Family catching memories in front of Wrigley Field
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The thrill of the game, the rush of the crowd and all that finger-licking-good stadium food!
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First and foremost, Chicago is a sports town. With brand recognition that has reached global heights, the Bulls, the Bears, the Cubs, the White Sox and the Blackhawks have all achieved legendary status among sports fans. Whether you’re a lifelong die-hard fan or just here for the nachos, Chicago’s sports energy is unmatched. Here's your ultimate guide to the city's top teams, stadiums and all the fun ways to play along. Let’s go, Chi-Town!
Chicagoans take immense pride in their teams. With more than half-dozen professional teams across every major sport, here are some of the best ones to experience live.
Baseball, tradition, and the Chicago Cubs at iconic Wrigley Field.
Illinois Office of tourism
Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field: Baseball fans know: Wrigley Field isn’t just a stadium, it’s a living symbol of the game itself. Home to the cherished Chicago Cubs (National League), the second-oldest baseball stadium in the U.S. (after Boston’s Fenway Park) is a bucket-list destination for all fans of the game. Vintage touches that remain delightfully frozen in time include the game scoreboard operated by hand, the outfield’s ivy-covered walls and bleacher seat sections with no assigned seating. Oh, and if you happen to catch the opposing team’s home run ball, it’s a Wrigley tradition to throw it back onto the field in protest.
Guaranteed Rate Field is the home ballpark for the Chicago White Sox.
Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field: On Chicago’s South Side and in a different league from the Cubs (American League), it’s all about the White Sox. With a long history in Chicago dating back to 1900, the franchise has a loyal, no-frills fan base. Adding to the game-time fun, Guaranteed Rate Field is renowned for its fantastic stadium eats, including Korean hot dogs, elote and loaded brisket cheese curds. As a fun bonus, there are post-game fireworks on nearly every Friday home game (win or lose!), and on special theme nights, too.
Soldier Field—where Chicago’s skyline meets the lakefront in the South Loop.
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Chicago Bears at Soldier Field: Da Bears! When Chicago’s celebrated football team charges onto the storied greens of Soldier Field, it feels as if the whole city tunes in. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the electric buzz of a home game, as more than 60,000 fans hoot and holler with unmatched intensity.
Chicago Bulls at United Center: Michael Jordan made the Chicago Bulls one of the world’s most ubiquitous sports brands. Decades later, the United Center still buzzes with that legacy. Gametime at the stadium is an immersive experience that encompasses the joy of the sport. Every home game still begins with one of the most iconic and dramatic entrances in sports history. The lights go dark, the signature music blasts over the speaker and each player is introduced with thunderous energy. It’s an experience you’ll never forget, and it’s just the beginning of the game!
Chicago Blackhawks at United Center: For more rousing fun at United Center, Blackhawks games are more akin to a hopping party than a sporting event. Founded nearly a hundred years ago in 1926, the team has a loyal fan base that is proud, loud and always decked out in red and black. The rollicking atmosphere begins with its national anthem tradition, as fans stand and cheer wildly throughout the opener. Regardless of whether they’re winning or losing, the experience is unforgettable.
Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field Soccer: Soccer is still relatively new to the pro-sports scene in Chicago, though Fire FC’s business is booming. The MLS franchise has developed a passionate following that flocks to Soldier Field to delight in the charged ambiance of fans chanting and competing in cheer. Fire FC’s diverse fan base brings an invigorating global energy to every game.
Pickup game of volleyball on North Avenue Beach
Beyond the big leagues, Chicago is an incredible hub of sports activities for all. Here’s how to join in on the fun and play your way.
Beach Volleyball: Summer in Chicago is high times for beach volleyball enthusiasts. Head to North Avenue Beach, where a game is always underway on the more than 80 sand courts. Numerous sports leagues and social meet-ups pack the courts, with plenty of pick-up games welcoming drop-ins. If you’ve brought your team, you can rent nets and equipment on-site.
Smash, rally, repeat—indoor pickleball fun..
Pickleball: Chicago is totally in on the pickleball craze. You’ll find the most exciting action at SPF Chicago with eight indoor courts and the unique glow-in-the-dark court. This new-era social club is a great place to hang out before and after the game, offering great food, drinks and backyard lawn games.
Whirlyball: Blend lacrosse with basketball, throw in the mad-cap zaniness of bumper cars and you’ve got the joyous hybrid sport of Whirlyball. Ideal for ages eight and up, Whirlyball is a great family activity that suits all skill levels and athletic abilities
Channeling their inner all-stars at the Harry Caray Sports Museum.
Harry Carays Chicago Sports Museum
On your way to the game, or just looking for the best seat? Chicago’s sports pubs are boisterously fun destinations for quality food and drink in between all the cheers.
Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch (835 N. Michigan Ave.) Harry Caray, the Chicago Cubs’ legendary sports commentator, had an infectious game-loving spirit. His passion for the sport is alive and thriving at this sports bar-meets-museum named in his honor. The addictively good food includes must-trys like their toasted ravioli starter (get it filled with sausage) and their towering bacon mac and cheese burger
Pro Tip: Eat at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch and you’ll get free admission into the Chicago Sports Museum. Highlights of the museum include the actual hoop where Michael Jordan made his winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals, the opportunity to step inside a Wrigley Field press box and memorabilia from the history-making game when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series.
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar: (3540 N. Clark St.) Across the street from Wrigley Field, Sluggers is the game-day go-to
for just about any game, on just about any day. The oversized bar and restaurant has large video screens broadcasting the game from every vantage point. Work up an appetite at the bar’s unique indoor batting cages and their bustling arcade games, including skee‑ball and air hockey.
Traveler's Tip: Get in on all the sports fun with the helpful planning resources for hotels, dining and all the fun things to do in Chicago with AAA TripCanvas.
Information about attractions, restaurants and other businesses was accurate at the time of publication. Offerings, hours and availability may change, and some locations may have closed since. We recommend checking directly with the business before visiting.
