If you haven’t seen a game with unlimited drinks in one hand and an absurd dessert cart in the other, you’re doing it wrong.
Whether you want to impress clients, celebrate with friends and family, or simply avail yourself of the ultimate game-day experience, Chicago has options. Glorious, resplendent, glass-walled options.
Before we break down the best perks of each venue, it’s important to remember that with this caliber of seating, certain amenities are a given. Here’s how Chicago’s suites stack up when comparing standard comforts:
Got that? Great. Now on to the box scores …
Soldier Field
Each suite features floor to ceiling windows that can be opened if your party wants to hear the sounds of the game (they will) or if the weather’s nice (it won’t be). Box suites here are located at a variety of vantage points. Ask for the 30-yard line suite. It’s hands-down the best view.
Occupancy: 12 to 20 people
Cost: $6,000 to $25,000
Food and Drink: All a la carte. Expect your standard game-day fare. Otherwise, you can personalize the meal package to suit your tastes. En suite chef with a carving station anyone? Be advised: Last call is at the end of the third quarter, but the Director of Suite Sales is quick to note “that doesn’t stop consumption.” Bear down!
Best Perk: Alumni players attend every game and sometimes will stop by the suites to sign autographs, take pictures and tell stories.
When to Book: Soldier Field only designates six single-game suites a year, so the best time to book is April, right when the season comes out. That said, there is still inventory throughout summer and fall. Call (847) 739-5321 to get things started.
Wrigley Field
Forget the rooftops. Suites are located on the mezzanine level down the first and third base sides and end just past the infield, meaning no one gets stuck with an outfield view. Remember they were bolted to the upper deck in 1998 to meet expectations for hosting the 1999 All-Star Game, which means Wrigley’s suites sit closer to the action than most ballparks. If you’re looking to really blow it out, the Dell EMC Legends suite seats 15 and includes a VIP tour of Wrigley before the game. During the game, a former Cubs player will join in. Dibs on the Mark Grace game.
Occupancy: Options for 15, 18, 30, 40, 55 or 100 people
Cost: $4,900 to $12,800
Food and Drink: Try the Maddon Hoagie. Wrigley had their catering manager recreate Maddon’s favorite childhood hoagie from his aunt’s Hazelton, PA diner. Worth noting: Wrigley’s the only venue on the list not required to cut off beer sales during the game. #ThatsCub
Best Perk: A tie between seasonal outdoor heat lamps and the opportunity to watch batting practice from your suite. They open two hours before first pitch so if the team takes batting practice that day you can watch.
When to Book: Schedule comes out in September, and it’s the World Champs, so book early. There are a few suites still open for the series with the Reds (September 29 – October 1). Call the Premiere Sales team directly at (773) 404-4200 when you’re ready to reserve.
Guaranteed Rate Field
New to the ballpark: Suite 134, a 25-person suite that sits on the main concourse. The 400-level suites have the best views on fireworks nights. The Guaranteed Rate Club is located directly behind home plate and provides an all-inclusive buffet, open bar and in-seat wait service for a group of two or four.
Occupancy: Up to 40, but their most common suites accommodate 20
Cost: $2,000 to $4,200
Food and Drink: Salted and buttered pretzel knots served with whole-grain mustard, beer cheese and cinnamon vanilla icing. Last call for alcohol is the end of the seventh inning, after you’re nice and stretched.
Best Perk: Superfans can upgrade their experience to receive a visit from the 2005 World Series trophy.
When to Book: Single game suites go on sale in late October to early November. There’s 81 home games each year, so grab games early if you know what you want, but their sales team says they book plenty of last-minute outings. Email grouptickets@whitesox.mlb.com.
The United Center
Configurations abound at the United Center. The variety of these suites means you can match your event’s size, price range or even aesthetic. The BMO Harris Club has the most extravagant features including a fireplace, billiard table and Nintendo Wii. Blackhawks fans take note: book Penthouse Level Suites for an unobstructed, panoramic view of the ice.
Occupancy: 20, 40 and even 80 in their “super suites”
Cost: Starts at $4,850 (20-person suites), $8,900 (40-person suites) and $14,500 (80-person Super Suites)
Food and Drink: They make it really easy with packages ranging from Classic to Premium. Well-rounded options will satisfy everyone in your suite. The dessert cart is not included, but it’s an upgrade you just have to do.
Best Perk: United Center suites are available for all events where general tickets are sold. Imagine the suite life at one of their upcoming concerts: Jay-Z, The Killers, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, The Weeknd and Imagine Dragons are all on the schedule in the next few months.
When to Book: For the Hawks your best availability will be mid-July and for the Bulls late-August. That said, suites are still available. Call (312) 455-4119 to reserve yours.
Toyota Park
In 2016, J.D. Power & Associates Rated Toyota Park #1 in Overall Fan Experience in the Chicago Market. It’s the newest sporting venue on the list (92 years younger than Wrigley), so it’s got that new-construction feel. True soccer fans have to sit in one of the 12 Lower A-Level suites. Located on the east side of the stadium and right behind the team benches, this sideline view is perfection.
Occupancy: 20 people
Cost: Starting rate is $1,500
Food and Drink: A la carte food options range from ballpark favorites to the recommended milk-braised pork loin and four cheese mac. Mind the clock, alcohol stops being served in the 75th minute.
Best Perk: It’s the only venue on the list that’s not in the city limits, which is probably the reason Toyota Park scored so high on ease of leaving the game with J.D. Power.
When to book: Schedules are released in mid-January and the Fire had five sellouts this year. There are still suites available for the remaining home games this September. Email Pete Thompson at pthompson@chicago-fire.com to plan your premium seating.
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