Game Day Party Bus Guide
Your complete guide to sports bar crawls, watch party transportation, and tailgating in Chicago
How do I plan a party bus for a sports watch party in Chicago?
Book a 4-6 hour rental for $400-700, coordinate pickup at a central location 2 hours before game time, plan 3-4 bar stops along your route, and designate one person to communicate with the driver. The bus keeps your group together while you focus on the game and celebration.
Why Take a Party Bus to Watch the Game?
Chicago is a legendary sports town. Whether you're cheering for the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, or Blackhawks, game day is a celebration that deserves more than splitting Ubers and fighting for parking spots.
A party bus transforms game day from a logistical challenge into the ultimate fan experience:
- Pre-game warmup: Start the tailgate experience on the ride
- Bar hop with ease: Hit multiple sports bars without driving
- Keep the crew together: No lost friends, no coordinating rides
- Watch on the go: Many buses have TVs for pre-game coverage
- Celebrate safely: No DUIs, no surge pricing after the win
- Extend the party: The celebration continues between stops
Chicago Sports Bar Districts
Wrigleyville (Cubs Country)
Best for: Cubs games, playoff watch parties, young professional crowds
Top spots: Sluggers, Murphy's Bleachers, Cubby Bear, Sports Corner
Vibe: Electric on game days, packed bars, outdoor patios, walking distance to Wrigley Field
Party bus tip: Drop-off on Clark Street side streets works best. Pickup on Sheffield after the game avoids main crowd.
River North
Best for: Upscale watch parties, corporate groups, mixed sports fans
Top spots: Theory, Headquarters Beercade, Barleycorn, Benchmark
Vibe: Modern sports bars with craft cocktails, larger TVs, VIP sections available
Party bus tip: Easy drop-off access throughout the neighborhood. Combine with dinner at nearby restaurants.
Lincoln Park
Best for: NFL Sundays, neighborhood bar feel, 30-something crowds
Top spots: Kincade's, McGee's, The Pony Inn, Lion Head Pub
Vibe: Classic Chicago sports bars, loyal regulars, team-specific fan bases
Party bus tip: Street parking allows easy drop-off. Great for NFL Sunday because most bars open early.
West Loop / Fulton Market
Best for: Bulls/Blackhawks (near United Center), craft beer enthusiasts
Top spots: Haymarket Pub, Kaiser Tiger, The Ogden, Lone Wolf
Vibe: Industrial-chic bars, excellent food options, proximity to United Center
Party bus tip: Perfect pre-game or post-game stop when attending United Center events.
Bridgeport / Sox Park Area
Best for: White Sox games, South Side sports culture, authentic Chicago experience
Top spots: Cork & Kerry, Mitchell's Tap, Turtle's, Pancho Pistolas
Vibe: Historic neighborhood bars, passionate Sox fans, traditional tailgating
Party bus tip: Combine with tailgating in the Guaranteed Rate Field parking lots.
Sample Game Day Itineraries
NFL Sunday Funday (6 hours)
Bears Kickoff: 12:00 PM
- 10:00 AM - Pickup at designated location
- 10:30 AM - First stop: Kincade's (Lincoln Park) for pre-game drinks
- 11:45 AM - Travel to main venue: Theory (River North)
- 12:00-3:30 PM - Watch Bears game
- 3:45 PM - Post-game celebration at Headquarters Beercade
- 4:30 PM - Return home
Cubs Night Game Experience (7 hours)
First Pitch: 7:05 PM
- 4:00 PM - Pickup from downtown or suburbs
- 4:45 PM - Arrive Wrigleyville, stop at Murphy's Bleachers
- 6:00 PM - Walk to Wrigley Field (if attending) or move to Cubby Bear
- 7:05-10:00 PM - Game time
- 10:15 PM - Post-game drinks at Sluggers
- 11:00 PM - Return pickup
March Madness Bar Crawl (5 hours)
Multiple Games: All-day basketball
- 12:00 PM - Pickup, bring your bracket
- 12:30 PM - Stop 1: Benchmark (River North) - catch first games
- 2:30 PM - Stop 2: Theory - afternoon games
- 4:30 PM - Stop 3: Headquarters Beercade - late afternoon
- 5:00 PM - Return home or continue independently
Party Bus Pricing for Game Day
| Package | Duration | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Watch | 3-4 hours | $350-500 | Single game, one venue |
| Game Day Classic | 5-6 hours | $500-750 | Pre-game + game + post-game |
| All-Day Sports | 7-8 hours | $700-1,000 | NFL Sunday, March Madness |
| Tailgate Special | 6 hours | $600-850 | Stadium parking + game |
Prices based on 20-30 passenger party bus. Smaller groups may consider a 12-passenger Sprinter ($300-500 for 4-5 hours).
