one is of George Halas and Vince Lombardi,” Brenda said.

There might be a bit more Packers representation than Bears, and Brenda said that's thanks to her dad.

"He always grew up as a Packer fan, and he left that legacy to the rest of us. So, some of it is in memory of him,” Brenda said.

Football season means busy season for The Rivalry bar.

Bears and Packers fans are always welcome, and while there will be some teasing, it’s always positive.

"We never let it get to the point where some people do. It's never a battle, it's just in fun,” Brenda said.

The Packers-Bears watch party at The Rivalry bar starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept 10.

Fans get free shots each time their team gets a touchdown.