We’ll all have to admit that things could be better–with Chicago’s sports teams, that is. As Tribune sportswriter Melissa Isaacson succinctly (and painfully) said in her column last Thursday, “For the first time in its long, storied and agonizing sports history, Chicago’s big five sports teams are poised to complete a full year of losing.”
But Chicago sports fans are nothing if not hopeful. And, with fall right around the corner, there’s that ever-present air of optimism for the upcoming football, basketball and hockey seasons.
New faces have arrived in the past few years as the teams try to rebuild. Here’s some help in getting you into the game if you’re hoping for a first-hand look.
– The Bears
New head coach Dick Jauron hopes to revive the Monsters of the Midway as they prepare to celebrate their 80th season in the National Football League. To recognize the anniversary, Chicago’s Field Museum has an exhibit of Bears’ memorabilia that fans can view before and after games at nearby Soldier Field.
Ticket prices remain unchanged from last year: $52, $47, $40 and $33. Director of marketing Ken Valdiserri says 60,000 season tickets are sold each year, leaving 5,000 to 7,000 single-game tickets on sale through the Bears’ ticket office (847-615-BEAR) or Ticketmaster (312-559-1212).
You’re unlikely to find any seats left except those for $33, in the end zone, Valdiserri says.
“The New Orleans, Packers and Minnesota games are sold out,” said ticket manager George McCaskey, “but there are still going to be single seats for most of the other games.” Individual tickets went on sale July 21 and are limited to a maximum of six tickets per person per game.
Promotions are planned for all home games.
At the Field Museum, Valdiserri says special pre-game brunches are being planned featuring former players.
McCaskey says food wrapped in soft containers or sandwiches can be brought into Soldier Field, but no beverages, coolers or ice chests.
Consider using public transportation to get there. Those arriving at Union Station can board southbound bus 128 on Canal Street for non-stop service to the field for just $1, or board from the Ogilvie Transportation Center at 500 W. Madison St. for the same price.
– The Blackhawks
Last season wasn’t the best of years, but the Hawks’ strong finish has boosted fans’ anticipation about the upcoming season.
Tickets for games at the United Center will be available for $75, $60, $50, $40, $25 and $15. Jim Bare, director of ticket operations, says a few changes in the pricing structure this year will provide fans with better seats, even at the lower prices.
“Basically, the $75 seats are for the lower 100 level, the $60 and $50 are the 200 level seats, and those at $40 and less are for the front, middle and back of the 300 upper level,” Bare said. “But the good news for fans is we’ve restructured the pricing for the less-expensive seats, giving fans a better quality seat than ever before. We’re proud of the fact we offer more of the inexpensive seats than any other team in the NHL, so more fans can see games.”
Tickets go on sale for regular-season games beginning Sept. 25 through Ticketmaster (312-559-1212) or in person at the UC box office. For season tickets, call 312-943-7000. Until this year, fans could buy only six games in advance of the day they purchased tickets, but Bare said that policy has been changed.
“You can buy tickets now for any game during the season,” he said. “A lot of fans are using the Ticketmaster Web site (www.ticketmaster.com) because it’s so convenient.”
No packages or multi-game discounts are available. Season tickets are calculated at 45 times the price of the seat you want. Groups of 20 or more receive their name on the scoreboard, a gift bag for the group leader and discount coupons to Fandemonium, the United Center gift shop.
Kelly Bodnarchuk, manager of client services, says plans for a number of promotions are in the works. Early-season offerings include team calendars on Oct. 8, Blackhawk checkbook covers on Oct. 15 and screen savers on Oct. 21. Various sponsors will present hat days on March 1, 5 and 16.
“We also have a team history and photo display in the United Center,” Bodnarchuk said. “With our intermission activities and video board, there’s lots to do during the games.”
– The Bulls
The six-time world champions are still riding a hot streak in attendance with 567 consecutive sell-outs, and director of corporate partnerships Brooks Boyer says a ticket to a Bulls game is still one of Chicago’s best entertainment values.
“From the moment fans walk in, we’re giving them things–from food coupons to use after the game, promotions every night, our player introductions, laser show and time-out entertainment,” Boyer said. “We pride ourselves on entertaining our fans.”
Tickets to see all the Bulls action go on sale Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. at the United Center box office and at all Ticketmaster locations, including their Web site.
Directors of sales Keith Brown said the $85 and $80 100 level and the $50 200 level seats have been bought out by season-ticket holders. Fans may still purchase 300 level seats at $38, $28, $22 and $10.
“Over 88 percent of our season-ticket holders renewed this year, but fans can get on a waiting list by calling 312-455-4000,” Brown said.
Boyer said promotions are still being finalized, but to look for “interesting and fun retail partnerships throughout the season” from Miller, Coca-Cola, Citibank, Ice Mountain, Dodge and Act II Popcorn, to name a few.
The Bulls will have 41 regular-season plus four pre-season home games. The first pre-season home game is Tuesday, Oct. 12, and the season home-opener versus the New York Knicks is on Wednesday, Nov. 3.
– The Wolves
The International Hockey League Midwest Division champions tentatively open their 41-game home season Oct. 16 in the newly refurbished Allstate Arena (formerly Rosemont Horizon), featuring reconfigured seats that are closer to the action, wider concourses and a lot more. (The date is subject to change, based on construction schedule.)
Ticket representative Kara Henning says prices this year start at $9, and go up to $35 for rink-side. Other seats are available for $11, $13, $15, $18, $22 and $30. A full season-ticket package is 41 times the cost of the seats you’d like.
“We also offer half-season ticket packages that include opening night plus 20 other games of your choice,” Henning said. “There’s also our `Flex Package’ that gives you 10 games of your choice. You can exchange a voucher for a ticket when you come, or cash them in all at once and order the games you want.”
Groups of 15 or more receive $2 off each seat they buy, and groups of 40 or more get $3 off each seat. Luxury suites for 10 guests are $500 per game and include two parking passes and snacks, with additional catering at an extra cost. Rent the suite for 21 games and the price drops to $350 per game, or to $250 per game for all 41 games.
Tickets are available by calling the Wolves at 847-390-0404, Ticketmaster or in person at the box office. Full- and half-season and voucher tickets are already on sale; individual seats will be available in September. Call 800-THE-WOLVES for more information.
Todd Frederickson, direector of game operations, says promotions are in the works, including a millennium jersey night after Jan. 1, at which special jerseys will be auctioned after the game for charity. Kids can participate in a Halloween costume contest at the end of October and will receive goodies at the door. On opening night, a tailgate party will be held outside the arena.
Meier Raivich, director of media operations, adds that the popular youth hockey contests held during intermissions will continue, as well as the Wolves’ Read to Succeed program where players visit local libraries.
