Chicago-landers please help

qcrete

i've never been to the United Center -- so any help would be appreciated

where are the nearest hotels?
how is parking around the UC? do the police let you tailgate?
is it hard to get there by car? (traffic issues coming from the east via norther Indiana)
is there any good bars around there?
are any of the famous chicago style pizza resturants near the UC?

thanks

FAITHFUL PJ FAN

Also what is the closest airport,Ohare?
I guess I'm flying from CT to Toronto Toronto to Chicago Chicago to CT

Laura(foxymop) cant wait to see you guys again.

CT Joe

LiteTheMatch

Midway airport is the closest

elvistheking44

UC Sucks......things are starting to get better around it, but not much around there.

Best part about the UC is you drive in, pay $20 to park, see the show and drive away. No long walks or shuttle rides.

Sorry, but it is the worst sport facility in Chicago, even the U.S. Cellular is more entertaining.

LiteTheMatch

The UNited Center is near Little Italy, so i'm sure you can find all sorts of restaurants to choose from

LiteTheMatch

I have no complaints about the United Center. I saw Pearl Jam there before and had a great time. I also saw Roger Waters perform Dark Side of the Moon and it sounded great. I had floor seats both shows.

The AllState Arena, now that place sucks!

poto101

Plenty of Bars east of the center, billy goat tavern down the street on madison. I wouldn't venture too far southwest of the arena, not the best area west of the hospitals.

Parking is plentiful, official and unofficial. not sure about tailgating, never really spend much time there when its nice out.

Pizza:
Giordanos at 815 W. Van Buren St. not too far and it's right in greektown, two blue line stops away.

Easy to drive to, easy to take a bus (Or the blue line) to from downtown,

http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com/ <---great way to find where you need to go in chicago without a car.

voodoopug

The United Center itself is safe, but I would not spend anytime wandering around the venue as you more than likely will be stabbed (due to beautiful weather in Chicago this time of year, muggers/murderer's prefer to get out and enjoy the fresh air and enjoy a little up close attacking rather than the boring old drive by according to my sister, the trauma center ER nurse in Chicago).

Midway is a bit closer, but I always prefer to fly in and out of Ohare, more flights incase you are delayed or miss a connection. They do not permit tailgating, and you really don't want to in this neighborhood....if you want a drink before going in, head over the Billy Goat.

I don't recommend walking to the "EL" station from the U.C. either....lots of gangs and urine.

Either stay in the loop for the best meals/accommodations, or stay in the western suburbs and drive in.

PM me if anyone has any more questions, I'd be glad to answer what I can as I've lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years.

poto101

voodoopug wrote:

I don't recommend walking to the "EL" station from the U.C. either....lots of gangs and urine.

understandable concern. i have only done it right after an event or before an event (before the event was still daylight).

After the event there was a pretty decent sized crowd so i had no problems and felt pretty safe.

voodoopug

poto101 wrote:

voodoopug wrote:

I don't recommend walking to the "EL" station from the U.C. either....lots of gangs and urine.

understandable concern. i have only done it right after an event or before an event (before the event was still daylight).

After the event there was a pretty decent sized crowd so i had no problems and felt pretty safe.

The gangs may stay hidden during "peak times"....but the urine remains!

Seriously though, I've read one too many stories in the police blotter over the years to safely tell someone I like to "go ahead and walk down Damen for a few blocks...its perfectly safe!"

Indifference71

The West End is also a pretty cool place to hit up before/after the show for a few drinks. Only a 4-5 block walk from the UC.

PJBuckeye

voodoopug wrote:

The United Center itself is safe, but I would not spend anytime wandering around the venue as you more than likely will be stabbed (due to beautiful weather in Chicago this time of year, muggers/murderer's prefer to get out and enjoy the fresh air and enjoy a little up close attacking rather than the boring old drive by according to my sister, the trauma center ER nurse in Chicago).

Midway is a bit closer, but I always prefer to fly in and out of Ohare, more flights incase you are delayed or miss a connection. They do not permit tailgating, and you really don't want to in this neighborhood....if you want a drink before going in, head over the Billy Goat.

I don't recommend walking to the "EL" station from the U.C. either....lots of gangs and urine.

Either stay in the loop for the best meals/accommodations, or stay in the western suburbs and drive in.

