There are some ridiculously inexpensive flights to MDW from MSP that I might buy today... fly in Saturday 11/8, fly out Monday 11/10... could use advice on hotels (Hotel Chicago West Loop too ghetto??.. it looks hella close), where not to go/walk, etc. I see on the news there is mucho violence in Chiraq.
...or easy to take the L from wherever to the game? Any indoor pickleball spots? Would love to get some games in on Saturday late afternoon or Monday morning. Other stuff I should consider doing while in town? It's been a minute. Where to watch football after the game?
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 04, 2025, 11:07:41 AMThere are some ridiculously inexpensive flights to MDW from MSP that I might buy today... fly in Saturday 11/8, fly out Monday 11/10... could use advice on hotels (Hotel Chicago West Loop too ghetto??.. it looks hella close), where not to go/walk, etc. I see on the news there is mucho violence in Chiraq.
...or easy to take the L from wherever to the game? Any indoor pickleball spots? Would love to get some games in on Saturday late afternoon or Monday morning. Other stuff I should consider doing while in town? It's been a minute. Where to watch football after the game?
My car broke down last night at 95th and Pulaski on the South Side. I walked home about 5 miles to East Beverly at 10:30 pm passing several people on the sidewalks. No issues. Stop listening to the media! And I'm a Conservative. West Loop is fine.
JB know this. He's just trolling.
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 04, 2025, 11:07:41 AMThere are some ridiculously inexpensive flights to MDW from MSP that I might buy today... fly in Saturday 11/8, fly out Monday 11/10... could use advice on hotels (Hotel Chicago West Loop too ghetto??.. it looks hella close), where not to go/walk, etc. I see on the news there is mucho violence in Chiraq.
...or easy to take the L from wherever to the game? Any indoor pickleball spots? Would love to get some games in on Saturday late afternoon or Monday morning. Other stuff I should consider doing while in town? It's been a minute. Where to watch football after the game?
You can walk straight from the West Loop to the UC and back and run into zero issues. My wife and her sister did this to and from a concert which ended well after 11pm.
Don't be such a pansy.
Next day food and football, I enjoy Hopsmith on Division.
Bro's scared of living in Minneapolis but wants to spend a weekend in Chicago. Huh.
Then again, the national guard will have that city cleaned up in no time.
Jb-- If youre looking to pickle, then Midtown Athletic Club will get you both the hotel and pickleball amenities in one spot. But pain in the butt to get to UC from there.
West loop has plenty to do and Halsted can get you to a lot of good spots in city (down to Pilsen, up to LP/Lakeview). West Loop favorites: Lone Wolf for a hole in the wall, Lazy bird decent for cocktails, Loyalist for a good burger, and I am partial to Publican, Trivoli Tavern, Montevideo, and Green Street Meats for a bigger meal.
It'd make sense to do a hangout for scoop at Kaiser Tiger based on location. It'd be cool if the University sponsored something and they do shuttles for bulls/Hawks. Can reach out to Pat and see if they are doing it for our game.
The UC should be pretty safe as neither team has good shooters.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on September 04, 2025, 01:22:57 PMThe UC should be pretty safe as neither team has good shooters.
I'm kind of ashamed I laughed at this...
If we can get tickets, we will be there.
Going with the family as well.
Quote from: tower912 on September 04, 2025, 01:55:13 PMIf we can get tickets, we will be there.
Anyone have any updates on the ticket request system they did awhile back? Haven't heard anything since.
Thanks for the thoughts, fellas.
I booked a flight (MDW) and hotel (went cheap -- Hotel Chicago West Loop). I may not bring pickleball stuff... with the schedule, I can play Saturday in Minneapolis before I fly out.. get in mid-day Saturday and may take the Orange and hang out with just a backpack for awhile before hopping the Blue to check-in to the hotel.
Game day.. can just walk somewhere for a morning drink(s) then stroll over to the game.. Sunday will be bball and fball all day, so a good day to take off from pickleball. Fly out late Monday morning, back in plenty of time for intense pb competition Monday night.
