The Ultimate Sports Fan’s Guide to Chicago

If you are an avid sports fan, chances are you’ve heard all about Chicago’s famous sports teams. Chicago has several major-league sports teams including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey teams. Fans from all over the country visit Chicago to attend sports games, and see the iconic stadiums where teams play. They also come to experience the city where famous championships have occurred, like when Michael Jordan won the NBA Championship for the third time in a row in 1993. Sports fans won’t be disappointed by Chicago’s wide range of teams and things to do for fans. To help you have fun on your visit to Chicago, here is the ultimate sports fan’s guide to the Windy City. 

Go see a baseball game at Wrigley Field

Known for its unique traditions and charm, Wrigley Field, which was built in 1914, has been the beloved home of the Chicago Cubs for more than a century. The historic field is the oldest park in the National League, and the second-oldest in the majors after Fenway Park. It was even designated a National Historic Landmark in 2020. If you want to take a tour and learn about its history of memorable events, you can take a field tour on a non-game day. The Chicago Cubs have won 3 World Series, in 1907, 1908, and most recently, in 2016. If you attend a baseball game at Wrigley Field, you’ll be able to see the winning team play in the historic ballpark.

Visit a Wrigleyville rooftop bar

Many fans enjoy watching the Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field from one of the nearby rooftop bars that overlook the stadium. The Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern, for example, is known as one of Wrigleyville’s best sports bars and offers an elevated dining experience with four expansive bars, two outdoor terraces, and stunning views of Wrigley Field and the Chicago skyline. You can also grab brunch while watching away games at the bar. Other popular rooftop bars that overlook the field include Murphy’s Rooftop Company and Wrigley View Rooftop. 

Explore the Chicago Sports Museum

The Chicago Sports Museum, located in Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, celebrates the world of Chicago sports using simulated experiences, relics, and stats. The museum combines skill challenges and hi-tech simulated experiences with unique sports memorabilia and an impressive collection of game-used treasures and other artifacts. It’s a playground for sports fans of all ages!

Watch the Bulls or Blackhawks play at the United Center

Fans of the NBA can attend Chicago Bulls games at the United Center, located near Chicago’s West Side. The Chicago Bulls are known as the team famous for winning 6 National Championships. Or, if you’d rather watch hockey, you can buy tickets to watch the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, who also play in the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup championship 6 times since their founding in 1926.

Dine at Michael Jordan’s Steak House

Michael Jordan’s Steak House is a great place to order a delicious steak and a glass of fine wine. When you first walk into the restaurant, you’ll find replicas of Michael Jordan’s trophies from his championship wins at the entrance. The restaurant prides themselves on “Steakmanship”—they put the personalized experience of each guest first. They focus on seasonal ingredients, pure bold flavors, and authentic hospitality. You’ll be able to experience an elevated steakhouse experience in Michael Jordan’s own restaurant.

Cheer on “da Bears” at Soldier Field

Soldier Field, located in Museum Campus, is home to the NFL’s famous Chicago Bears and is the oldest stadium in the NFL. Known affectionately as “da Bears” by locals, the Bears have played at Soldier Field since 1971. The field is also home to the MLS’s Chicago Fire FC. When you attend games at Soldier Field, you’ll most likely be surrounded by thousands of other cheering fans since the stadium has a capacity of 61,500.

See the White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field

Guaranteed Rate Field, located in the South Side of Chicago, is the home to the Chicago Cubs rival, the Chicago White Sox. This stadium was the first new major sporting facility built in Chicago since 1929. The design retains features from the White Sox’s old home, Comiskey Park, such as the “exploding scoreboard.” The Chicago White Sox are nicknamed after their location—the “South Siders.” The White Sox have won three World Series titles, two in the early 1900s and the third 88 years later in 2005. 

Planning your trip

Whether you choose to visit Chicago this summer or another time in the future, you’ll have an exciting experience, especially if you choose to visit some of these sports-related places or attend a sports game. After you’ve selected your travel dates, you’ll need to decide where you’ll stay on your trip. Consider booking a hotel located in the heart of the city, like Hotel EMC2 in Streeterville. It’s conveniently located close to many of these places and is also next to many other iconic destinations. Now you’re ready for your upcoming trip to Chicago filled with breathtaking adventures, nail biting games, and spectacular sights. 

Need a place to stay when visiting Chicago? Book your reservation here.