PM me if anyone has any more questions, I'd be glad to answer what I can as I've lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years.

The hood around the UC isn't that bad, but out of towners should be a little careful. I always park on the street a few blocks away when attending UC events and never have had any problems. Hoewver, out of towners should not do this.

jlew24asu

qcrete wrote:

i've never been to the United Center -- so any help would be appreciated

where are the nearest hotels?

downtown/west loop/south loop

do a search from hotels.com near landmark, United Center

qcrete wrote:

how is parking around the UC? do the police let you tailgate?

there are several lots averaging around $20 I think. not sure about tailgating, but I dont think there is much need for it if you go to a bar.

qcrete wrote:

is it hard to get there by car? (traffic issues coming from the east via norther Indiana)

no, not hard at all. get off at Madison from 90/94.

qcrete wrote:

is there any good bars around there?

yes, absolutely. all east of the staduim on Madison st. follow this thread for pre-party info.

qcrete wrote:

are any of the famous chicago style pizza resturants near the UC?

by chicago style, do you mean deep dish? check out Giordano's 815 W. Van Buren St. which is close by. here is a list of Italian restaurants in the area.

http://chicago.metromix.com/facets/rest ... an.italian

Bird889

so, I was all set to NOT rent a car and instead take the EL to/from the show. Probalby stay somewhere downtown (loop or Magnificent Mile area).

Is this NOT a good idea???

jlew24asu

Bird889 wrote:

so, I was all set to NOT rent a car and instead take the EL to/from the show. Probalby stay somewhere downtown (loop or Magnificent Mile area).

Is this NOT a good idea???

thats a perfectly fine idea. no need for a car. take a bus or cab.

check here for public transit info

http://www.transitchicago.com/

qcrete

thanks for the help

chuck nevitt

There is no "el" to the United Center (too far of a walk)...Cab or Bus...Quit scaring the out of towners about the neighborhood...Sure it is not Wrigleyville (bar and restaurants), but everyone is leaving after the show anyhow...cab's used to be a problem after events, has gotten somewhat better...if you have a choice, don't be cheap and just drive.

For you honest answers about the UC and the city, please ask me.

mirrorthelight

be sure to check in on this thread every now and then before the show,
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=97889
for pre-concert party info.
Lots of fun, cool prizes to win and awesome people to chill with before the show!

rssesq

I'm also from CT but will be driving to the venues. Its about 8 hours from toronto to Chicago but I'll make a stop at the halfway point at MSU, East lansing, where i went to school. Cant wait for the road trippin to commence.

Foxy Mop

Hey CT Joe!! Glad you're making the trip out. It'll be great seeing you again!

Like Jeff said earlier, if you come to the pre-party at Moretti's (almost got it locked down) you can have beers, pizza and fun with fellow PJ fans. There's also a shuttle that will go to and from the UC so no worries there. Check it here: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=97889

For hotels, everyone seems to be getting a sweet group rate at the Hyatt Regency, a four star hotel, for $60+tax/night. Check out the hotel thread viewtopic.php?f=4&t=97981

PJBuckeye

OUT OF TOWNERS WHO ARE STAYING DOWNTOWN

Here's the deal with the UC. It's west of downtown on Madison. The entire area along Madison between downtown and the UC has been rehabed over the last 15 years. After the show, it will be a bitch to get a cab. Just walk straight down Madison back to downtown. It is about 1 mile. There will be other people walking back as well. It is relatively safe. I wouldn't wonder off Madison. I have done this before to catch the Metra train out of Union Station.

However, there are bad areas nearby. I just wouldn't walk alone. I also wouldn't reccommend this for the ladies.

ajedigecko

it will be a one mile walk from the hyatt to the show on madison, is that correct?

chuck nevitt

ajedigecko wrote:

it will be a one mile walk from the hyatt to the show on madison, is that correct?

