Chicago-landers please help

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?

ewokpelts

LiteTheMatch wrote:

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

security is tough @ the madhouse on madison.
they WILL sweep the lots

Bathgate66

some helpful info from hyatt website

Go Airport Express: From lower level baggage claim area. Runs daily every 15 mins from 6:05am-7:45pm.

One-way (Single traveler) - $28.00 each
One-way (Party of two) - $20.00 each
Round trip - $36.00 single; $50 each for party of two
Group fare (3 or more passengers traveling together to same destination)- $15.00 each; $28 each for round trip
Children under 6 years free.


Private Limo Services can be arranged through the hotel Concierge at 312-565-1234 x4511.


Taxi: Approx $30.00 - $40.00


Train: $2.50 per person to and from O'Hare Airport. Pick-up below baggage claim area (follow signs to C.T.A.). Take "L-Train" to Clark/Lake stop (approx. 7 blocks from hotel). Walk East on Lake to Stetson St, turn left Stetson St and walk 1 block to the hotel. Note: This method is not recommended if guest has more than 1 bag, as there are numerous escalators and turn styles. Guest can take a cab or walk from Clark/Lake stop.


FROM MIDWAY AIRPORT: (12 miles)
Airport Express: From lower baggage claim area


One-way (Single traveler) - $23.00 each
One-way (Party of two) - $16.00 each
Round trip - $40 single; $28 each for party of two
Group fare (3 or more passengers traveling together to same destination)- $13.00 each; $23 each for round trip
Children under 6 years free.


Taxi: Approx $30.00 - $40.00


L Train: From the airport take the Orange Line to the State and Lake Street stop. Walk 1 block north to Wacker. Take a right on Wacker and the hotel is approximately 3 blocks.


Amtrak (Union Station)- 1 1/2 miles - taxi approx $8.00


Greyhound Terminal - 2 1/2 miles - taxi approx $10.00


C & NW RAILROAD - Taxi approx $5.00

sander_jam76

Staying at the Swissotel, quite cheap (compared to other down town hotels), 'pretty' close by the venue.

Etnix

just a FYI the two closest hotels to the UC is the crown centre plaza (im staying there, not bad rates, $99 for Sat night and $130 for Sun/Mon nights..and a marriot.

PJBuckeye

chuck nevitt wrote:

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.

True, It's a mile to the western edge of downtown. Too bad the Hyatt is across the loop. I second the idea of walking as far east as you can. You probablt will eventually be able to get a cab. It is just too much of a cluster around the UC to get a cab.

PJBuckeye

LiteTheMatch wrote:

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

This doesn't really work at the UC. You will get shit from the cops at the very least. I have had my pregaming interupted in the past.