Oct 25, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Located in the heart of Chicago’s South Loop, Wintrust Arena is a modern, mid-sized venue that blends big-city energy with a community-focused atmosphere. Opened in 2017, this 10,387-seat arena is the home court of DePaul University men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the Chicago Sky (WNBA). With its sleek design, excellent sightlines, and intimate setting, Wintrust Arena has quickly become a favorite destination for college hoops, professional basketball, concerts, family shows and special events.
Because of its central location—just steps from McCormick Place, Lake Michigan and Chicago’s vibrant South Loop neighborhood—the arena also serves as a major hub for conferences, conventions and live entertainment.
About Wintrust Arena
Address: 200 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Wintrust Arena is part of the McCormick Square campus, which includes the massive McCormick Place convention center and nearby hotels and dining options. Designed with fans in mind, the arena features:
A horseshoe seating bowl with unobstructed views.
Modern premium spaces, including suites and lounges.
Excellent acoustics for concerts.
Its intimate size makes it a unique Chicago venue—large enough for major acts, but small enough to feel personal.
A Look Back at Wintrust Arena’s History
The arena opened in October 2017, ushering in a new era for DePaul Basketball, which had previously played home games at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Bringing DePaul back into the city was a major milestone for the university and its fans.
In 2018, Wintrust Arena became the home of the Chicago Sky, giving the WNBA franchise a state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the city. The Sky went on to win their first WNBA Championship in 2021, with Wintrust Arena serving as the backdrop for some of the most memorable games in franchise history.
Since its opening, the venue has also hosted concerts by global artists, comedy shows, wrestling events, esports tournaments and family-friendly performances like Disney on Ice, solidifying its place as a versatile entertainment destination.
How to Get to Wintrust Arena
Driving: Wintrust Arena is located near the junction of Lake Shore Drive, I-55, and I-90/94, making it accessible from all directions.
Parking: Several garages and surface lots are available around McCormick Place. Prepaid parking is strongly recommended, especially during conventions or large events.
Public Transit: The arena is well-connected via CTA:
Green Line – Cermak-McCormick Place Station (2 blocks away).
Red Line – Cermak-Chinatown Station (10-minute walk).
Multiple bus routes stop nearby.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick-up/drop-off areas are designated around McCormick Square.
Biking & Walking: The South Loop is bike-friendly, and Divvy bike-share stations are located near the arena.
Plan Your Visit to Wintrust Arena
Opening Times: Doors generally open 1 hour before tipoff or showtime.
Event Duration: Basketball games run about 2 hours; concerts and family shows vary.
Ticketing: The arena is mobile-only ticketing, ensuring fast and contactless entry.
Food & Beverages: Concessions include Chicago classics and fan favorites, such as:
Deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches.
Local craft beers on tap.
Standard arena fare like popcorn, nachos and hot dogs.
Family-Friendly Options: Kid-friendly meals and family seating sections are available.
Stadium Policies
Bag Policy: Only clear bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed. Small purses or clutches under 4.5” x 6.5” are permitted.
Cashless Venue: All concessions and retail are cashless—credit/debit or mobile payments only.
Security: Metal detectors are in place at every entrance.
Re-Entry: Guests may not leave and re-enter during events.
Inside Wintrust Arena
With just over 10,000 seats, Wintrust Arena is designed for intimacy and energy. The seating bowl brings fans close to the action, while the 360-degree concourse keeps the flow smooth. Premium seating options include:
Courtside club seating with all-inclusive dining.
Luxury suites and loge boxes with private service.
Spacious lounges for networking and group events.
The arena also boasts a large videoboard, top-tier lighting and sound systems, and retractable seating for flexible configurations.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Best Value Seats: Upper-level sideline seats offer excellent views at affordable prices.
Premium Experience: Courtside or club seating puts you close to the action with added perks.
Concert Hot Spot: Floor seats and lower-bowl sections provide the best concert experiences.
Before & After the Event: Grab dinner in the South Loop or nearby Chinatown for a true Chicago experience.
Legacy at Wintrust Arena
In less than a decade, Wintrust Arena has made its mark on Chicago’s sports and entertainment landscape. From DePaul Basketball’s homecoming to Chicago Sky’s WNBA Championship, the venue has become a proud symbol of Chicago’s basketball culture. Add in world-class concerts, family shows and special events, and it’s clear that Wintrust Arena has carved out a lasting role as one of the city’s premier event spaces.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re catching a DePaul game, a Chicago Sky showdown or a big-name concert, Wintrust Arena guarantees a modern, comfortable and exciting fan experience. Use SeatGeek to find the best tickets, compare prices and make your visit to this Chicago gem unforgettable.