Does Chicago have any other teams to watch this summer other than the Cubs or White Sox? Chicago’s Local Hidden Gems in Sporting Events!
Windy City ThunderBolts
Located in Crestwood (a 35-40 minute drive from Chicago), the ThunderBolts are an independent baseball club in the Frontier League. They won two Frontier League titles vs. Washington Wild Things in 2007 and vs. Kalamazoo Kings in 2008. Ozinga Field hosts postgame fireworks on Friday and Saturday home games during the season.
Chicago Fire FC
The Minor League Soccer team is based in Soldier Field, home of the NFL’s Bears. Chicago Fire FC previously played football matches at Bridgeview’s Toyota Park (Now SeatGeek Stadium) from 2006 until their relocation to Soldier Field in 2020. Eventually the soccer franchise will open a new home venue in 2028 called McDonald’s Park. This is the first time ever that a fast food chain had a naming rights deal with a sports team.
Windy City Bulls
The NBA G League partner for the Chicago Bulls resides in Hoffman Estates’ Now Arena. The Bulls’ home is about a 35-40 minute drive from Chicago. In its third year of existence, they reached the NBA G League Playoffs. However, the Bulls ended up losing in the first round to the Westchester Knicks. They normally play their season at the same time as the Bulls: fall-spring.
Chicago Wolves
The Blackhawks are not the only hockey club to call the Windy City home as there is one Minor League franchise in Rosemont. Carolina Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, Chicago Wolves, currently play home games at the Allstate Arena. The Wolves previously partnered with the Atlanta Thrashers (2001-2011), Vancouver Canucks (2011-2013), St. Louis Blues (2013-2017), and Vegas Golden Knights (2017-2018). Chicago won three Calder Cup championships in 2002, 2008, and 2022.
Chicago Sky
The Rosemont-based women’s basketball club is officially a member of the WNBA. The Chicago Sky currently play at the city suburb’s Wintrust Arena, their home court since 2018. Chicago has been to the WNBA Finals twice in its 20-year history: 2014 and their championship run in 2021. The league has become very popular over the past couple seasons due to the rising stars of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. In fact, the Sky would sometimes host games at the United Center (Bulls & Blackhawks) whenever a hot ticket rival comes to town.
Chicago Dogs
Located in Rosemont, the Dogs are an independent baseball franchise for the American Association of Professional Baseball. Their stadium, Impact Field, is about a half hour drive from Chicago. The Dogs usually begin their season in May and last until September. Impact Field hosts postgame fireworks on Thursdays and Saturdays as well as select Fridays.
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