Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

Can you feel the excitment? Whatever your favorite NFL team, the countdown has begun to preseason. Last night at Soldier Field fans lined up for padded practice.

The Bears capped ticket sales at 40,000 for the event, which took place on a warm and humid night. Most of the Bears say it felt like 7 months ago. Let's hope so for this heartbroken Bears fan.

Here's the highlights from chicagobears.com (note my boyfriends-in-my-own-mind, Urlacher, Olsen) "team drills included Urlacher jumping high to deflect a Rex Grossman pass, receiver Brandon Rideau making a leaping reception with defensive backs Tyler Everett and Tim Mixon all over him and Olsen catching a pass from Grossman over the middle. "

The first game for the Bears is Saturday against the Houston Texans. Bear down Chicago Bears!