Local teams give cash-strapped fans a sporting chance
There's nothing like being at the United Center to witness firsthand the spectacle that is the national anthem before a Blackhawks game.
Or being there in person on a crisp fall day as the Bears burst through the tunnel at Soldier Field.
Or seeing Chicago's very own Derrick Rose weave his magic on the court for the Bulls at the UC.
And as for a summer afternoon at the Cell or Wrigley Field? Forget it. Doesn't get any better than that.
When it comes to professional sports, Chicago has so much to offer. The unfortunate reality, though, is that it's going to cost you a lot of buck for your bang.
But don't despair sports fans. There are cheaper alternatives, and they're right here in our own suburban backyard.
Hockey fans have a chance to see the defending American Hockey League champion Chicago Wolves go for two in a row at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont or watch some of the best Junior level players around fight for their playoff lives with the Chicago Steel at Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville.
Football fanatics can get their fix by heading over to the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates to see former Bears standout Steve McMichael guide the Chicago Slaughter indoor football team. Heck, just seeing what the always unpredictable McMichael will say or do is almost worth the price of admission.
Itching to see some baseball? Check out lovely Alexian Park to watch the Schaumburg Flyers. Or how about a nice drive to Geneva where the ever-entertaining Kane County Cougars play in newly renovated Elfstrom Stadium?
Whichever venue you choose you're in for an experience you don't always get downtown: a fan-friendly environment, reasonably priced ticket packages and the chance to watch players giving it their all in hopes of one day hitting the big time.
And if you want an autograph - no problem.
It's not just the action on the field that draws folks to the suburbs. If you show up for a game where there isn't some sort of promotion going on then, well, you're not really trying. From Jerry Lewis impersonator Myron Noodleman to Jake the Diamond Dog to Fireworks Nights to eating contests and various giveaways, there's always something going on at the suburban venues.
Here's a closer look at our suburban teams and what they offer:
Team: Chicago Wolves
League: American Hockey League
Founded: 1994
Home: Allstate Arena, 6290 Mannheim Road, Rosemont
About the Wolves: The Wolves are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers. They have won four championships, including their second Calder Cup trophy last season.
Tickets: Day-of-game prices start at $11. Fan 4 Packs, including four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas, start at $59.
Parking: $11
Schedule: The regular season runs through Saturday, April 11, with the playoffs starting up shortly thereafter.
The Wolves' shot: The Chicago Wolves have shown more than 5 million fans their special brand of "Serious Hockey. Serious Fun." Renowned for their winning ways and family-friendly atmosphere, the Wolves provide exciting pre- and postgame entertainment to complement the hard-hitting, fast-paced spectacle on the ice.
Web site: chicagowolves.com
Team: Schaumburg Flyers
League: Northern League (Independent)
Founded: 1999
Home: Alexian Field, 1999 Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
About the Flyers: The Flyers have reached the postseason four times, including an appearance in the Northern League Finals in 2004.
Tickets: Prices start as low as $5 for lawn/bleacher seats and you pay up to $11 for reserved club seats. The Flyers also offer some new mini packages including "Thirsty Thursdays" and "Fireworks Nights" plans.
Parking: Free
Schedule: Regular season runs from Friday, May 15, through the end of August.
The Flyers' pitch: The Schaumburg Flyers make great baseball and a fun activity accessible for everyone young and old. They offer meet-and-greet opportunities with the players, a cutting-edge venue complete with a newly renovated Kid's Zone and Sports Lounge and affordable specials,
Web site: flyersbaseball.com
Team: Chicago Steel
League: United States Hockey League
Founded: 2000
Home: Edge Ice Arena, 545 John St., Bensenville
About the Steel: This is a Junior A Tier 1 team, meaning the players do not get paid in order to retain their amateur status. Eleven former players have been drafted by NHL teams. The Steel have reached the postseason five times in eight years, advancing as far as the conference championship.
Tickets: Prices start at $5 in advance by phone or at the box office (until 1 p.m. day of game) and go up to $12 for a sky suite ticket. Family packs are available.
Parking: Free
Schedule: Regular season ends Saturday, April 4. Playoffs begin shortly thereafter.
The Steel's shot: The Chicago Steel brings family entertainment to a new level. Fans get fast-paced action and the chance to interact with some of the future players of the NHL.
Web site: chicagosteelhockeyteam.com
Team: Chicago Slaughter
League: Continental Indoor Football League
Founded: 2007
Home: Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates
About the Slaughter: Under the guidance of head coach Steve McMichael, a former Bears defensive lineman, the Slaughter has reached the postseason in its first two years of existence. With the Arena Football League canceling its upcoming season, the Slaughter offers the only local indoor football action this spring.
Tickets: Prices start at $8 for the upper level and go up to $40 for Club Rows 1-5.
Parking: $10
Schedule: The regular season runs through Saturday, May 30.
The Slaughter's shot: Professional Indoor Football lives on with the Chicago Slaughter, offering a fun night out for the family.
Web site: chicagoslaughter.com
Team: Kane County Cougars
League: Midwest League
Home: Elfstrom Stadium, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva
Founded: 1991
About the Cougars: The Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics has seen more than 100 former players advance to the major leagues and reached the postseason 10 times, including a Midwest League championship in 2001.
Tickets: Lawn seats for regular dates start at $8, with box seats going for $12. Expect to pay $2 more for premium dates.
Parking: General admission parking is free; reserved parking is $5.
Schedule: The regular season runs Thursday, April 9, through Monday, Sept. 7.
The Cougar's pitch: The Cougars offer a great combination of action, entertainment, service and, most important, value.
Web site: kccougars.com