For seniors who are sports fans, there is no better activity than going out to a ballgame. And fortunately, the stadiums in Chicago are all senior-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Whether they are fans of baseball, football, basketball or hockey, seniors can have a great time at any of Chicago’s sports venues.

Image Source (CC BY 2.0) by counselman via flickr

Wrigley Field (Cubs)

If you plan on going to Wrigley field with a senior who is disabled, you can call or order online in advance for accessible seating (1-800-843-2827 or www.cubs.com/ticketing). Seating areas include the Field Box behind home plate, the Upper Deck box behind home plate, the Terrace Reserved on the third base and the Bleachers.

Seniors who have disability license plates or a placard can park in the disability spots in the ballpark’s parking lot. Parking is available on a cash basis and is subject to availability. For more information, you can call Fan Services at 773-388-8270.

Almost all of the restrooms at Wrigley Field are accessible to wheelchairs, and there are two public elevators, one located inside Gate K and the other inside the Bleacher Gate. First aid can be found on the main concourse behind home plate.

US Cellular Field (White Sox)

Not a Cubs fan? No problem. US Cellular Field is also senior-friendly. If you are traveling with a senior who is in a wheelchair, you can call 312-674-5244 to order tickets in advance. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on all levels of the park, but adjacent companion seating can only be purchased based on availability – which is why you’re always better off ordering tickets in advance.

Accessible parking for seniors with valid disability license plates is available on the north side of the ballpark in parking lot B immediately adjacent to Gate 5.

Seniors who have trouble hearing can pick up a free assistive listening device at the Guest Relations Booths. First aid is located on the service level and every washroom in U.S. Cellular Field is equipped for disabled guests.

Soldier Field (Bears)

If your disabled senior friend or family member is a football fan, Solider Field, home of the Chicago Bears, is also wheelchair accessible. The stadium has wheelchair-accessible and companion seating available on an individual game basis. Tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Office or Ticketmaster. Seniors with a disability license plate or placard can be dropped off on the circle drive on Museum Campus Drive outside Gate 14.

If you have any question regarding seating, parking or pick-up, you can call the ADA Coordinator at Soldier Field at (312) 235-7000

United Center (Bulls and Blackhawks)

For basketball and hockey senior fans, United Center offers a full range of services. Cars with disability license plates or a placard can park in Lot G South, and every restroom is wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchair accessible seats plus companion seats are available on all levels, based on availability. You can get ticket information by calling (312) 455-4655 or by visiting the Box Office

Assistive listening devices are available for free at Guest Relation booths, and with advance notice, the center can even arrange a sign language interpreter, also free of charge.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Going to sports games is a great activity for seniors, especially when they go with friends or family members. It is a fun, social activity that engages all their senses and lifts their spirits. So we applaud all of Chicago’s sports venues, who have done a great service by making their facilities wheelchair accessible and senior-friendly.