Groups can experience Chicago sporting events in a variety of exciting ways. Elevate your excursion by arranging for VIP access and premium seating in some of the city’s most iconic venues. Whether it’s seeing NASCAR drivers race along downtown streets, cheering the world’s top marathon runners, or watching one of Chicago’s pro teams play from the comfort of a luxury suite, groups can enjoy many exclusive perks.
Special sporting events in Chicago
Reserve a spot now for NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend, returning to the city from July 6 – 7, 2024, in Grant Park. Bring your group to see top NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series drivers race through downtown Chicago streets, watch big-name musicians perform at Hutchinson Field, and join in fun festival activities. With VIP access, groups will enjoy the best track views, behind-the-scenes tours, a Q&A with drivers, photo ops, lounge access, open bars, and more.
While the International Relay during Chicago Triathlon weekend is the Olympic-distance main event, other swim, bike, and run races take place Aug. 24 – 25, 2024, in downtown Chicago and on the shore of Lake Michigan. Both athletes and spectators can sign up for the Sunday VIP Package, which offers concierge services, designated areas, food, beverages, swag, and more. Other races include Sprint, Supersprint, Triple Challenge, and one for youths ages 7–14.
Watch thousands of runners from more than 100 countries compete on Oct. 13, 2024, in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of the top five marathons in the world. While the event starts and finishes in Grant Park, participants enjoy running on the flat and fast street course that winds through 29 diverse city neighborhoods. Cheer zones for the estimated 1.7 million spectators are set up throughout the course. Premium options include reserved room blocks, tour packages, and Bank of America’s high-end Finish Line Lounge. International planners can enlist tour operators to book the Chicago Marathon experience for their group.
Buy a block of seats for your group to ring in the new year at the Discover NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game. The Chicago Blackhawks will play the St. Louis Blues on Jan. 1, 2025, at historic Wrigley Field (where the game was last played in 2009). Act soon to secure priority access, which includes premium hospitality, behinds-the-scenes tours, gifts, and more. Some packages include hotel stays and transportation.
Pro Chicago sports teams
Baseball season begins in April and typically runs into October, so start planning now to create a bucket-list trip that includes catching games by the city’s two pro teams: the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox. Wrigley Field, where the Cubs play, offers behind-the-scenes tours, all-inclusive food and drink packages, and premier seating in suites, clubs, patios, bleachers, and neighborhood rooftops. During a White Sox game played at Guaranteed Rate Field, gather your group at a patio party, on the Fan Deck, or in a suite. The Guaranteed Rate Club on the second level behind home plate features a buffet and bar, and the luxurious 10- or 20-person Diamond Suites offer catering.
The Chicago Fire FC plays its MLS soccer games at Soldier Field from February through October. The team offers an array of options that include special promotions, fun theme nights, giveaways, and premium seating in luxury suites. Group seating options, including suites and dining, are offered for eight to 225 guests. Get closer to the field by booking a match day experience.
Head to the 100-year-old Soldier Field to watch the NFL’s Chicago Bears play football. Contact the Bears for information on VIP fan or SkyDeck packages for the 2024–2025 football season that opens in August and ends in January. Options include SkyDeck access, suites, on-field credentials, and Miller Lite Midway admission. Guests can even sign up to be a “Bear Down” flag holder on the field. Some packages also include hotel stays and ground transportation.
The Chicago Sky women’s basketball team won the WNBA championship in 2021. Watch them play from May through September in the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena. Entertainment that includes acrobats, musicians, and dancers adds to the electric atmosphere during games. Inquire about watching the exciting basketball action from one of 22 exclusive suites that accommodate groups of 12 to 16 people. Amenities include suite attendants, TVs, refrigerators, and a variety of food and beverage options.
The United Center serves as the home for two legendary Chicago sports teams — the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. Both the Bulls basketball and Blackhawks hockey seasons begin in October and end in April. Inquire about renting one of the United Center’s 20-, 40-, or 80-person all-inclusive luxury suites. Some United Center events offer meet-and-greets with the players and other VIP packages. Arrange for a customized message on the scoreboard and feel good knowing that proceeds go to the team’s foundation. Or schedule rides on the Zamboni ice resurfacer during Blackhawks games. For a great group photo op, pose with the bronze statue of Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan in the United Center atrium or the team’s six NBA championship trophies, stationed near Section 117.
Learn more about Chicago sports.
