The Chicago Transit Authority is a convenient and affordable transit option for traveling to and from events around Chicago, including Cubs National League Championship Series (NLCS) games at Wrigley Field, events at the United Center and the Bears game at Soldier Field.
The CTA strongly recommends that customers purchase fares in advance to decrease travel times and avoid long lines at rail station vending machines.
Customers can load ahead of time transit value or unlimited ride passes (1-day, 3-day, 7-day and 30-day) to their Ventra fare cards via the free Ventra app, at rail stations, online or at nearly 1,300 local retailers (for locations available or to download the free app, visit: ventrachicago.com). Other ways to pay fares include purchasing from CTA vending machines 1-day unlimited ride tickets ($10) or single-ride tickets ($3) that offer up to two transfers in two hours. Customers can also pay their fares with their personal contactless debit or credit cards.
Cubs NLCS Playoff Games
The Chicago Cubs will host Games 1 and 2 of the NLCS on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16. For both Saturday and Sunday games, the first pitch will be thrown at 7:08 p.m.
For the games, more frequent service will operate on CTA's Red Line leading up to the first pitch. Fans can transfer to Red Line trains from all other rail lines and from most east-west bus routes. The wheelchair accessible Addison Red Line station provides immediate access to Wrigley Field, which is half a block west of the station. The ballpark is also just a couple of blocks south of the Sheridan stop on the CTA Red Line.
In addition, Yellow Line trains will operate from Howard to Skokie until midnight.
CTA will provide extra service on the #80 Irving Park and the #152 Addison bus routes. Fans can also use the #8 Halsted and #22 Clark bus routes to get to Wrigley Field.
Bears Game at Soldier Field
The Chicago Bears will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 16 at noon.
The CTA will operate the #128 Soldier Field Express between Union Station, Ogilvie and Soldier Field and will provide additional #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express service for customers heading to the game. Additional service will begin approximately two hours before the game begins and will continue until one hour after the game ends.
For more information on getting to Soldier Field on the CTA, please visit: http://www.transitchicago.com/riding_cta/popdest/sports.aspx.
United Center Events
The CTA will operate the #19 United Center Express for customers attending upcoming events at the United Center including:
- Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. – Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. – Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators
- Sunday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. – Sia concert
- Monday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. – Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets
- Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. – Chicago Blackhawks vs. Philadelphia Flyers
#19 United Center Express buses will leave from Michigan and Randolph beginning at approximately 6 p.m. until approximately one hour after the event ends. Buses will await customers on the north side of the United Center eastbound on Madison near Gate 3.
#50 Damen service is also a good option for customers accessing the United Center from the north and south and making connections to the Orange, Pink, Blue and Brown lines. Northbound and southbound #50 buses stop on Damen at Madison. Northbound buses will await customers on Damen at Madison after each event.
Rail Service:
CTA’s Ashland/Lake station, served by the Green and Pink lines, is located a few blocks northeast of the United Center. Customers exiting at the station can transfer to #9 Ashland buses or simply walk a few blocks to the stadium. Customers taking the Blue Line can get to the United Center by exiting at the Illinois Medical District station and walking a few blocks north to the United Center.
Stay in the Loop on CTA service
Plan your trip using the Google Transit Trip Planner. Be sure to also check out CTA on Facebook or Twitter (@CTA) for system travel updates and alerts. For details about all CTA service, call 312-836-7000 or visit the CTA website at transitchicago.com.
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