Special Events

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The Authority remains committed to the use of U.S. Cellular Field beyond being the home of the Chicago White Sox and Major League Baseball. While the baseball field offers youth and amateur players a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority's facilities and surrounding property can also be utilized for a variety of non-baseball special events.

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority proudly hosts many important special events each year, such as the Chicago Fire Department's Youth Safety for Life Fair, the Chicago Public Schools' "Diamond in the Rough Chess Tournament and for two consecutive years (2006 — 2007) was host to the annual After School Matters Gala. In 2007, 2,500 guests attended the Gala and raised an unprecedented $2.5 million for the non-profit organization that expands out-of-school activities for Chicago teens.

U.S. Cellular Field is also an ideal location for automakers, dealerships, and driving schools to host "Ride and Drive events. These demonstrations utilize the parking facilities for practical experience and the Conference and Learning Center for classroom instruction.

In 2007, the Peace and Education Coalitions' Back-to-School Basketball Tournament utilized the parking facilities. Parking lot surfaces adjacent to the ballpark were converted into multiple basketball courts for the day-long event. And more than 2,000 educators and recruiters from 225 schools attended the Chicago Public Schools' Jobs Fair that was held on the 100 level of the ballpark, utilizing the seating area, concession stands and video boards.

ISFA also hosts several amateur baseball games on the playing field, including the Chicago Public Schools Championship boys' high school baseball game, the Chicago Public League vs. Catholic League All-Star boys' baseball game and the long-standing St. Rita vs. De La Salle High School baseball rivalry. The Authority also hosts the Chicago Fire Department vs. Chicago Police Department charity baseball classic. Since 2001, the CFD vs. CPD charity game has raised more than $150,000, benefiting local charities including the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (link to their Web site), the Gold Star Families (link to their Web site), the Chicago Fire Department's Gold Badge Society and the Chicago Firefighters Paramedic Memorial Park, who assist the families of fallen Chicago policemen and firefighters.

If you are interested in learning more about the Authority's Special Events, please contact us.