Game Day and Beyond

WNBA team guides

Chicago Sky

Venue and travel guide

Venue and location

Address

200 East Cermak Road

Source statement; not independently verified.

City

Chicago

Source statement; not independently verified.

Phone

(312) 791-6900 (Wintrust Arena main); Box Office (312) 808-2300; Sky Ticket Office 866-SKY-WNBA

Source statement; not independently verified.

State

IL

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue name

Wintrust Arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Zip code

60616

Source statement; not independently verified.

Parking

Cheapest

Lot B (31st Street Lot) at $18/day flat fee is the cheapest official lot; transit is generally cheaper

Source statement; not independently verified.

Guide url

https://sky.wnba.com/directions-parking-and-public-transportation

Source statement; not independently verified.

Hours

Lots open throughout event hours; no overnight parking available

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overnight

Not available at any of the three McCormick Place lots

Source statement; not independently verified.

Payment

Credit cards accepted at all three lots (arena itself is cashless)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Prices

Lot A $22/vehicle for Sky games; Lot B flat $18/day; Lot C flat $27/day

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Lot A ($25 prepaid), Lot B (VIP/Permit holders), Lot C (overflow). Parking entrances are on Cermak Road and Indiana Avenue. Wintrust Arena offers approximately 1,200 spaces across three surface lots adjacent to the venue. Event-day parking is cashless — pay via ParkChicago app or credit card at kiosks. Tailgating is not permitted. ADA parking available in Lot A with valid placard.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Public transport

CTA Green Line (Cermak–McCormick Place), CTA buses (#3, #4, #21), and Metra Electric (McCormick Place station). See Public Transit section

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tailgating

N/A — indoor arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Types

McCormick Place garages/lots — Lot A (covered garage, closest, pedestrian bridges to arena), Lot B/31st St Lot (outdoor surface), Lot C (underground garage)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rideshare

Overview

Designated pickup and drop-off zones are located along Cermak Road and Indiana Avenue. Post-game, expect surge pricing during high-demand matchups. Rideshare pickup area is well-marked with dedicated lanes to manage traffic flow.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Public transportation

Airport connection

CTA connections from O'Hare (Blue Line) and Midway (Orange Line) require a transfer downtown to the Green Line; no direct line

Source statement; not independently verified.

App

Ventra app (CTA), Metra app, and transit apps (e.g., Moovit/Google Maps) for real-time arrivals

Source statement; not independently verified.

Best option

Metra Electric to McCormick Place (direct ~7 min from downtown Millennium Station) or CTA Green Line to Cermak–McCormick Place

Source statement; not independently verified.

Bus routes

CTA #3 King Drive (most direct), #4 Cottage Grove (on Michigan Ave), #21 Cermak

Source statement; not independently verified.

Ferry

N/A — none serving the arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Nearest station

CTA Green Line Cermak–McCormick Place station (~2.5 blocks / ~3 blocks west); Metra Electric McCormick Place station (~1 block, on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

CTA Green Line (Cermak-McCormick Place station, 3-block walk). CTA Red Line (Cermak-Chinatown station, 0.5 mile walk). CTA bus routes 3, 4, and 21 stop nearby. Metra Electric District Line to McCormick Place Station (0.3 mile walk). Single-ride CTA fare: $2.50; Metra fares vary by zone.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rail lines

CTA Green Line; Metra Electric District line

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tips

The Sky publish a Metra trip-planning guide (sky.wnba.com/plan-your-trip-to-wintrust-arena-with-metra); transit avoids event-day parking congestion

Source statement; not independently verified.

Walking distance

Green Line ~3 blocks east on Cermak; Metra McCormick Place station ~1 block

Source statement; not independently verified.

Shuttles

Cost

N/A — no official Sky game shuttle

Source statement; not independently verified.

Dropoff

N/A — no official Sky game shuttle

Source statement; not independently verified.

Frequency

N/A — no official Sky game shuttle

Source statement; not independently verified.

Notes

McCormick Place runs internal campus connections, but no Chicago Sky game-day shuttle is officially advertised

Source statement; not independently verified.

Operator

N/A — no official Sky game shuttle

Source statement; not independently verified.

Pickup

N/A — no official Sky game shuttle

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

No dedicated arena shuttle service. Use CTA public transit, Metra, or rideshare for direct access. The McCormick Place shuttle system does not directly serve Wintrust Arena on game days.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Routes

None published; the Sky promote Metra and CTA rather than a dedicated game shuttle

Source statement; not independently verified.

Schedule

N/A — no official Sky game shuttle

Source statement; not independently verified.

Bicycles

Overview

Divvy bike-share stations located at Indiana Ave & Cermak Rd. Bike racks available near the arena's main entrance on Cermak Road.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Share distance

Divvy station at McCormick Square (2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, adjacent); another at Cermak & Wabash near the Cermak–McCormick Place Green Line station

Source statement; not independently verified.