Now, we all need to figure out how we're gonna get tickets. #pray
Quote from: TallTitan34 on September 04, 2025, 02:44:01 PMAnyone have any updates on the ticket request system they did awhile back? Haven't heard anything since.
Nothing. Kinda wondering why they did it if there is a season ticket holder tier first too. Whole thing feels disjointed.
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 05, 2025, 09:15:11 AMThanks for the thoughts, fellas.
I booked a flight (MDW) and hotel (went cheap -- Hotel Chicago West Loop). I may not bring pickleball stuff... with the schedule, I can play Saturday in Minneapolis before I fly out.. get in mid-day Saturday and may take the Orange and hang out with just a backpack for awhile before hopping the Blue to check-in to the hotel.
Game day.. can just walk somewhere for a morning drink(s) then stroll over to the game.. Sunday will be bball and fball all day, so a good day to take off from pickleball. Fly out late Monday morning, back in plenty of time for intense pb competition Monday night.
Now, we all need to figure out how we're gonna get tickets. #pray
Bring your pickle ball paddle for self defense. Better yet, mask and cape and become the pickle ball avenger.
Quote from: tower912 on September 05, 2025, 10:22:27 AMBring your pickles all paddle for self defense. Better yet, mask and cape.and become the pickle ball avenger.
It's one word, damn you! Put some respeck on its name.
I'll be fine in Chicago... assuming I can make it safely out of Minneapolis, which will be no small feat.
I've spent TONS of time in Chicago, but not in recent years.. miss being able to drop down easily from Milwaukee.
Biggest worry is I sense that some I4 fans will be jagoffs and I won't be able to keep my mouth shut. Oh well. Eff 'em.
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 05, 2025, 10:58:26 AMI'll be fine in Chicago... assuming I can make it safely out of Minneapolis, which will be no small feat.
My daughter and SIL had a 6 hour layover in Minneapolis yesterday. I was having a near anxiety attack the whole time. ::)
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 05, 2025, 10:58:26 AMBiggest worry is I sense that some I4 fans will be jagoffs and I won't be able to keep my mouth shut. Oh well. Eff 'em.
The people who write things like this? (https://www.idsnews.com/article/2025/09/iu-indiana-university-say-it-right)
No way!
Ti
Quote from: TallTitan34 on September 04, 2025, 02:44:01 PMAnyone have any updates on the ticket request system they did awhile back? Haven't heard anything since.
Ticket office called me yesterday to say they were going to be available in the next 7-10 days as they were waiting on promoter to release tickets
OK JB, the west side is fine. I ride my bike through their periodically. The CTA isn't bad through the area back into the loop.
I'd be a little cautious going west of Western Avenue but from Western east into the city is fine. lots of really great restaurants along Randolph Street.
On the west side of the Loop, along Franklin, are several more modestly priced hotels. There's also a Holiday Inn in Greektown. I'm looking out at the area and the United Center from my temporary 24th flor office (which was my office before I "retired" in March). I got called back for three weeks.
7-12 murders a weekend and about 30 shootings....
It has been that way for 40 years.....
On Sunday night the TV stations give the stats....
But because there are so many....They never go into the details....Because it "perceived" a normal weekend.....Unless really "graphic".....
Such a low expectation.....Honestly pathetic.....
Quote from: burger on September 05, 2025, 07:58:27 PM7-12 murders a weekend and about 30 shootings....
It has been that way for 40 years.....
On Sunday night the TV stations give the stats....
But because there are so many....They never go into the details....Because it "perceived" a normal weekend.....Unless really "graphic".....
Such a low expectation.....Honestly pathetic.....
Are you scared? You sound scared.
If we can get tickets, we are there.
Quote from: tower912 on September 05, 2025, 08:24:43 PMIf we can get tickets, we are there.
Well, it will be impossible to get tickets. So no chance.
Quote from: burger on September 05, 2025, 07:58:27 PM7-12 murders a weekend and about 30 shootings....
It has been that way for 40 years.....
On Sunday night the TV stations give the stats....
But because there are so many....They never go into the details....Because it "perceived" a normal weekend.....Unless really "graphic".....
Such a low expectation.....Honestly pathetic.....
Not top 10 in murder rate in the country. If Chicago is that scary...
