7 Essential Chicago Travel Tips for Sports Fans
Essential Travel Tips for Sports Fans Visiting Chicago
Chicago is the ideal destination for sports fans. It’s not only home to the Bulls, the Cubs, and the Blackhawks, it’s also a fantastic cosmopolitan city to explore. There are exhilarating sporting events all year round and you can watch them at their lively sports bars. You can even dine at sport themed restaurants owned by famous athletes. If you don’t have tickets for any events, there are plenty of amazing outdoor attractions to explore. Here are seven essential travel tips for Chicago sports fans.
Baseball at Wrigley Field
If you love baseball the place where Cubs Fan Ends Up With Police Protection After Failed Catch is a must-see. Wrigley Field is home to the world-famous Chicago Cubs. The stadium was built all the way back in 1914 and you can still see its iconic red marquee in front and hand-turned scoreboard. Wrigley Field has a long history of memorable events. The Cubs themselves are now in their 105th year and you can see them play.
Basketball at United Center
United Center is the best spot in town for basketball and hockey and both the Bulls and the Blackhawks regularly play there. You can rent an event suite to watch the game and there are plenty of other sports on as well. For football fans, you also have the Chicago Bears. There are endless options for sports fans in the windy city.
Explore outdoor attractions
If you want a break from sports you could visit one of Chicago’s cultural hotspots or outdoor attractions. Check out the beautiful Millennium Park which features an impressive array of public art. You can see some spectacular sculptures for free. It’s also home to the Pritzker Pavillion which is an outdoor concert space. There are events from the famous Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and every year the Grant Park Music Festival takes place.
Use public transportation
If you get to know the public transportation system it’s the best way to get around. You can find plenty of information including maps on the official transport website. The L train and buses will take you to all the sites and major stadiums. The Chicago Transport Authority (CTA) is actually the second-largest public transportation system in the country. You can purchase an Unlimited Ride Card and jump on and off all the trains and buses with ease.
Get a CityPASS
A CityPASS is the cheapest way to see all the attractions. It lasts for nine days so you have plenty of time to fit them all in. You get discounted entry and fast-track queue-jumping options to all the major attractions in the city. These include the Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institue of Chicago and Field Museum. The CityPASS can be downloaded automatically onto your smartphone so it’s easy and convenient to use. You can choose the dates you want it for so it can even be bought in advance.
Check out the sports bars
If you want a comfortable place to watch the games then you should check out a few of the best sports bars in Chicago. There are plenty around Wrigley Field and you can take your pick. Some of them also have games such as skeeball and batting cages. There are several Irish pubs if you’re a fan of a pint of Guinness and you can also find Cubs and White Sox themed bars. Soldier Field is another great location for sports bars. You also get to enjoy spectacular views of Lake Michigan. There are also plenty of rustic taverns near the United Center.
Dine with your heroes
You can dine with your heroes at many sports-themed restaurants. Why not also try out Michael Jordan’s steakhouse? It offers fine dining and features local cuisine along with steak house classics. Each steak is cooked exactly to your liking and they pride themselves on a personalized experience. You could also check out Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch. It serves spectacular burgers and hot sandwiches and if you eat there you can visit the museum for free. This interactive museum celebrates the world of Chicago sports, so it’s a must for any sports fan.
Chicago is the place to be for sports fans. Whether you prefer baseball, hockey, basketball, or football it has something for everyone. You can also take in the impressive culture and delicious local cuisine while you’re there. If you’re planning a sporty staycation this year, then Chicago is definitely a great shout. It’s famous throughout the world for its sports teams.