Wintrust Arena – Home of the DePaul Blue Demons (and Chicago Sky)
A gleaming 10,387‑seat venue in Chicago’s Near South Side, Wintrust Arena opened in 2017 and quickly became known for its intimate atmosphere, excellent sightlines, and modern amenities
🪑 Best Seats & Where to Sit
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Club Seats (Sections 109 rows AA‑GG, 109 B‑J)
These premium seats offer lounge access, complimentary food, soft drinks, private restrooms—and in-seat tables—creating a VIP game-day experience -
100‑Level Side (e.g., Section 126)
Praised for optimal sightlines just above the court, fans rate these as “well worth the price” for their viewing clarity -
200‑Level Side (e.g., Section 226 row B‑C)
Offers nearly the same great perspective from higher up; just avoid row A due to glass barrier minor obstruction -
Student Section (Section 219)
Behind the basket, it brings energizing fan interaction and a true college-game feel
🍔 Arena Concessions: What to Eat
Wintrust boasts robust food options that go beyond typical stadium fare:
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21st Express
Serving Demon Dogs, Chicago‑style dogs, and bratwursts -
Cermak Grill
Offers pizza, chicken tenders, smash burgers, pulled‑pork and beef‑brisket sandwiches
🍽️ Pre‑Or Post‑Game Restaurants Nearby
Located in the McCormick Square district, Wintrust is surrounded by great eats:
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South Loop Grill – Classic American comfort food great for casual meals.
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Quartino Ristorante – A lively spot for Italian-small-plates and good wine.
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Giordano’s (Cermak Road) – Famous Chicago deep-dish pizza just steps away.
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Mercat a la Planxa – Upscale Spanish tapas and a vibrant, stylish atmosphere.
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Reyes Mezcaleria – For Mexican street food and creative cocktails post-game.
⭐ Unique Features & Atmosphere
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Modern & Intimate Design
Compact seating and excellent legroom make every seat feel close to the action -
Massive Central Scoreboard
A four-sided HD scoreboard ensures visibility and instant replays from all angles -
Multi‑Use Venue
Hosts concerts, WNBA games, NCAA tournaments, and even NBA draft combines -
Student-Friendly
DePaul students receive complimentary regular-season tickets and vibrant student-area energy in Section 219 -
Accessible Experience
Wheelchair-accessible seats are available on all levels, plus assisted‑listening devices
🎯 Final Review
Wintrust Arena brings DePaul basketball into the heart of Chicago with a modern, fan-friendly experience. Whether you're splurging for club-level comfort, soaking in student-section excitement, or grabbing a Demon Dog at the concourse, the venue delivers. Surrounding restaurants in the South Loop round out your game-day itinerary in style. A must-visit for both die-hard DePaul fans and visiting sports lovers alike.