Quote from: wadesworld on September 05, 2025, 09:04:21 PMNot top 10 in murder rate in the country. If Chicago is that scary...
Bro sit this one out you soft af
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 05, 2025, 09:06:01 PMBro sit this one out you soft af
Brodie plays pickleball and calls others soft.
Do we really think tickets will be that hard to get for this one?
UC is huge, and Chicago has a large IU and MU contingency so I'm sure it won't be easy, but are we thinking sky high resale prices or modest?
I signed up with the United Center website for presale notification. I can't imagine it will be difficult to get tickets.
I looked at the TripAdvisor reviews on that West Loop hotel ( not for me, I live here, but out of curiosity), while everyone agreed the rooms are tiny, they did not seem to agree on anything else..some people said it was fine, others reported cleanliness and other issues. The past couple of summers I have been to continuing legal education stuff at the nearby city college, there really isn't much right around there.
Quote from: DoctorV on September 05, 2025, 10:21:01 PMDo we really think tickets will be that hard to get for this one?
UC is huge, and Chicago has a large IU and MU contingency so I'm sure it won't be easy, but are we thinking sky high resale prices or modest?
I was wondering the same. I requested as STH, but can't see demand being huge with the lower expectations for both teams next year.
Quote from: MUDPT on September 06, 2025, 06:15:36 AMI was wondering the same. I requested as STH, but can't see demand being huge with the lower expectations for both teams next year.
Hey pal, it's Indiana, it's Indiana!!
I can't imagine the in-the-door price would be big.. for me, gonna be a debate on whether I go cheap or looks for super nice tix...
Was trying to think of what the atmosphere will be like.. feels like a unique situation for MU vs. recent years/decades... you go to the BEast tourney and there are fans from various schools... NCAA tourney.. same thing... the 'old' November tourneys... I guess somewhat similar... but, still a small mix of other schools' fans watching the game.. here, there is no other game.
As a college bball guy, if I happen to live in Chicago and didn't have an affiliation with either school, I'd be interesting in going, but the NFL slate would probably keep me from doing so.. this feels like it's going to be a heavy MU and heavy I4 crowd, which should be great. For safety reasons, I'm wearing camouflage on my walk to the arena, but I think we'll see a lot of blue, gold and ugly red.
If someone can find me a ticket behind the I4 bench, please do. I will make signs during the game.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 05, 2025, 08:12:48 PMAre you scared? You sound scared.
what if he is? Problem with that?
For now, he is still free to express his opinion. As are you. As are the other denizens of this board about that opinion.
Anyway, sounds like a lot of fun. I hope we get tickets.
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 06, 2025, 07:19:07 AMHey pal, it's Indiana, it's Indiana!!
I can't imagine the in-the-door price would be big.. for me, gonna be a debate on whether I go cheap or looks for super nice tix...
Was trying to think of what the atmosphere will be like.. feels like a unique situation for MU vs. recent years/decades... you go to the BEast tourney and there are fans from various schools... NCAA tourney.. same thing... the 'old' November tourneys... I guess somewhat similar... but, still a small mix of other schools' fans watching the game.. here, there is no other game.
As a college bball guy, if I happen to live in Chicago and didn't have an affiliation with either school, I'd be interesting in going, but the NFL slate would probably keep me from doing so.. this feels like it's going to be a heavy MU and heavy I4 crowd, which should be great. For safety reasons, I'm wearing camouflage on my walk to the arena, but I think we'll see a lot of blue, gold and ugly red.
If someone can find me a ticket behind the I4 bench, please do. I will make signs during the game.
But would you be interested in going to the game if you weren't a fan of either team but a general college basketball fan in the area?
Quote from: tower912 on September 06, 2025, 08:02:36 AMFor now, he is still free to express his opinion. As are you. As are the other denizens of this board about that opinion.
Anyway, sounds like a lot of fun. I hope we get tickets.
Smart to start off with "For now."
Quote from: Viper on September 06, 2025, 07:42:47 AMwhat if he is? Problem with that?
He can be as irrationally afraid as he wants to be.
