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The great thing about Chicago for roadtripping fans of visiting teams is that not only are there endless attractions, easy transit, and the expectation that you’ll gorge yourself on pizza, Chicago’s Windy City moniker pretty much hands you a list of jokes about the Shamrox. Probably best reserved for after you’ve stumbled out of the post-game party and you’re at your comedic peak.*

*In a way.

Where to stay:
For unsuspecting fans rolling into Chicago for the weekend, it probably seems like a pretty good idea to snag a hotel room near the arena. In actuality, it isn’t so much a bad idea as it is an inconvenient one, since the Sears Center is plunked out in a Chicago suburb, pretty far removed from downtown. However, if you’re in town for lacrosse and nothing but, hit up the Hyatt Place Hoffman Estates, located four minutes from the arena. If you want to be closer to the post-game party, try the Hyatt Regency Woodfield in Schaumburg.

For downtown accommodations I have to give the edge to the Best Western River North for being the only downtown hotel to offer free parking to guests.

Where they play:
On the plus side, the Sears Center is fairly new and is a pretty cool little arena for lacrosse, seating just 9,700. On the down side, as recently mentioned, it’s out in the boonies.

The Sears Center is just north of the I-90 and west of Illinois Route 59. If you’re coming in from the east (downtown) follow the I-90 west to the New Sutton Road/Route 59 exit and drive straight, keeping an eye out for the arena on the right.

Coming in from the west, take the I-90 east to the New Sutton Road/Route 59 exit and turn left on New Sutton Road, heading north to the next traffic light. Turn left onto Columbine Boulevard and the Sears Center will be on your right.

Parking is available off of Prairie Stone Pkwy, Columbine Blvd, and Pratum Ave.

Public transit way out in Hoffman Estates leaves a little to be desired, but if you’re looking to avoid the parking hassle jump on the Metra (commuter train) Milwaukee District West line at Union Station and take it to Elgin Station. From here you’ll need to take a cab to the arena, but it’s a 15-minute drive as compared to the 45-minute drive from downtown. From this station to the arena you’ll avoid the toll road.

Pre- and post-game:
If you’re out in Hoffman Estates with a little extra time there’s a Buffalo Wild Wings about a mile from the arena that serves as a pre-game spot for fans. Post-game the team heads to Knuckles Sports Bar at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield in Schaumburg.

Where to eat:
When in Rome, friends. For the ultimate Chicago dining experience you need to take in the two foods the city is famous for: pizza and hot dogs. The debate over the best pizza in Chicago is a contentious one, but locals will recommend Gino’s East, Giordano’s, and Pizzeria Uno. For Chicago-style hot dogs try Portillo’s or Superdawg.

Getting around:
Even if you have access to a car while in Chicago, it might be best to leave it parked at the hotel and grab a visitor pass from Chicago Transit. A three-day visitor pass will set you back $12 and save you the headaches of traffic and parking in a public-transit-friendly city.

Things to do:
The long list of attractions in Chicago guarantees you won’t be stuck in your hotel room watching Planes, Trains and Automobiles and wishing for that kind of excitement in your travels, but it also means I can’t possibly fit a comprehensive list of things to do in this article, so here’s a few highlights:

If you’re going to be out and about, one thing you’ll definitely want to do is get a Chicago city pass to visit five famous Chicago tourist attractions for $50. That might seem like a chunk of change upfront but it will save you some serious cash. With the city pass you’ll get admission to the planetarium, aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, and the Hancock Observatory.

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