Share provider

Divvy (Chicago's bike-share network, operated by Lyft)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Share station

Yes — Divvy stations serve McCormick Square

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tips

Use Divvy stations at McCormick Square or Cermak/Wabash; return to any Divvy dock in the network

Source statement; not independently verified.

Accessibility

Assistive listening

Assisted listening devices available upon request from the Wintrust Arena Box Office (located outside the arena on the southeast side)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Contact

Chicago Sky Ticket Office 866.SKY.WNBA; tickets@chicagosky.com

Source statement; not independently verified.

Elevators

Two elevators on the southwest side of the arena, serving the first three levels; a guest elevator in the southwest corner also accesses the Suite Levels

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

Wheelchair-accessible seating is offered on every seating level of the arena, not just one designated section

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

ADA seating available on all levels. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits available at Guest Services. Wheelchair-accessible entrances on Cermak Road and Indiana Avenue. Elevators serve all concourse levels. Service animals welcome. Accessible restrooms on every level.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Restrooms

Restrooms throughout each level; baby changing stations in handicap stalls in men's and women's restrooms; a family restroom on the 100-level concourse (southeast side)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Service animals

Service animals are the only animals permitted; must be individually trained to assist a person with a disability; animals posing a threat may be removed

Source statement; not independently verified.

Wheelchair seating

Wheelchair-accessible seating on all levels (100-Level and 200-Level), with adjacent companion seating available; purchase via Sky Ticket Office 866.SKY.WNBA

Source statement; not independently verified.

Food and vendors

Cashless

Yes — Wintrust Arena is fully cashless; all concessions/merchandise accept major credit cards and Apple Pay only

Source statement; not independently verified.

Craft beer

Revolution Brewing (local Chicago craft brewery) is featured; full bar/beer service throughout concourses (alcohol service ends after the 3rd quarter)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

Fans presenting a Wintrust Bank Debit Card at concessions may receive discounts on select items

Source statement; not independently verified.

Local

Garrett Popcorn (Chicago staple) featured at concessions; Revolution Brewing (local craft brewery) sponsors the Hero Deck

Source statement; not independently verified.

Notable stands

Stands behind Sections 115, 119, 127-128, 215, 219, 230; portable stands behind 105, 117, 201-202 on some dates. Pepsi products served

Source statement; not independently verified.

Outside food policy

Outside food and drink not allowed; no coolers or beverage containers of any kind permitted

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Concessions include Wintrust Cafe, various local Chicago food vendors, and the official Chicago Sky Team Store on the main concourse. Local rotating food partners highlight Chicago's diverse food scene. Mobile ordering available via the Sky app.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Vegetarian

Plant-based chicken tenders available; additional vegetarian options at concession stands

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue history

Architect

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects (design); Moody Nolan (architect of record); AECOM (sports architect); Clark Construction (general contractor)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Construction cost

$173 million (broke ground November 16, 2015)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Famous moments

Hosted Games 3 & 4 of the 2021 WNBA Finals, where the Chicago Sky won their first championship over the Phoenix Mercury (both home games sold out at 10,387); hosted the 2020 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game; primary stage for Star Wars Celebration 2019; 2024 NBA Draft Combine

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

DePaul University turned down a 10-year rent-free offer to play at the United Center in favor of building Wintrust Arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Original capacity

10,387 (basketball)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Original name

Wintrust Arena (previously referred to during development as DePaul Arena and McCormick Place Events Center)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Wintrust Arena opened in 2017 as part of the McCormick Square development. Serves as the home court for the Chicago Sky (WNBA) and DePaul University men's and women's basketball. The Sky won their first WNBA Championship in 2021. The arena seats 10,387 for basketball and has hosted NCAA tournament games and concerts.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Records

Sell-out crowds of 10,387 for the 2021 WNBA Finals home games

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue details

Capacity

10,387

Source statement; not independently verified.

Climate

Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena; part of the McCormick Square / McCormick Place convention complex

Source statement; not independently verified.

Elevation

Approx. 594 ft (Chicago city elevation); arena-specific elevation not separately published

Source statement; not independently verified.

Levels

Two main seating bowls — 100-Level and 200-Level — plus suite levels (200 and 300-level concourses)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Premium

22 total luxury suites (200 and 300-level concourses); premium areas include the Wintrust VIP Lounge, Magellan Courtside Club, Champion's Lounge, and Revolution Brewing Hero Deck

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Total basketball capacity: 10,387. The arena covers 300,000 square feet with a standard 94-foot basketball court. Features a modern scoreboard and premium seating options including suites and club-level seating.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Shared tenants

DePaul Blue Demons men's and women's basketball (NCAA); serves as an events center for McCormick Place

Source statement; not independently verified.

Surface

Hardwood basketball court (indoor)

Source statement; not independently verified.