Entertainment in Chicago

Make the most of Chicago while you’re here for the conference. Here’s just a sampler — from www.chicagotraveler.com — of all that the Windy City has to offer.

Sports
For sports fans, Chicago is home to some of the most storied franchises
in professional American sports, and their historic outdoor stadiums are
considered to be major landmarks in their own right. A pilgrimage for any
true baseball fan visiting Chicago, Wrigley Field in the Near North Side is
one of the most iconic ballparks in the Majors, and first opened in 1914.
On the South Side, Soldier Field has been the home of the Chicago Bears
for more than four decades and is as recognizable as any football field in
America.

Attractions
Chicago is a city identified by its stunning architecture and engineering marvels. The many famous buildings and attractions in the Loop of Downtown Chicago make it one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in America. Traverse the 103-story Willis Tower Skydeck (formerly called the Sears Tower) for breathtaking views, or travel to the
world’s largest commercial building, the Merchandise Mart, which is an Art
Deco masterpiece that’s so big it needs its own zip code. Walk Chicago’s
Champs-Elysees — the Magnificent Mile — or hang out at the Navy Pier for the fun and fireworks.

If there’s one thing Chicago’s not short on, it’s museums. From the famous natural history Field Museum housing the largest T-Rex ever unearthed to the newest addition —the first-ever national Greek museum in the United States — many choices await you.

Food
When it comes to dining, Chicago has it all — and some of the best in the
nation. The city’s cosmopolitan makeup is reflected in its plethora of ethnic
restaurants. Italian food, ranging from hearty deep-dish pizza (developed
in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno) to delicately crafted creations presented at stylish
trattorias, continues to dominate a very dynamic scene. Recently, there’s
been a surge of popularity for New American cuisine. Thai restaurants still
thrive, as do ones with a broad Mediterranean slant, and there are plenty
of opportunities to sample more longstanding Chicago cuisines. Of course,
a number of establishments serve good, old fashioned barbecue ribs, a
messy Italian beef sandwich, and the famous Chicago-style hot dogs —
laden with tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, and a pickle.

Entertainment
Chicago is famous for legendary blues and jazz, which can be heard nightly
in venues throughout the city, including the world-famous House of Blues.
Of course, Chicago’s music scene can also take an indie track, or hip hop,
or electronic, or just plain rock n’ roll. They say “Whatever is on your iPod is
also in Chicago.”

Chicago’s comedy scene is responsible for launching the careers of such
famous performers as John Belushi, Joan and John Cusack, Bill Murray and many others. From traditional stand-up to competitive improv, you can find it in Chicago.

On any given day — or night — in Chicago’s 200+ theaters, you can find
everything from Broadway-style world premieres to edgy original plays.