Spectator Sports
A longtime baseball fan once told me that he didn’t root for one Chicago baseball team over the other, because it was so rare to have two Major League teams in one town that we should be happy if either does well. That makes so much sense, though not too many locals are bound to follow it—Chicagoans do love their cross-town rivalry between the South Side Sox and North Side Cubs. But it’s true. Chicago is lucky to have two baseball clubs, each boasting huge fan bases, despite only a few championship wins between them over the years. We also have incredible (at least for watching, if not winning) professional basketball, football, soccer, and hockey teams, all well supported, well loved, and well attended. Women’s sports are gaining ground here too, and not too far from the city are a horse-racing track and a NASCAR raceway. It’s easy to get caught up in the enthusiasm at a live game whether you’re a die-hard fan or one-time watcher. If you’re root, root, rooting for the home team, we’re right there with you; and if you’re cheering on the opposing team, then just don’t tell us.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 1060 W. Addison St.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 333 W. 35th St.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 1901 W. Madison St.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr. (at Lake Shore
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 1901 W. Madison St.
6. Chicago Fire
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 7000 Harlem Ave.
Description: One of the newer additions to Chicago’s sports scene, the Chicago Fire made its Major League Soccer debut in 1998—its formation was announced on October 8, 1997, the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. They’ve been smoking hot ever since, with an MLS Cup Championship their first year out, plus conference and division championships as well. Although the stadium is a bit far afield, the fiery fandom offers a taste of that wild European football sensibility. Tickets range from $15 to $70 (and $225 for field-side). Tailgating is free. The Fire takes to the field from March through October.
7. Chicago Rush
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (855) 787-4946
Address: 6920 N. Mannheim Rd.
Description: Co-owned by ‘da Bears former coach Mike Ditka, this Arena Football League team might not have the huge fan base of the Bears, but it may have a happier one. After all, game-goers aren’t numb from the cold, the shorter 50-yard field means way more reason to jump out of your seats with excitement (scores regularly get to numbers like 50 or 60), the smaller stadium gets you much closer to the action, the tight-skirted Adrenaline Rush cheerleaders attract roars of approval, and tickets don’t cost an arm and a leg. Tickets $10 to $60. Parking ranges from $11 to $20; tailgating doesn’t cost anything. The season runs from mid-March through late July.
8. Chicago Slaughter
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: Ticket hotline: (888) 732-7784
Address: 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy.
Description: Part of the 22 current teams of the Indoor Football League, which formed from a 2008 merger between the Intense Football League and the United Indoor Football Association, the Slaughter was founded in 2006 and joined the IFL in 2010. Former Bears Football star Jim McMahon is an owner. Beyond the play, there’s a pre-game hour of kid-friendly festivities including a bounce house, face-painting, live bands, and visits with the mascot, Sarge. Stick around after the game, too, for autographs on the field from the players, coaches, and Slaughter Girls. Tickets $8 to $35; tailgating is free and, as they say, “encouraged” (don’t be surprised if a coach or player stops by for a burger). Home games typically take place mid-February through mid-June.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 27 Jennie Finch Way (Bryn Mawr Ave. and
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 6920 N. Mannheim Rd.
11. Windy City Rollers
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (312) 413-5740
Address: 525 S. Racine Ave.
Description: Ruth Enasia, Yvette Yourmaker, Beth Amphetamine, Karmageddon, Deb Autry, Mya Ssault, Sargentina. These are some of the whimsically fear-inducing assumed names of Chicago’s roller derby queens. Believe it or not, the Windy City team is one of nearly 90 across the country in four different regions, all part of the recently formed Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. With their wicked moves, lightning-fast feet, blocks, whips, and merciless knock-downs, this game is one of the wildest to watch. Brains, brawn, and beauty all in one high-octane event. Tickets $22 with facility fee; students and seniors $15; children 12 and under $10; track-side seats available at $15 to $35.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 2200 Euclid Ave.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 500 Speedway Blvd.