The Chicago Transit Authority is an economical and convenient way to travel to the sporting events at the United Center and Soldier Field on Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9 and to the Country Music Festival at Millennium Park on both days.
Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks
On Friday, October 8, the Chicago Bulls face the Washington Wizards in a pre-season game. Game time is 7 p.m. The Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks begin their home season with a contest versus the Detroit Red Wings. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
CTA’s #19 United Center Express buses will provide service to both games. #19 United Center Express buses leave every 12-15 minutes from Michigan and Randolph beginning 90 minutes before the start of each game until the game begins. #19 buses make all stops on Madison from Wabash to Clinton. From Clinton, #19 buses run express to the United Center.
When the game ends, #19 buses will depart the United Center approximately every 15 minutes for one hour. After each game, #19 buses will await customers on the north side of the United Center eastbound on Madison near Gate 3. On the return trip, #19 buses will operate east on Washington to Wacker, then head south to Monroe and east to Michigan, making all stops from Jefferson to Michigan before turning north on Michigan and making the final stop at Randolph.
CTA’s #20 Madison bus route, which operates between Austin and Michigan, also provides direct service to the stadium as does the #50 Damen route which operates between Ashland/Clark and 35th/Archer.
In addition to the #19, #20 and #50 bus routes, customers also can reach the United Center via the Green and Pink lines. Both routes stop at the Ashland/Lake station which is just a few blocks away from the United Center. Fans exiting at the Ashland/Lake station can transfer to #9 Ashland buses or simply walk a few blocks to the United Center.
The Blue Line is also an option to get to the United Center. The Illinois Medical District station on the Forest Park branch of the Blue Line is a few blocks south of the United Center, so riders may walk from the station to the stadium.
International Soccer
On Saturday, October 9 the U.S. Men’s Soccer team takes the field versus Poland at Soldier Field. Gates open at 5 p.m. and kickoff is at 7 p.m.
CTA will provide additional service on the #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express from approximately 1:30 p.m. until 10:30 a.m. In addition, longer trains will operate on the Orange and Blue lines from approximately 2:30 p.m. until approximately 10:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. respectively.
Country Music Festival
The Country Music Festival takes place on Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park from 12:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on both days.
Fans heading to the concert can take CTA’s #3 King Drive, #4 Cottage Grove, #14 Jeffery Express, #20 Madison, #56 Milwaukee, #60 Blue Island/26th, #124 Navy Pier, #151 Sheridan and #157 Streeterville/Taylor which stop within walking distance for easy access. On Friday only during the afternoon rush period, the #26 South Shore Express and the #148 Clarendon/Michigan Express also stop near Millennium Park.
Customers also can take the Pink, Orange, Green, Brown and Purple lines and exit at the Madison/Wabash stop and walk a few blocks east to the Park. The Blue Line’s Washington and Monroe stops also are within walking distance as is the Red Line’s Lake/Randolph stop.
Bus customers who use CTA fare media pay $2.00 to ride. For customers who pay cash on the bus, the fare is $2.25. Customers traveling to the United Center via the Green, Pink or Blue lines pay $2.25.
For details about all CTA service, call 312-836-7000 or visit the CTA website at www.transitchicago.com.
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