Last Updated: November 21, 2025
Explore the Best Venues and Stadiums in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois is a world-class destination for live entertainment, boasting an incredible variety of concert halls, outdoor amphitheaters, sports arenas, and historic theaters. Whether you’re looking for electrifying rock shows, Broadway performances, or major league games, Chicago’s venues deliver unforgettable experiences. Use this guide to explore top locations across the city — from iconic stadiums like Wrigley Field to intimate neighborhood stages that define the local arts scene.
Largest Stadiums & Arenas in Chicago
These Chicago venues host the biggest concerts, championship sports, and major events. From massive NFL stadiums to intimate theatres.
Allstate Arena - Rosemont, Illinois
Capacity: 18,500
Home Teams: Chicago Wolves (AHL), DePaul Blue Demons (NCAA Basketball)
Primary Events: Concerts, Hockey, Basketball, Family Shows, WWE
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Auditorium Theatre - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 3,901
Primary Events: Broadway Shows, Ballet, Opera, Concerts
Notes: National Historic Landmark, exceptional acoustics
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Bank of Springfield Center - Springfield, Illinois
Capacity: 7,700
Primary Events: Concerts, Hockey, Basketball, Family Shows
Notes: 3-hour drive from Chicago
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Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 5,000
Primary Events: Concerts, Dance Events, Live Music
Notes: Historic 1920s ballroom in Uptown
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The Chicago Theatre - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 3,600
Primary Events: Concerts, Comedy, Broadway, Special Performances
Notes: Iconic marquee on State Street, Loop district
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Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre - Tinley Park, Illinois
Capacity: 28,000
Primary Events: Concerts, Music Festivals
Notable Performers: Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, Zac Brown Band
Notes: Major outdoor venue, 30 minutes south of Chicago
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Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 40,615
Home Teams: Chicago White Sox (MLB)
Primary Events: Baseball, Concerts, Special Events
Notes: South Side ballpark
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Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 7,500
Primary Events: Outdoor Concerts, Music Festivals
Notes: Lakefront venue with skyline views
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Memorial Stadium - Champaign, Illinois
Capacity: 60,670
Home Teams: Illinois Fighting Illini (NCAA Football)
Primary Events: College Football, Concerts
Notes: 2.5-hour drive from Chicago
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Paramount Theatre - Aurora, Illinois
Capacity: 1,888
Primary Events: Broadway Shows, Concerts, Comedy
Notes: Historic art deco theatre, 45 minutes west of Chicago
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Ravinia Festival - Highland Park, Illinois
Capacity: 15,000 (3,200 pavilion + 11,800 lawn)
Primary Events: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Concerts, Jazz, Classical
Notes: Oldest outdoor music festival in US, 25 miles north of Chicago
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Rosemont Theatre - Rosemont, Illinois
Capacity: 4,400
Primary Events: Concerts, Comedy, Broadway Tours, Family Shows
Notes: Near O'Hare Airport
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Soldier Field - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 61,500
Home Teams: Chicago Bears (NFL)
Primary Events: NFL Football, Concerts, Soccer, Special Events
Notes: Lakefront stadium, hosted FIFA World Cup 1994
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State Farm Center - Champaign, Illinois
Capacity: 15,544
Home Teams: Illinois Fighting Illini (NCAA Basketball)
Primary Events: College Basketball, Concerts, Wrestling
Notes: 2.5-hour drive from Chicago
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Thalia Hall - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 800
Primary Events: Indie Concerts, Live Music, Comedy
Notes: Historic Pilsen neighborhood venue
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United Center - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 23,500 (concerts), 20,917 (basketball), 19,717 (hockey)
Home Teams: Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Primary Events: NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, Concerts, WWE, Family Shows
Notes: "The Madhouse on Madison" - iconic West Side arena
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Welsh-Ryan Arena - Evanston, Illinois
Capacity: 8,117
Home Teams: Northwestern Wildcats (NCAA Basketball & Volleyball)
Primary Events: College Basketball, Volleyball, Graduations
Notes: Northwestern University campus
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Wintrust Arena at DePaul University - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 10,387
Home Teams: DePaul Blue Demons (NCAA Basketball & Volleyball), Chicago Sky (WNBA)
Primary Events: College Basketball, WNBA, Concerts, Boxing
Notes: Located in McCormick Square near South Loop
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Wrigley Field - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 41,649
Home Teams: Chicago Cubs (MLB)
Primary Events: Baseball, Concerts (Pearl Jam, Billy Joel, Dead & Company)
Notes: Historic ballpark in Wrigleyville, opened 1914
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Vic Theatre - Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 1,400
Primary Events: Concerts, Comedy, Live Music
Notes: Historic Lakeview venue, opened 1912
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Welsh-Ryan Arena - Evanston, Illinois
Capacity: 47,130
Home Teams: Northwestern Wildcats (NCAA Football)
Primary Events: College Football, Special Events
Notes: On Lake Michigan, scheduled for replacement 2026
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Best Outdoor Amphitheaters in Chicago for Live Summer Shows
Chicago summers are made for live music under the stars. Venues like Ravinia Festival in Highland Park and Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion offer breathtaking settings for concerts of every genre. These outdoor spaces combine city skylines, great acoustics, and family-friendly atmospheres for perfect warm-weather entertainment.
Historic Chicago Venues You Must Visit at Least Once
Step back in time at Chicago’s most iconic venues. The Auditorium Theatre, built in 1889, showcases stunning architecture and world-class performances, while The Chicago Theatre’s marquee remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Each location tells a story that connects generations of fans and performers.
Where to Catch the Biggest Events in Chicago Year-Round
From sports championships to headline concerts and arts festivals, Chicago’s venues host nonstop excitement. Plan your calendar around can’t-miss events at Soldier Field, Allstate Arena, and the Aragon Ballroom — venues that define the city’s dynamic entertainment landscape.