Professional Sports in Chicago, Illinois

Sports fans frequently enjoy their favorite types of athletic competitions in Chicago with its many recognized professional sports teams that include the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, and Fire.

Because these well-known players and teams face off in competitions ranging from basketball to soccer, Chicago is a sports "mecca" for visitors and residents who appreciate athletic competition.

Along with mentionable reputations, Chicago's professional sports teams' establishments have resulted in the construction of several venues and sports arenas:

Chicago Bears National Football League team -

Since its major signing contract in 1925, the Chicago Bears have been gaining a fan base over the years. After playing 50 seasons at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Bears began playing at Soldier Field in 1971, a field that was opened in 1924.

Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team -

With several awards, Hall of Famers, and all-stars, the Chicago Cubs team has definitely established itself as a major league baseball team, earning the support of many dedicated fans.

Its venue, built in 1914, is the Wrigley Field that has been the home of Cubs games for over 90 years and is the 2nd oldest ballpark of major league baseball, following Boston's Fenway Park which was built 2 years prior to Wrigley Field.

Major league moments that have transpired in the field include Babe Ruth's famous "called shot" in 1932, Gabby Hartnett's "Homer in the Glaomin'" in 1938, the 1917 pitching duel between Jim "Hippo" Vaughn and the Reds' Fred Toney, Ernie Banks' 500th career home run in 1970, Pete Rose's 4,191st career hit, Kerry Wood's 20-strikeout ordeal in 1998, Sammy Sosa's 60th home runs in 1998, 1999, and 2001, and the 1947, 1962, and 1990 All-Star Games.

Chicago Fire Major League Soccer team -

In 1997, the major league soccer team for Chicago became Chicago Fire. Its venue is the Toyota Park world-class soccer stadium, which seats 20,000 guests.

In addition to these teams, the Chicago Bulls National Basketball Associate team, the Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball team, and the Chicago Blackhawks National Hockey League team are favorites of many sports fans across the nation.