Lopez, Markkanen power Bulls to effortless win over Hawks

Planning a Trip to See the Bulls Play: A Traveler's Perspective

This headline refers to a past game from around 2017, when Brook Lopez and Lauri Markkanen were both on the Chicago Bulls roster. The result is long settled. What still matters for travelers is the trip itself. For anyone based in northeast Ohio, Chicago is one of the easiest big-city weekends in the Midwest, and an NBA game makes a good anchor for the visit.

Getting there from Cleveland

The drive west runs mostly along Interstate 90 and the Ohio and Indiana toll roads. Expect five to six hours, depending on traffic around Gary and on the Chicago Skyway. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited links Cleveland and Chicago by rail, though departure times are often late at night or early in the morning. Short flights from Cleveland Hopkins are another option if you're short on time. Check current schedules before you commit to any of them.

The arena and the neighborhood

The Bulls play at the United Center on Chicago's Near West Side, which they share with the NHL's Blackhawks. The arena is a few miles from the Loop. Many visitors use public transit, rideshares or the shuttle services that run on event nights rather than driving and paying for parking. Plan your route home before tip-off, because leaving a sold-out arena can be slow.

Buying tickets safely

Buy tickets through the team's official channels or well-known, reputable resale platforms. Unfamiliar websites that promise cheap seats are a common source of fake or overpriced tickets. Compare seating charts, check the final price including fees, and keep your digital tickets on your phone before you arrive.

Making a weekend of it

A Saturday or Sunday game leaves room for the city's other attractions:

• the lakefront path
• Millennium Park
• the museums of the Museum Campus
• a long lunch in the West Loop, close to the arena

Winter games are part of the season, so pack layers for the wind off Lake Michigan. For more ideas, browse our destination guides or the packing and planning guides for Midwest road trips.