Travel news: Seven sporting things to see and do in Chicago - our kind of town
Chicago is a sports lover’s paradise, with passionate fans, iconic teams, and historic venues.
Whether you’re cheering for a home run, a buzzer-beater, or a goal in extra time, here are Travel News Blitz’s best sporting experiences in the Windy City.
Watch the Cubs at Wrigley Field
Why It’s Awesome: Wrigley Field is a baseball shrine where history meets hot dogs. The ivy-covered walls are older than most of your relatives, and the fans are so passionate they’ll cheer for a foul ball like it’s a grand slam.
Pro Tip: Buy a bleacher seat, grab a beer, and practice yelling “Go Cubs Go!” even if you don’t know what’s happening on the field. Also, remember: catching a home run ball is a blessing - throwing back an opponent's home run is a duty.
Cheer on the Bulls at the United Center
Why It’s Awesome: Watching the Bulls play where Michael Jordan worked his magic feels like attending a basketball church. The statue of MJ outside is so iconic you’ll feel unworthy standing next to it.
Pro Tip: Practice your “Moooooose” for Nikola Vučević ahead of time. And if they hit 100 points, look forward to a free Big Mac. Yes, even losing tastes better with free food.
Brave the Elements for the Bears at Soldier Field
Why It’s Awesome: Watching the Bears at Soldier Field is a rite of passage. Sure, the team’s motto might as well be “Maybe Next Year,” but the fans? They’re unmatched. Plus, there’s something special about screaming “Da Bears!” while your face freezes off.
Pro Tip: Wear every layer you own. The Lake Michigan wind doesn’t mess around, and by halftime, you’ll wonder if you’ve developed a personal vendetta against winter.
Get Loud for the Blackhawks at the United Center
Why It’s Awesome: Hockey games here are like rock concerts with skates and sticks. The crowd loses their minds when the Blackhawks score, and don’t even get us started on how electric the national anthem is. Goosebumps are guaranteed.
Pro Tip: The United Center sells cheddar bacon ranch fries. You don’t need an excuse, just get them.
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Watch the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field
Why It’s Awesome: The Sox bring their South Side swagger to the diamond. The vibe is chill, the ballpark food is top-notch, and if they win, you’ll be treated to a fireworks show that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Michael Bay movie.
Pro Tip: Try the churro milkshake. It’s dessert and a conversation starter about how you overdid it on snacks.
Root for the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field
Why It’s Awesome: Soccer is gaining steam in Chicago, and the Fire’s games are all about passion. Expect non-stop chants, a sea of scarves, and enough energy to make you question why you ever skipped gym class.
Pro Tip: Join the Section 8 supporters' group to really feel the vibe. You don’t even need to know the words to their chants - just yell loudly and wave your scarf like you mean it.
Dive Into College Sports
Why It’s Awesome: Watching Northwestern football is your chance to combine tailgating with brainy vibes. You’ll see smart people scream at athletes who probably aced a calculus test earlier that week.
Pro Tip: Bring a purple shirt and pretend you’re an alum. Everyone will think you’re way smarter than you actually are.
Marvel at the Chicago Marathon (or Pretend You’re Training for It)
Why It’s Awesome: Every October, the city shuts down so 40,000 people can run 26.2 miles for fun. The real fun, though, is standing on the sidelines with coffee and donuts, cheering them on while silently thanking yourself for not signing up.
Pro Tip: Head to Chinatown or Lincoln Park for the best cheering spots, and bring a funny sign. Runners love jokes, especially around mile 20 when they start questioning life choices.
Support the Chicago Sky
Why It’s Awesome: The Sky are WNBA champs, and their games are a blast. Plus, you’ll leave inspired by their insane skills and teamwork.
It’s like watching a motivational speech, but with slam dunks.
Pro Tip: Tickets are affordable, so treat yourself to great seats. Then spend the game wondering why you didn’t stick with basketball in 5th grade.
Get Your Game Face On at the Chicago Sports Museum
Why It’s Awesome: This museum celebrates everything from the Cubs’ World Series win to the Bulls’ dynasty. Plus, it’s interactive, so you can try your hand at sports challenges without the embarrassment of doing it in public.
Pro Tip: After reliving Chicago’s greatest sports moments, grab a bite at Harry Caray’s restaurant next door and toast to the city’s legendary athletes.
Summary
Chicago’s sports scene is a mix of history, heartbreak, and hilarity.
Whether you’re freezing at Soldier Field or pretending you’re a Cubs superfan, you’ll leave with great stories, a full belly, and maybe a little less faith in your own athletic skills.
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