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 06, 2025, 07:19:07 AMHey pal, it's Indiana, it's Indiana!!
I can't imagine the in-the-door price would be big.. for me, gonna be a debate on whether I go cheap or looks for super nice tix...
Was trying to think of what the atmosphere will be like.. feels like a unique situation for MU vs. recent years/decades... you go to the BEast tourney and there are fans from various schools... NCAA tourney.. same thing... the 'old' November tourneys... I guess somewhat similar... but, still a small mix of other schools' fans watching the game.. here, there is no other game.
As a college bball guy, if I happen to live in Chicago and didn't have an affiliation with either school, I'd be interesting in going, but the NFL slate would probably keep me from doing so.. this feels like it's going to be a heavy MU and heavy I4 crowd, which should be great. For safety reasons, I'm wearing camouflage on my walk to the arena, but I think we'll see a lot of blue, gold and ugly red.
If someone can find me a ticket behind the I4 bench, please do. I will make signs during the game.
Noon tipoff at the UC and the Bears have a noon kickoff at home vs the Giants. Not the best timing to drum up local unaffiliated demand. If the Bears have a rough first few weeks, then maybe?
Quote from: 1318WWells on September 06, 2025, 02:57:56 PMNoon tipoff at the UC and the Bears have a noon kickoff at home vs the Giants. Not the best timing to drum up local unaffiliated demand. If the Bears have a rough first few weeks, then maybe?
It'll be nice to head to walk over to the west loop bars after the win to catch the end of the noon kickoff games, including a Bears win
Quote from: Jay Bee on September 06, 2025, 07:19:07 AMFor safety reasons, I'm wearing camouflage on my walk to the arena, but I think we'll see a lot of blue, gold and ugly red.
If someone can find me a ticket behind the I4 bench, please do. I will make signs during the game.
Make signs during your walk to the arena, and as long as they're the right ones, you'll be fine.
Quote from: Warriors4ever on September 06, 2025, 01:47:15 AMI signed up with the United Center website for presale notification. I can't imagine it will be difficult to get tickets.
I looked at the TripAdvisor reviews on that West Loop hotel ( not for me, I live here, but out of curiosity), while everyone agreed the rooms are tiny, they did not seem to agree on anything else..some people said it was fine, others reported cleanliness and other issues. The past couple of summers I have been to continuing legal education stuff at the nearby city college, there really isn't much right around there.
I just got the presale notification from Waterkeeper Alliance Invitational, who is promoting the game. Only 300 level tickets available, everything else is blocked out.
Did no one else get an email about their ticket confirmation? I have an invoice already in my Marquette account.
Quote from: MU gimp ONE on September 11, 2025, 07:32:27 AMDid no one else get an email about their ticket confirmation? I have an invoice already in my Marquette account.
I got 3 of them actually. 2 on Tuesday, one yesterday. Haven't looked at the invoice.
must have deleted the email where the pregame party is
Rinaldis?
Not going. Wouldn't feel safe.
Quote from: PBRme on October 06, 2025, 09:49:21 AMmust have deleted the email where the pregame party is
Rinaldis?
Ranalli's West Loop. It's $40 <complain> <outrage> and gets you food and non-alcoholic drinks. Additional $$ for booze n beer. Looks like they're opening early for a 9:30a start and will have shuttles to the game.
I'm 82% on doing that, but not 100%.
Quote from: Jay Bee on October 11, 2025, 10:18:57 AMRanalli's West Loop. It's $40 <complain> <outrage> and gets you food and non-alcoholic drinks. Additional $$ for booze n beer. Looks like they're opening early for a 9:30a start and will have shuttles to the game.
I'm 82% on doing that, but not 100%.
Thank you , Can you pay at the door?
Quote from: PBRme on October 14, 2025, 10:33:34 AMThank you , Can you pay at the door?
They say that if there's room, you can pay
at the door but it'll be a higher price
https://www.givecampus.com/schools/MarquetteUniversity/events/marquette-in-chicago-men-s-basketball-vs-indiana-blue-gold-reception
The pep band will be at the game!
Will any fans be there, since we still don't have the tickets yet?
Have they not allocated them yet because of incompetence or because they are afraid they will be sold?
