Things to See in Chicago for Sports Fans

7th October 2021

Things to See in Chicago for Sports Fans


Watch a Live Game

Soak up the atmosphere at a live game.  Chicago has more professional sports team than you can shake a stick at!  There is nothing quite like being part of the crowd, enjoying the quintessential game time snacks of hotdogs and beer and watching some of the best athletes in the world compete.

Spring and Summer Sports

Soccer and Baseball are the two major professional sports leagues that run through spring and summer in Chicago and throughout the USA.

Sports fans visiting Chicago in spring and summer will undoubtedly encounter fans of the two rival baseball teams in Chicago.  Watch the Chicago Cubs play at one of the most iconic sports stadiums in the world – Wrigley Field. There is an excellent stadium tour that you can take to find out all about the history of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2014.

Wrigley Field, Chicago

The Cubs’ Chicago rivals are the White Sox and their home stadium is in Bridgeport, an area with a vibrant arts scene and home to Chicago’s Maritime Museum. Arrive early to explore and then head over to join your fellow sports fans at a tailgate party before the game.

Soccer fans can enjoy a game at Soldier Field where Chicago Fire share a ground with the Chicago Bears. Summer is soccer season, join the enthusiastic Chicago Fire fans as their team take on their MLS rivals.

Basketball fans can enjoy a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena in South Chicago. Chicago Sky is one of the top teams in the WNBA and have enjoyed over 15 seasons at the top level.  The WNBA season runs from May to September.

Autumn and Winter Sports

Autumn and Winter in Chicago means more basketball, American Football and Hockey Season for sports fans.

The speed of an NHL hockey game is something that needs to be experienced firsthand. Head to United Centre to see the Blackhawks play. If you can, get tickets near the glass, from here you can feel the speed of the game, the power of a check and the sound of the puck being smashed across the ice.

The Chicago Bulls, six-time NBA champions also call United Centre home. Inside, you’ll find the popular statue of former Bulls star Michael Jordan, possibly the greatest professional basketball player of all time.  If you want to experience an iconic rivalry, see if you can get tickets to a Chicago Bulls Vs Detroit Pistons game!

Soldier Field is the official home of the Chicago Bears NFL team. Soldier Field has been an iconic structure in Chicago for almost 100 years. Chicago Bears are one of the NFLs most iconic franchises and the tailgate parties before a game at Soldier Field are legendary.

Chicago - Soldier Field

Try Some Sporting Activities

There are so many things to see in Chicago for sports fans that prefer more active experiences. Winter and Summer, Chicago has plenty of exciting and interesting activities to try.

Millennium Park Activities

Millennium Park provides a unique outdoor studio during the summer months. Free Summer Workouts take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the Great Lawn. Try yoga, strength training or Pilates against a unique backdrop.

In winter months you can try ice-skating at Millennium Park. Skate rental is available but it’s free if you have your own skates. For something extra special try one of the Ice Rink DJ Nights and enjoy a spin on the ice to the sound of some great music!

Lake Michigan Activities

Paddle boating beneath Chicago's skyline

Chicago is known for its spectacular waterfront and Lake Michigan offers water sports enthusiasts lots of exciting activities to try including sea kayaking, paddle boating and diving.

For something truly special, why not try lake surfing? Waves are caused primarily by wind blowing across the surface of the water therefore, lake surfers rely heavily on the weather to forecast surf. The best time to surf on Lake Michigan is in the late summer and autumn. You can even try in winter if you are brave enough to face the ice and snow!

Visit Chicago Sports Museum

Of course, a city with a sporting heritage like Chicago would not be complete without a museum where visitors can go to discover its glorious and successful sporting past.  Located on the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Sports Museum combines skill challenges and hi-tech simulated experiences with unique sports memorabilia and an impressive collection of game-used treasures.

Afterwards a visit to Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, also on The Magnificent Mile is highly recommended.

Chicago Holiday Deals

Planning your vacation and thinking of a holiday to Chicago? Give us a call now and our expert travel advisors will create the perfect holiday package to Chicago for you. If you are planning a visit to Chicago check out recommendations on things to do in Chicago in one day.

By Adrienne Keogh

Sales and Operations Manager

Favourite Destination: Chicago

For me Chicago is one of the best city break destinations in the USA. It really does have it all. Stunning museums and galleries, downtown skyscrapers, lots of live music and comedy, shops bars and restaurants. It’s also the perfect city break spot for a family holiday – Lincoln Zoo, Play in the Park and catching a baseball game at the famous Wrigley Field are all great family fun activities.