Sports Fanatic

Sports Fanatic

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 it's baseball, basketball, or football—and whether their team's winning or losing. Come opening day for baseball season, die-hard Cubs and Sox fans take the day off work to cheer on their teams; during football season, tailgaters chow down in the parking lot before kickoff, even if it's snowy and in the single digits. One of the most fun ways to get into the Chicago spirit is to go to a game, so throw on your team's colors and join the screaming fans.

Chicago Bears

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

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

Season: August-December

How to Buy Tickets: Through Ticketmaster, at 312/559-1212 or www.chicagobears.com

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

Past Highlights: Although the Bears didn't win the 2007 Super Bowl, they won it in 1986. During that game, defensive tackle William "the Refrigerator" Perry scored a touchdown, highly 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' six championships are still revered here. After Jordan's departure in 1998, the franchise became a shadow of its former self—but a new squad of fresh faces is starting to turn things around. Coach Scott Skiles and the "Baby Bulls" are back in the playoffs (2005 and 2006), and the United Center is starting to rock again.

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

Season: November-April

How to Buy Tickets: From the ticket office, 312/455-4000 or www.bulls.com

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

Past Highlights: The Bulls won six NBA Championship Trophies: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998

Note: Avoid leaving the game early or wandering around this neighborhood at night