Allstate Arena 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, IL
Stadium Review
The Allstate Arena is the sixth professional stadium in the Chicago area as the Chicago Sky, Chicago Wolves and DePaul men’s basketball team call the arena home.
Allstate Arena has hosted several high profile events. First, the arena has hosted the NCAA basketball tournament three times – the 1987 and 1993 first and second round games and the Regional Finals in 2005. Second, it hosted Wrestlemania XXII on April 2, 2006. Third, it hosted UFC 90 on October 25, 2008. And, although not technically high profile, the Chicago Wolves have appeared in six league championships (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2008).
Also, Allstate Arena was home to the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League. At this time, it appears the Chicago Rush will be coming back for the 2010 season.
Directions
From O'Hare International Airport: East on Interstate I-90 to Mannheim Road North exit. Proceed north on Mannheim Road about 1 1/2 miles.
From Downtown Chicago: West on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90) to Northwest Tollway (I-90). Exit Northwest Tollway at Lee Street, first exit after first toll booth. The Allstate Arena is on your right after exiting.
From Southbound or Northbound Tri-State Tollway (I-294): Exit at Northwest Tollway (I-90). Proceed on Northwest Tollway to Lee Street exit, first exit after first toll booth. The Allstate Arena is on your right after exiting.
From Eastbound Northwest Tollway (I-90): Exit at O'Hare International Airport exit (I-190 west). Proceed on I-190 to Mannheim Road north exit. Take Mannheim Road north about 1 1/2 miles to Allstate Arena parking lot.
Parking
Allstate Arena has a large parking lot which is easy to find. The cost to park ranges from $11 to $20 depending on the event. There can be a lot of traffic when leaving the arena so either leave early or go to one of the restaurants within walking distance to pass the time.
Free Parking: Recently, I have begun parking in the shopping center parking lot across Lunt St. from Allstate Arena. The first time I parked there, I actually ate dinner at the Chili’s and figured my excuse could be that I shopped at Target, Office Depot and ate at Chili’s for several hours. Subsequently, I just parked in the lot and was not towed. While I try to be discreet, other fans walk to the Allstate Arena from the parking lot wearing their WWE or Chicago Wolves jerseys. There is some risk but it looks like not much. If the lot gets too full, they will probably start towing, but at this point it seems to work.
Public Transportation
I would not recommend taking public transportation to Allstate Arena unless you have to. The closest CTA train stop is Rosemont on the Blue Line. From there you will need to take a bus or a taxi.
Location of Ticket Scalpers
The number of ticket scalpers at Allstate Arena depends entirely on what event is taking place. There are two main places for scalpers. First, is in front of the main ticket office across Lunt St. from the arena. Second, is in front of the Target which is also across Lunt St. from the arena but in the shopping center.
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Recommended Restaurants
Steakhouse
Recommended Bars
Bar & Grill