We have a group going and our hotel is downtown just south of the river. But I would have taken anything in the Miracle Mile or Chicago Loop area. Our plan is to arrive on Friday early afternoon and park the cars (for a ridiculous amount of money, I'm sure) and use public transportation for the weekend. We will leave on Sunday mid-morning.
Taking the red line to Wrigley is the smartest thing to do, IMO. If it were just a couple of people, Uber would probably work to get to the game, but it would cost a lot more and it may be chaotic and expensive after the game.
We will probably arrive well before kickoff to take in some pre-game bar hopping in Wrigleyville. Leaving after any game at Wrigley can be a very crowded on the train. So I wouldn't be surprised if we stay in the neighborhood for while after the game as well. It really depends on what time the game is which we probably won't know until a week or so before it.
I'm also waiting to get our tickets. I checked, and last year's late season Wrigley game against rival Illinois only drew 26K and I think capacity at Wrigley for football is closer to 40K. So I suspect tickets will not be an issue.
There are some pretty good suggestions in the HopHead post.
I have some connections 20-30 years ago to Chicago and the neighborhood between River North and Wrigley. I have been back to the area over the years, and attended the 2019 and 2021 games at NU. Once I stayed at the wretched so called boutique Hotel Lincoln (Bonvoy my ass - try flophouse), the only good thing about is the rooftop bar) by the Lincoln Park Zoo and drove up the NU campus, In 2021, we stayed next to the Drake Hotel right by the curve on LDS by Oak ST. Beach, (Sonesta - big suite, nice market with quality Vodka pints and Gatorade next door)and took the Red line, then transferred to the other line and got off just off Central Ave by the stadium. It was very smooth. We won both days and it was a lot of fun both days - shout out to Bucky Irving for 2021)
Few hotels used to exist north past River North, although by now there probably are a few near Wrigley, or maybe not. There are Air B*Bs all around Wrigley. The best bet is to stay in River North or the main loop (Big Hyatt, Marriott on south river bank, ect) and just take the Red Line up to Wrigley, a very short and safe trip.
F
or the second level traveler, or someone that likes to walk or run, I recommend driving up the loop/ River North hotel, parking out front checking in/ unloading, leave the wife, then driving up to the area around the Lincoln Park Zoo (Lincoln Park West 2200 so) and finding a free street parking spot after 5/6PM on Friday. You probably can leave the car there until Sunday night, and retrieve it when you check out of the hotel. As of 2021 there was still lots of free parking around the zoo near 2200 Clark St - 2150 Lincoln Park West. (my old area) It gets tight, but it you drive around the west side of the zoo, a spot will open up, then walk 20 - 30 minutes back to the hotel and save $200.
I am going to CAL, but unless something crazy happens, I am for sure driving down to Chicago for this game. The Wrigley experience will be good, if Gophers win, and/or have a great fan turnout, and after this year that new stadium will be great. Maybe the band will attend, but I doubt that will happen again in my lifetime.