No, it is 3 miles from your hotel to the UC...Way too far to walk...Don't understand why people are recommending you walk home after the show...Yes walking a mile and a half and then getting a cab is much easier closer to the city.

ewokpelts

how is parking around the UC?
plenty of official parking, as well as lots owned by private operators
do the police let you tailgate?
united center security does not allow tailgaing. CPD have no hand in UC lots
is it hard to get there by car? (traffic issues coming from the east via norther Indiana)
no. check www.unitedcenter.com for driving directions
is there any good bars around there?
not really within walking distance. there are plenty of bars on halsted in greek town
are any of the famous chicago style pizza resturants near the UC?
not really. but there is a girodano's in greektown, and plenty of action downtown

ewokpelts

voodoopug wrote:

The United Center itself is safe, but I would not spend anytime wandering around the venue as you more than likely will be stabbed (due to beautiful weather in Chicago this time of year, muggers/murderer's prefer to get out and enjoy the fresh air and enjoy a little up close attacking rather than the boring old drive by according to my sister, the trauma center ER nurse in Chicago).

Midway is a bit closer, but I always prefer to fly in and out of Ohare, more flights incase you are delayed or miss a connection. They do not permit tailgating, and you really don't want to in this neighborhood....if you want a drink before going in, head over the Billy Goat.

I don't recommend walking to the "EL" station from the U.C. either....lots of gangs and urine.

Either stay in the loop for the best meals/accommodations, or stay in the western suburbs and drive in.

PM me if anyone has any more questions, I'd be glad to answer what I can as I've lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years.

DISINFORMATION ALERT!
Ashland Grren Line station is very safe. And the walk to it is safe. I do it a lot for bulls and hawks games.
However, the #19 united center express will take you to/from the venue much easier, although they do get crowded. I used this bus in 2003 when pj played there.

If you walk, stay on madison. Lots of fans walk back downtown when the weather's nice.

ewokpelts

Cheapest uc official lot is $16.

jlew24asu wrote:

qcrete wrote:

i've never been to the United Center -- so any help would be appreciated

where are the nearest hotels?

downtown/west loop/south loop

do a search from hotels.com near landmark, United Center

qcrete wrote:

how is parking around the UC? do the police let you tailgate?

there are several lots averaging around $20 I think. not sure about tailgating, but I dont think there is much need for it if you go to a bar.

qcrete wrote:

is it hard to get there by car? (traffic issues coming from the east via norther Indiana)

no, not hard at all. get off at Madison from 90/94.

qcrete wrote:

is there any good bars around there?

yes, absolutely. all east of the staduim on Madison st. follow this thread for pre-party info.

qcrete wrote:

are any of the famous chicago style pizza resturants near the UC?

by chicago style, do you mean deep dish? check out Giordano's 815 W. Van Buren St. which is close by. here is a list of Italian restaurants in the area.

http://chicago.metromix.com/facets/rest ... an.italian

Bathgate66

jlew24asu wrote:

Bird889 wrote:

so, I was all set to NOT rent a car and instead take the EL to/from the show. Probalby stay somewhere downtown (loop or Magnificent Mile area).

Is this NOT a good idea???

thats a perfectly fine idea. no need for a car. take a bus or cab.

check here for public transit info

http://www.transitchicago.com/

are cabs easily attainable outside the venue to take one back to their hotel?

thanks for the help.

if i make this trip to chitown it will be my first time.

thanks again everyone.

ewokpelts

Bathgate66 wrote:

jlew24asu wrote:

Bird889 wrote:

so, I was all set to NOT rent a car and instead take the EL to/from the show. Probalby stay somewhere downtown (loop or Magnificent Mile area).

Is this NOT a good idea???

thats a perfectly fine idea. no need for a car. take a bus or cab.

check here for public transit info

http://www.transitchicago.com/

are cabs easily attainable outside the venue to take one back to their hotel?

thanks for the help.

if i make this trip to chitown it will be my first time.

thanks again everyone.

yes and no. there WILL be cabs out there, but plenty of traffic. you'r ebette roff taking a bus or train downtown, then a cab to your hotel.

LiteTheMatch

tailgaiting might not be allowed, but you can always pregame in your car!

Bathgate66

LiteTheMatch wrote:

tailgaiting might not be allowed, but you can always pregame in your car!

or in your hotel room

McNairn

So, Downtown is safe?
Getting there is the problem I guess?
Hotel Downtown? What is the nicest hotel/ neighborhood in the City?

I don't mind a drunken 3 mile walk down Madison with 10,000 PJ fans.

I'm from Canada
Never been to Chicago
I stayed at the Motel 6 in Hartford last year - does that count?