Chicago Sports Blog

The last 108 years or so has been torturous for Chicago Cubs fans. Then, on Saturday, October 22, 2016, a day that shall live on in the memories of modern day Cubs fans forever, the Chicago Cubs won the NLCS and earned their first trip to the World Series since 1945!

The scene here in the city has been electric. Wrigleyville was packed with an estimated 300,000 on Saturday night. The bars were over-flowing, many charging much more than their normal cover charges for a game day. Fireworks were exploding in all the cities neighborhoods well into the night after the Cubs clinched.

At night, the Chicago skyline is dotted with Cubby Blue on most of the major skyscrapers. The Art Institute has donned Cubs caps on their world famous lion statues at their entrance. Cubs jersey's and W flags are present everywhere. Both Northsiders and Southsiders have joined in a sort of peaceful unity in honor the Chicago Cubs being in the World Series.

On my way to work this morning, I passed the Metra station

A sea of red was all I could see as I shuffled into the Intercontinental Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago, the excitement growing as the fans waited for the opening ceremonies of the 2015 Chicago Blackhawks convention. I decided to make the trip this year to get a more personal glimpse of my favorite team in a more casual setting. The weekend began with a red carpet arrival of Blackhawks stars and alumni from years past, all of which greeted fans lining the runaway. At this point I could tell this was not going to be your typical team convention.

The rest of the weekend was a mix of autograph signings, photo ops, and panels among Blackhawks teammates and staff. A few of my personal favorites included the “Showtime” panel which included hockey legend Denis Savard, and current NHL All-Star Patrick Kane. Both players discussed their style of play and NHL careers, including the one year Savard coached Kane on the Blackhawks. The highlight of the panel was Savard explaining how he personally

This month’s Sports Traveler blog takes us to the “Windy City” in which I reside, Chicago! The city has its fair share of amazing sports venues, and this month’s blog highlights “The Madhouse on Madison.”

The United Center hosts both the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, two teams always competitive in their respective divisions. And it was last Friday I attended a Blackhawks game right at the United Center. From the moment you pull unto Madison Avenue on the West side of Chicago you can feel the energy radiate from the fans on the street all marching towards the United Center! Half of the fun of the night was interacting with other fans, including fans of the opponents at the game.

I was just getting into the arena a few minutes late, side note always leave early to guarantee stress-free parking, and walked into a guttural rendition of O-Canada. One of the most famous traditions at the United Center came next, the cheering of the national anthem! The UC literally was

Are you a soccer fan?  Well I guess most soccer fans around the world refer to it as football but to save confusion I'll just stick with calling it soccer.  Besides, its pretty clear that there is only one sport of football in this country.  Anyways, if you are a soccer fan then you should know all about the Gold Cup.  If you don't know about the Gold Cup then you might need to re-commit your fan-hood and get with the program.  The Gold Cup is a very popular event and crucial in determining the best team in North America.

The Chicago Blackhawks have started off the 2013 NHL season like a house of fire.  Going into a lockout shortened season, I'm sure every team has a lot of questions as to what level the team could perform at.  Many of the players had been playing in other countries but I would imagine that conditioning played a role for all players.  Being rusty to start this season would almost be expected.  Not for Chicago.  The team has come ready to play since the first puck dropped.

Through 19 games the Blackhawks have accumulated 35 points and also set the record for most games without a regulation loss to start a season.  The record continues to grow after last night's 1-0 win over Edmonton.  Their record currently sits at a robust 16-0-3.  The Hawks 16 wins are most in the NHL and 3 more than any other team.  The next closest team in the West is the Anaheim Ducks with 27 points and a record of 13-3-1.

*The Blackhawks are 8-0-1 at home in the United Center and 8-0-2 on the road.

Sports Traveler has improved our Cubs Baseball Travel Packages! We have now included guided tours of Wrigley Field & roundtrip transfers from your hotel to the airport.

The Wrigley Field Tours include stops in the press box, bleachers, mezzanine suites, clubhouses, dugouts, and an opportunity to walk on the field*!

On June 17-19, the Yankees will be visiting Wrigley Field to take on the Cubs for the first time since 1939. To mark this historic event, Sports Traveler is offering a once in lifetime experience to you.

Prior to each game, fans will have the opportunity to go on the field and watch the Cubs take part in batting practice! This is an extremely rare chance to be a part of the game.

Cubs Batting Practice Packages are available for the Yankees series on June 17, 18, and 19. These packages can now be reserved and include the following:

- 30-45 minutes on the infield warning track to watch the Cubs Batting Practice
- Reserved Tickets to the Cubs Game of your choice
- Souvenir Gift Bags full of game used merchandise
- Packages are sold in groups of two (2)

View Cubs Batting Practice Packages

Start planning your group outing in Chicago to a White Sox or Cubs luxury suite.  These are a great fit for corporate outings, meetings, birthday parties, engagements, anniversaries, or a gathering with friends & family.

Cubs Luxury Suitesinclude 18 tickets to the game & two parking passes to Wrigley Field. The suite is located between the 200 & 400 level decks and is between the bases.

White Sox Luxury Suites are located on the 200 level just behind 3rd base.  Each suite includes 14 tickets and up to four more can be added on for a maximum occupancy of 18 people.  Four parking passes to US Cellular Field are also included.

Catering is not included with the price, however, can be added on for any amount that you wish.  There is no minimum or maximum amount  that you have to order.

To check on current pricing and availability for Cubs and White Sox suites, please contact Mike Maksym at 888-654-7755  Ext. 101 or [email protected].  Please note pricing and availability

Four teams now remain in the quest for the Super Bowl and we could not have asked for two better match-ups. The NFC Championship will take place between the league's longest rivalry, Bears vs. Packers. In the AFC Championship, the Steelers will host the Jets.

AFC & NFC Championship Packages include the following amenities

- Lodging in the host city close to the stadium
- Guaranteed Tickets to the game
- Daily breakfast
- All taxes

Purchase AFC & NFC Championship Packages Now

The regular season is now complete and the playoffs are ready to begin. Start booking your Wild Card & Divisional Round Playoff Packages to see your favorite team make their way to the Super Bowl.

Wild Card & Divisional Round Playoff Packages are now available for the following games:
- Colts vs. Jets - January 8
- Seahawks vs. Saints - January 8
- Chiefs vs. Ravens - January 9
- Eagles vs. Packers - January 9
- Falcons vs. TBA - January 15
- Steelers vs. TBA - January 15
- Bears vs. TBA - January 16
- Patriots vs. TBA - January 16

View 2011 NFL Playoff Packages