Best Chicago Sports Events for Party Buses
High-Demand Events (Book 4+ Weeks Ahead)
- Bears Home Games: Especially divisional matchups (Packers, Vikings, Lions)
- Cubs Playoff Games: Wrigleyville becomes a citywide party
- Blackhawks Playoff Hockey: United Center watch parties are legendary
- March Madness: First weekend especially popular
- Super Bowl Sunday: Chicago's biggest watch party day
Regular Season Favorites
- Monday Night Football: Bears MNF games draw huge crowds
- Cubs-Cardinals Series: Rivalry games pack Wrigleyville
- Bulls vs. Lakers/Celtics: Classic NBA matchups
- Crosstown Classic: Cubs vs. White Sox brings out both fan bases
2026 Must-Book Events
- FIFA World Cup 2026: Chicago hosting matches at Soldier Field (June-July)
- College Football Playoffs: If Northwestern or Illinois make it
- NBA All-Star Weekend: If hosted in Chicago
Game Day Party Bus Tips
Planning Your Route
- 3-4 stops maximum: More stops means less time at each bar
- Geographic logic: Plan stops in the same neighborhood when possible
- Call ahead: Confirm TVs, seating, and group accommodations
- Have backups: Popular bars fill up fast on game days
What to Bring
- Team gear: Jerseys, hats, face paint - go all out
- BYOB supplies: Drinks, ice, cups for the bus
- Cash: Some sports bars are cash-only for speed
- Phone chargers: You'll be taking lots of photos
- Snacks: Pre-game fuel before the bars open
Group Coordination
- Create a group chat: Essential for real-time coordination
- Designate a captain: One person talks to the driver
- Set departure times: "Bus leaves at 2:45 PM, no exceptions"
- Buddy system: No one gets left behind
- Collect money upfront: Venmo before game day
Tailgating with a Party Bus
For fans attending the actual game, a party bus doubles as your tailgate headquarters:
Soldier Field (Bears)
- Parking: Charter buses use Waldron lot or nearby streets
- Setup time: Arrive 3-4 hours before kickoff
- Amenities: Bus provides climate control, bathroom, entertainment
- Post-game: Skip the traffic by celebrating on the bus
Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)
- Parking: Lot G accommodates larger vehicles
- Setup time: 2-3 hours before first pitch
- Pro tip: Bridgeport bars are walking distance for extended tailgating
Wrigley Field (Cubs)
- No traditional tailgating: Use surrounding bars instead
- Drop-off strategy: Bus drops at bars, pickup after game
- Gallagher Way: Outdoor space with big screens for overflow
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a party bus cost for a sports watch party?
Sports watch party bus rentals in Chicago typically cost $400-700 for 4-5 hours, depending on group size and vehicle type. For a full game day experience including pre-game bar hopping and post-game celebration, expect $600-1,000 for 6-8 hours. Split among 15-30 passengers, that's $20-50 per person.
Can you drink on a party bus going to a sports bar?
Yes, Chicago party buses are BYOB (bring your own beverages). You can enjoy drinks while traveling between sports bars and watch party locations. Most buses provide coolers and ice. Per Illinois law, passengers may consume alcohol while the vehicle is stationary, though policies vary by company.
What's the best party bus route for Chicago sports bars?
Popular Chicago sports bar crawl routes include: Wrigleyville (Cubs bars like Sluggers, Murphy's Bleachers), River North (Theory, Headquarters), Lincoln Park (Kincade's, McGee's), and the West Loop (Haymarket Pub, Kaiser Tiger). A typical 4-5 stop route works best for game day celebrations.
How early should I book for Super Bowl Sunday?
Book your Super Bowl party bus at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the busiest days for party bus rentals in Chicago. Popular sports bar districts like River North and Lincoln Park will be packed, so also make bar reservations early.
Can the driver wait while we're in the bar?
Yes, your driver will wait at an approved nearby location while you're inside watching the game. You're paying for the time, not just transportation. Communicate your schedule so the driver can find appropriate parking and be ready when you need to move to the next stop.
Book Your Game Day Party Bus
Make game day legendary with luxury party bus transportation. Get a free quote for your sports watch party today.