Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FOOTBALL
The
Chicago Bears
play at a newly renovated
Soldier Field,
Lake Shore Drive
and 16th Street (
&
847/295-6600;
www.chicagobears.com). Although the proj-
ect was controversial (raising the usual uproar about tax dollars being used to fund
a privately owned sports team), the original stadium, built to commemorate the
soldiers of World War I, was undeniably shabby and low on amenities. The sta-
dium's most distinctive feature—its classically-inspired colonnade—was retained,
but a giant addition that looks somewhat like a spaceship was crammed awkwardly
on top. Architecturally, it's a disaster. But from a comfort perspective, the place is
much improved—although that doesn't impress long-time fans who prided them-
selves on surviving blistering cold game days and horrifying bathrooms.
Bears fans still reminisce about the 1985 season, when Mike Ditka led his
team to an NFL championship, like it happened yesterday. But the current Bears
are no longer the notorious “Monsters of the Midway” who battered opponents
into submission under the aegis of NFL founding father and legendary coach
George “Papa Bear” Halas. Nor are they the gridiron warriors immortalized by
hard-hitting linebacker Dick Butkus, or the fun-loving “Shufflin' Crew” led by
Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, the league's all-time rushing leader.
But there is still something quintessentially Chicago about grilling up ribs and
brats in the parking lot before the Bears go to battle against archenemy Green
Bay Packers. Just make sure you dump a pint of peppermint schnapps in that
thermos of hot chocolate before you experience “Bear Weather” for the first
time. Tickets cost $45 to $300.
The
Northwestern Wildcats
play Big Ten college ball at
Ryan Field,
1501
Central St., in nearby Evanston (
&
847/491-CATS
).
HOCKEY
The
Chicago Blackhawks
have a devoted, impassioned following of fans who
work themselves into a frenzy with the first note of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
But don't expect any heroics on ice along the lines of past Hawks legends such as
Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito. Any player who turns into a star and, hence, earns
the right to restructure his contract for a higher salary, is immediately traded by
penny-pinching owner Bill Wirtz—derided by fans and local sportswriters as
“Dollar Bill.” The Blackhawks play at the
United Center,
1901 W. Madison St.
(
&
312/455-7000;
www.chicagoblackhawks.com). Tickets cost $15 to $100.
For a more affordable and family-friendly experience, catch the semipro
Chicago Wolves
at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont (
&
847/
724-GOAL;
www.chicagowolves.com). The team has been consistently excellent
over the past few years, and the games are geared toward all ages, with fireworks
before the show and plenty of on- and off-ice entertainment (tickets $13-$30).
HORSE RACING
Thoroughbred racing happens at
Arlington International Racecourse
(p. 208),
2200 W. Euclid Ave., in Arlington Heights (
&
847/255-4300;
www.arlington
park.com), and
Hawthorne Race Track,
3501 S. Laramie Ave., in Stickney
(
&
708/780-3700
).
SOCCER
Chicago's major-league soccer team, the
Chicago Fire,
plays at Soldier Field
from late May through October (
&
888/MLS-FIRE;
www.chicago-fire.com).
Games have a family feel, with plenty of activities for kids and affordable ticket
prices ($15-$40).