I believe these tickets have been assigned.
I received my tickets last night
Quote from: YoungMUFan4 on October 29, 2025, 06:23:31 PMI received my tickets last night
Were they updated into your account or did you get a separate email with the tickets?
We got ours. Section 101!
Quote from: We R Final Four on October 29, 2025, 08:04:20 PMWere they updated into your account or did you get a separate email with the tickets?
Separate email titled: Drew Just Sent You 3 United Center Tickets
Got an email with my tickets from "Drew" yesterday as well. If you don't get an email, they might be in your Ticketmaster account.
I see section 101.. any others that MU had? There are some OK seats available for in-the-door pricing ($61)... I think I'll just keep monitoring and wait to get a ticket until closer to game day... feels like a good deal or two may pop up. Who's going to the pregame thingy at Ranalli's?
Sh1T!! I can't believe we're so close to the season starting.
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 01, 2025, 06:52:03 AMI see section 101.. any others that MU had? There are some OK seats available for in-the-door pricing ($61)... I think I'll just keep monitoring and wait to get a ticket until closer to game day... feels like a good deal or two may pop up. Who's going to the pregame thingy at Ranalli's?
Sh1T!! I can't believe we're so close to the season starting.
I'm in 106.
Section 108 for us
Lots of inventory left on secondary sights.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 02, 2025, 08:22:26 AMLots of inventory left on secondary sights.
I "sea" that.
I feel like my best bet is to continue to wait.. just a lotta inventory out there and I just need a single ticket. May get a gem for a good price..
Tiny chance now I will bring pickleball stuff.. struggling to find a good option fairly close to the west loop. fml.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 02, 2025, 08:22:26 AMLots of inventory left on secondary sights.
I might be wrong, but mostly in the upper deck. It won't be a sell out but I think it will be a good crowd.
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 02, 2025, 08:26:48 AMI "sea" that.
I feel like my best bet is to continue to wait.. just a lotta inventory out there and I just need a single ticket. May get a gem for a good price..
Tiny chance now I will bring pickleball stuff.. struggling to find a good option fairly close to the west loop. fml.
You're either about that life or you're not.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 02, 2025, 08:28:21 AMI might be wrong, but mostly in the upper deck. It won't be a sell out but I think it will be a good crowd.
There is quite a bit in the lower level and club as well -- their prices have just not come down to reasonable levels in most cases yet. Will they? Dunno, but I think they will drop this week. Need the extra dough to cover Ranalli's, plane ticket, hotel, etc. #pray
I'm not too familiar with the area down by the United Center. Where are we going for pregame drinks?
Kaiser Tiger is like a 15 min walk. Usually does shuttles for bulls/Hawks games. Not sure if they're doing it for this game.
Might be going there with a friend before.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on November 02, 2025, 12:47:37 PMKaiser Tiger is like a 15 min walk. Usually does shuttles for bulls/Hawks games. Not sure if they're doing it for this game.
Might be going there with a friend before.
Just looked at their shuttle schedule and it looks like they are running it for this game. Thanks!
Quote from: mubb3434 on November 02, 2025, 12:31:49 PMI'm not too familiar with the area down by the United Center. Where are we going for pregame drinks?
There's a university sponsored thing at Ranalli's - might be a good option if you're looking to eat as well.
Isn't there a Billy Goat on Madison at about Ashland?
https://www.billygoattavern.com/
Yes.
Quote from: Warriors4ever on November 03, 2025, 01:47:40 AMhttps://www.billygoattavern.com/
Yes.
Woah. The bar opens at 7am? Appears to be a five minute walk from my hotel.. maybe I'll hit this spot instead of Ranalli's... anyone have thoughts on which is the better option? I just need a few cheap beers and something to eat.
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 03, 2025, 07:29:34 AMWoah. The bar opens at 7am? Appears to be a five minute walk from my hotel.. maybe I'll hit this spot instead of Ranalli's... anyone have thoughts on which is the better option? I just need a few cheap beers and something to eat.
Never been to ranallis.
Best thing about Billy goat is the nostalgia and proximity to the UC.
