For other venues, teams and events nearby, see the Chicago guide.
The Sky and DePaul's arena on the Near South Side
Wintrust Arena is the 10,387-seat arena at 200 East Cermak Road, across the street from McCormick Place on Chicago's Near South Side. It is home to the Chicago Sky (WNBA), who moved here in 2018 and, as of the 2026 season, still play here, and to DePaul University men's and women's basketball. It also books concerts, comedy, wrestling and McCormick Place convention events. The best basketball seats are the lower sideline sections around midcourt, 109 on one side and 124 on the other; because the arena is small, the 200 level stays close to the court.
During planning the building was called DePaul Arena or the McCormick Place Events Center, and its full branded name is Wintrust Arena at McCormick Square. Wintrust Financial's 15-year naming deal was announced in November 2016, before the arena opened, so it has never operated under another name.
How the seating is laid out
Section numbers here come from the RateYourSeats section directory; the arena's own guide confirms the numbering by placing guest services behind section 114 and an ATM by section 202.
Courtside and floor
For basketball, courtside seats (Courtside 1 through 8 on maps) line the floor. For concerts, the floor is sold as numbered floor sections or general admission.
100 level: sections 101–128
The lower bowl wraps the court. Section 109 sits at midcourt on one side, with club seats in sections 108–110 around it; section 124 is midcourt on the other side, with 123 beside it. Sections at the ends sit behind the baskets.
200 level: sections 201–230
The upper level wraps the building above the 100 level, with section 225 at midcourt. With about 10,400 seats in total, even the top rows of the 200 level are close to the court by arena standards.
Best seats for Sky and DePaul games and concerts
Chicago Sky and DePaul basketball
The lower sideline sections, 107–111 on one side and 123–124 and their neighbors on the other, give the best mix of closeness and a full-court view. The club seats in 108–110 add a centered angle and premium amenities. For value, the front rows of the 200 level at midcourt, around 225, show the whole floor and the play developing, which suits fans who follow the game more than the stars.
What drives demand
Sky tickets move with the opponent and the star power on the floor; marquee WNBA visitors and weekend games draw the biggest crowds, and the 2021 WNBA Finals games here sold out at 10,387. DePaul's Big East games against ranked conference rivals draw more than nonconference dates.
Concerts
For end-stage shows, the floor center and the lower sideline sections nearest the stage give the closest views. In a 10,000-seat room, the end of the 100 level facing the stage is a good seat, not a distant one.
Seats to avoid
- Low rows directly behind the baskets: the stanchion and backboard block part of the view.
- Sections beside or behind an end stage: limited views at concerts.
- Top rows of the 200-level corners: the farthest seats, though still close by arena standards.
Parking at McCormick Place
Wintrust Arena uses McCormick Place's three lots. As of 2026, the Sky's game-day guide lists:
- Lot A, 2301 South Prairie Avenue: a six-level garage with about 2,100 spaces and covered walkways to the arena. It is the closest option and the one to target.
- Lot B, the 31st Street surface lot near Lake Shore Drive: more than 1,800 spaces, with no in-and-out privileges.
- Lot C, an underground garage on Fort Dearborn Drive next to the Lakeside Center: about 1,900 spaces, also no in-and-out.
Rates differ by lot and event, so check before you go. The lots also serve McCormick Place, so on a day with a large convention, check the parking information for your event before you drive.
Getting there by CTA and Metra
The CTA Green Line's Cermak–McCormick Place station is the closest rail stop, a short walk from the arena. The Metra Electric line's McCormick Place station is also nearby, useful for fans coming from the South Side and the south suburbs. Both make transit the simplest way in from the Loop or Chinatown, and they spare you the exit line from Lot A after a sellout.
Bag policy and entry rules
As of 2026, the arena allows clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, including clear backpacks and fanny packs, a one-gallon clear freezer bag, and a non-clear purse no larger than 10 by 6 by 2 inches. The Sky's own clear-bag page sets a smaller limit for non-clear clutches, 4.5 by 6.5 inches, so for a Sky game carry the smaller size. Medical items and diaper bags are allowed after inspection, and every guest passes through a metal detector or wand. Check the arena's current bag policy before you go.
- Re-entry: not permitted once you leave.
- Cashless: the box office and concessions take cards and mobile pay only.
- Strollers: small strollers are allowed; ask an usher where to leave them.
- Accessible seating: on all concourses, with up to three companion seats per accessible ticket.
History and big moments
DePaul and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), which runs McCormick Place, broke ground on November 16, 2015. Pelli Clarke Pelli designed the building, and it cost about 173 million dollars, split among DePaul, MPEA bonds and public taxes. The first event was a convention concert on September 25, 2017, and the formal opening came on October 14, 2017; Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples played on October 27, 2017.
The Sky moved in from Allstate Arena for the 2018 season and won the 2021 WNBA title with Games 3 and 4 of the Finals played here. The arena has also hosted the Big East women's tournament, the 2020 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, AEW wrestling and the 2024 NBA draft combine. The Wikipedia entry has more.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wintrust Arena's capacity?
It seats 10,387 for basketball. That modest size puts almost every seat within a short distance of the court.
Where should I park for Wintrust Arena?
McCormick Place Lot A at 2301 South Prairie Avenue is closest and connects by covered walkway. Lots B and C are farther and have no in-and-out privileges.
What is the Wintrust Arena bag policy?
As of 2026, clear bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed, plus a small non-clear purse. The arena lists 10 by 6 by 2 inches for purses and the Sky list 4.5 by 6.5 inches for clutches, so carry the smaller size for Sky games.
What train goes to Wintrust Arena?
The CTA Green Line to Cermak–McCormick Place, a short walk from the arena. Metra Electric's McCormick Place station is also nearby.
What are the best seats at Wintrust Arena?
Lower sideline sections near midcourt, 109 and 124, with club seats in 108–110. The front of the 200 level near section 225 is the value pick.
Do the Chicago Sky still play at Wintrust Arena?
As of the 2026 WNBA season, yes. The Sky have played home games here since 2018.