Chicago Sports Events and Tours Feature on a New Winter Bucket List

Winter Sports Lineup in Chicago

Temperatures are dropping across the Midwest, but Chicago’s iconic sports franchises are heating up with a packed winter slate across football, basketball, and hockey.

For fans looking to experience the city’s sports culture this winter, a new bucket list highlights the top events, venues, and historic tours available across the Best Big City.

Blackhawks and Bears Host Special Winter Games

Hockey fans can celebrate 100 years of the Chicago Blackhawks on November 17 during the Centennial Game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the United Center.

The winter calendar also features a Black Friday matchup against the New York Rangers on November 27, a New Year’s Day matinee against the Boston Bruins on January 1, and a Connor Bedard bobblehead giveaway on February 20 when the Minnesota Wild visit.

On the gridiron, the Chicago Bears host a Christmas Day game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Fans braving the lakefront weather traditionally gather early for tailgate sessions outside the stadium.

When the team is away, visitors can tour Soldier Field to see the south courtyard, the visitors’ locker room and interview room, the skyline suite, colonnades, and the field itself.

United Center Hardwood Action

The Chicago Bulls have a busy winter home schedule at the United Center, anchored by a nationally televised matchup against the reigning champion New York Knicks on December 1.

Chicago Sports Events and Tours Feature on a New Winter Bucket List

Additional winter highlights at the arena include a visit from the Los Angeles Lakers on January 2. Fans attending games can also view the Michael Jordan statue inside the atrium.

Museums and Historic Ballparks

Off-field experiences round out the winter bucket list, including the Chicago Sports Museum on The Magnificent Mile. The interactive space features game-used items, virtual-reality setups, and a chance to test a vertical leap against Michael Jordan.

Baseball fans can still tour historic Wrigley Field during the off-season. Behind-the-scenes tours offer a close-up look at the seating bowl, bleachers, outfield ivy, press box, visiting clubhouse, dugout, and field.