Chicago Sports Teams & Tickets

Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, Walter Payton, William "the Refrigerator" Perry, Ernie Banks, Sammy Sosa, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. You can't mention Chicago without talking about sports. Chicagoans are fiercely devoted to their teams, whether the team's winning or losing. Baseball's opening day draws die-hard Cubs and Sox fans, and come winter snow and single-digit weather cannot deter tailgaters from Bears games. One of the best ways to get into the Chicago spirit is to join the screaming fans at a game.

Chicago Bears

Chicago football is messy and dirty. Don't expect to be wowed by star quarterbacks and amazing passes, but do get ready for the team's smash-mouth style. Legends like Walter Payton have come and gone, but after several mediocre seasons things have started to look up: they made it to, but did not win, the Super Bowl in 2006.

Where They Play : Soldier Field (425 E. McFetridge Dr., South Loop)

Season : August-December

How to Buy Tickets : Ticketmaster (312/559-1212); www.chicagobears.com

Most Notable Players : Dick Butkas, Mike Ditka, Walter Payton, William "the Refrigerator" Perry, Jim McMahon

Past Highlights : The Bears Super Bowl shuffled into the 1986 championship; along the way to victory William Perry scored a touchdown, rare for a defensive player.

Chicago Bulls

It's been years since Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson's "dynasty" teams played in the United Center, but the Bulls are still revered here. After Jordan's departure in 1998 the franchise stumbled, but a new squad of fresh faces is turning things around. Coach Vinny Del Negro and the "Baby Bulls" returned to the playoffs in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009.

Where They Play : United Center (1901 W. Madison St, Near West Side)

Season : November-April

How to Buy Tickets : Ticket office (312/455-4000); www.bulls.com

Most Notable Players : Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc

Past Highlights : Two "three-peats": 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1996, 1997, 1998

Note : Don't leave the game early or wander around this area at night

Chicago Cubs

Cubbies fans are certainly loyal, sticking by their "boys in blue" for 102 championship-free years. Some blame the record losing streak on a curse made by William Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, whose goat was turned away at the 1945 Cubs-Tigers World Series. But the North Siders have logged three consecutive seasons with a winning record, and under new ownership, the Cubs might finally put the curse to rest.

Where They Play : Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St., Lakeview)

Season : April-September

How to Buy Tickets : Ticket office (773/404-2827); chicago.cubs.mlb.com

Most Notable Players : Sammy Sosa, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg, Ernie Banks

Past Highlights : An infamous fan reached for and caught a foul ball in the eighth inning of Game 6 in the 2003 playoffs, preventing the fielder from getting an out. The Cubs were five outs away from advancing to the World Series; instead the team lost the series in game seven.

Note : Take a 90-minute tour of the Friendly Confines for $25 per person.

Chicago White Sox

Since winning the World Series against the Houston Astros in a four-game sweep in 2005, the South Side favorites have faltered. Manager Ozzie Guillen helped the Sox get past a rough 2007 season to win the American League Central crown in 2008, only to be eliminated by Tampa Bay in the AL Division series. The highlight of the mixed 2009 season was pitcher Mark Buehrle's perfect game against Tampa.

Where They Play : U.S. Cellular Field (333 W. 35th St., South Side)

Season : April-September

How to Buy Tickets : Ticket office (312/674-1000); whitesox.mlb.com

Most Notable Players : "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, Roberto Hernandez, Roberto Alomar, Johnny Mostil, Frank Thomas, Germaine Dye

Past Highlights : On September 30, 2008, the Sox secured the American League Central title in a tiebreaker against the rival Minnesota Twins.

Note : The area around the Cell is sketchy—don't have valuables in your car, and be careful getting back to your car at night.

Chicago Blackhawks

In the 1990s through 2004, the Blackhawks were flying under most Chicago sports fans' radar. But when the era of much-maligned owner William "Dollar Bill" Wirtz ended in 2007, the fans returned, and the team turned around. In 2010 the team solidified its comeback by winning the Stanley Cup championship.

Where They Play : United Center (1901 W. Madison St., Near West Side)

Season : October-April

How to Buy Tickets : Ticket office (800/745-3000); blackhawks.nhl.com

Most Notable Players : Pierre Pilote, Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Tony Esposito, Wayne Gretzky

Past Highlights : On June 9, 2010 the Hawks clenched the Stanley Cup in a thrilling sixth game tie break against the Philadelphia Flyers. Even the Chicago Picasso donned a hockey mask in celebration.

Note : There is no street parking near the United Center, so plan to park in a nearby parking lot.

Other Teams

Chicago Sky. The fledgling WNBA team's 2006 debut ended in last place in the Eastern Conference. Since then there have been steady improvements, though the team just missed the playoffs in 2009. The season runs from April to August outside Chicago in Rosemont. Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont 866/759-9622 www.wnba.com/sky.

Chicago Fire. The Chicago Fire S.C. (Soccer Club) ended its first season by taking home the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. The team were also champs in 2000, 2003, and 2006. A move from Soldier Field into its own stadium in 2006 outside Chicago didn't spell success; the team has struggled at home despite strong performances on the road. The Fire play from April to October. Toyota Park, 7300 W. 71st St., Bridgeview 888/657-3473 www.chicago-fire.com.