I'm going to try to be the first in at Au Cheval for 10am opening.
I enjoy the Marquette pregame events but I'll probably skip this one because Au Cheval is just too enticing.
That burger will serve as a nice base for several hrs of Sunday drinking too
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 03, 2025, 07:29:34 AMWoah. The bar opens at 7am? Appears to be a five minute walk from my hotel.. maybe I'll hit this spot instead of Ranalli's... anyone have thoughts on which is the better option? I just need a few cheap beers and something to eat.
Billy Goat sounds like what you are looking for. Nothing fancy, but decent food and not expensive. For people driving, you can also leave your car in their lot and go to the game if you eat there. Not a bad walk to the UC from there.
Can't wait for my flight to get canceled. fml
Drive.
Quote from: tower912 on November 06, 2025, 07:48:18 AMDrive.
To Chicago? Pfft. That's like begging to be car jacked. Or car jagged.
Quote from: Nukem2 on November 06, 2025, 09:21:11 AMCutbacks in flights because of the shutdown......
Huh
Kaiser Tiger doesn't open until 11. They said they will have a shuttle running and a buffet....
What are our other good options? Billy Goat?
Anyone know if you can forward the tickets?
Muggsy was just kicked out of rivers casino and arrested for screaming "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAME UP A LITTLE SHORT???" And throwing an Appletini down the escalator at a group of terrified old ladies.
We will be at the game as soon as the thousands of generous scoopers once again contribute to the bail Go-Fund-Me and he once again agrees to traffic some controlled substances for the mayor of Rosemont.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 08, 2025, 09:48:37 PMMuggsy was just kicked out of rivers casino and arrested for screaming "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAME UP A LITTLE SHORT???" And throwing an Appletini down the escalator at a group of terrified old ladies.
We will be at the game as soon as the thousands of generous scoopers once again contribute to the bail Go-Fund-Me and he once again agrees to traffic some controlled substances for the mayor of Rosemont.
I'm all in for Muggs
Was anyone at the alumni event in Chicago tonight?
Apparently Kimo criticized/made fun of St John's strategy. Wonder what he said.
I was there. He was commenting on how other teams in the Big East have high turnover via the portal, and how that is the opposite of Shaka's philosophy of building relationships ( this is my paraphrase, not verbatim). He cited St John's as an example of basically replacing their entire roster, and how we can expect that a good number of their team members this year won't be on the roster next year.
I didn't take it as making fun of St John's, and I doubt anyone else in the room did. He was saying how lucky we are to have Shaka because of his emphasis on building relationships.
Quote from: Warriors4ever on November 09, 2025, 01:38:59 AMI was there. He was commenting on how other teams in the Big East have high turnover via the portal, and how that is the opposite of Shaka's philosophy of building relationships ( this is my paraphrase, not verbatim). He cited St John's as an example of basically replacing their entire roster, and how we can expect that a good number of their team members this year won't be on the roster next year.
I didn't take it as making fun of St John's, and I doubt anyone else in the room did. He was saying how lucky we are to have Shaka because of his emphasis on building relationships.
New roster next year doesn't sound half bad
I was there. Sat by some real obnoxious Marquette fans who gratefully left about five minutes into the second half. Otherwise Marquette was clearly in the minority but it wasn't overwhelmingly so.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 09, 2025, 06:21:46 PMI was there. Sat by some real obnoxious Marquette fans who gratefully left about five minutes into the second half. Otherwise Marquette was clearly in the minority but it wasn't overwhelmingly so.
Jay Bee didn't leave that early, fact.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 09, 2025, 06:21:46 PMI was there. Sat by some real obnoxious Marquette fans who gratefully left about five minutes into the second half. Otherwise Marquette was clearly in the minority but it wasn't overwhelmingly so.
Nobody taking naughty pictures of cheerleaders again, I hope.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 09, 2025, 06:21:46 PMI was there. Sat by some real obnoxious Marquette fans who gratefully left about five minutes into the second half. Otherwise Marquette was clearly in the minority but it wasn't overwhelmingly so.
Was also there and agree. Good MU turnout. Should be a significant advantage against Oklahoma. That will be an interesting environment.