Wintrust Arena Rules
Wintrust Arena is a premier multi-purpose venue hosting concerts, sports events, and more. Opened in 2017, it serves as the home for DePaul University’s basketball teams and the Chicago Sky of the WNBA, with a capacity of up to 10,387 seats. To ensure the safety, security, and enjoyment of all patrons, the arena enforces a variety of rules and policies. This in-depth guide covers key areas, drawing from official venue guidelines. Policies can vary by event, so always check the event-specific details on the Wintrust Arena website or contact them at (312) 791-6900. Understanding these rules helps avoid delays or ejections, promoting a positive experience for everyone.
Accessibility
Wintrust Arena is committed to inclusivity, adhering to ADA standards to accommodate guests with disabilities. Accessible seating is available on all levels (100-Level and 200-Level), including floor-level options for wheelchair users, and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons can purchase these seats directly through ticket sellers by specifying their needs; up to three companion tickets can be exchanged per accessible ticket, with companions seated as close as possible.
Mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers are permitted and encouraged for personal use. Elevators provide access to all concourses, and all doors and restrooms are ADA-compliant, with five family-style restrooms for attendants or opposite-sex caregivers. Accessible parking is offered in Lot A on Cermak Road, requiring a state-issued placard or license plate (out-of-state ones are honored).
Once full, guests are directed to nearby general lots. Drop-off and pick-up zones are on the 200 East Cermak side. For sensory needs, the arena partners with KultureCity, offering free tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidget items, and a Sensory Inclusion App with social stories to preview events. Sign language interpretation is available upon request at least 10 days in advance via email. First Aid stations, staffed by EMTs, are behind section 114, and lost and found is at Guest Services. Requests for accommodations should be made five days prior; this policy ensures equitable access while prioritizing those with genuine needs, preventing misuse of limited resources.
Animals & Service Dogs
Animals are generally prohibited at Wintrust Arena to maintain hygiene and safety, but certified service animals are welcome as per ADA guidelines. These include guide dogs, signal dogs, or other trained animals assisting individuals with disabilities, allowed in all public areas. Emotional support animals or pets do not qualify and are not permitted. Service animals must remain under control and not pose a threat to others; if they do, they may be asked to leave. Upon entry, service animals undergo inspection, and owners should inform security. The venue recommends calling ahead for event-specific details, especially for floor seating where space might be limited. This policy balances accessibility with crowd safety, as untrained animals could disrupt events or cause allergies. Patrons with service dogs can access accessible seating to ensure the animal fits safely without blocking aisles.
Age Requirements
Age policies at Wintrust Arena vary by event type to ensure appropriate environments. For concerts and most entertainment events, all guests, including children, require a ticket regardless of age – no free entry for infants. For Chicago Sky games and similar family-oriented sports, children under 24 months (two years old) may enter without a ticket if seated on a lap, but older children need their own. Events may impose minimum age limits, such as 18+ for certain concerts or 21+ for alcohol-heavy shows; always verify via the event promoter. Proof of age, like a government-issued ID, is required for age-restricted events or alcohol purchases (must be 21+). Minors under 18 attending without a guardian may face restrictions. This flexible approach protects younger attendees from mature content while accommodating families, with enforcement at entry to prevent underage access to inappropriate settings.
Bag Policy
To expedite entry and enhance security, Wintrust Arena limits bag sizes and types. Allowed items include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (hand-carried or with straps, like clear backpacks or fanny packs), non-clear purses or bags no larger than 10″ x 6″ x 2″, and one-gallon clear freezer bags. Prohibited are camera bags, briefcases, computer bags, non-clear backpacks over the size limit, coolers, and luggage. Exceptions apply for medically necessary items or diaper bags, inspected at entry. This policy, paired with metal detectors, reduces queuing times and risks. Patrons should plan ahead – leave non-essential bags at home or in vehicles – to avoid denial of entry or the need for external storage, which the venue does not provide.
Entry and Security
All patrons entering Wintrust Arena undergo security screening, including metal detectors and potential bag searches, as a condition of admission. Refusal results in denied entry. Arrive early to account for lines, especially for high-attendance events. Weapons, illegal substances, and other threats are confiscated, with possible ejection or legal action. The arena uses advanced detectors for efficiency, and staff may pat down if needed. This rigorous process, aligned with industry standards, prioritizes safety amid large crowds, preventing incidents like those at similar venues. Guests should empty pockets and remove outerwear for smooth passage.
Food, Drink & Alcohol
Outside food and beverages are prohibited to control quality and prevent spills or hazards, except for medical needs (inspected at entry). Concessions offer a variety of options, including local Chicago favorites, available on all levels. Alcohol sales require ID proving age 21+, with service cut-off times varying by event (e.g., end of third quarter for games). Responsible consumption is enforced; intoxicated patrons may be ejected. This policy maintains a clean, safe environment, supporting the venue’s cashless system for quick purchases. Hydration stations provide free water refills.
Payment Options
Wintrust Arena is entirely cashless, accepting credit/debit cards, mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), and contactless methods at all points of sale, including concessions, merchandise, and the box office. Cash is not accepted, so convert it to prepaid cards if needed. This streamlines transactions, reduces wait times, and minimizes theft risks, aligning with modern venue trends for hygiene and efficiency.
Photography and Recording
Photography and recording policies depend on the event promoter. Small personal cameras are typically allowed, but professional equipment, detachable lenses, video cameras, audio recorders, iPads, tablets, laptops, GoPros, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Flash photography may be restricted to avoid distracting performers. Violations can lead to ejection. This protects artists’ rights and audience immersion; check event details in advance to avoid confiscation.
Prohibited Items
A broad list of items is banned to ensure safety: large bags (per bag policy), non-service animals, outside food/beverages, cans/bottles/coolers, video/audio devices (event-dependent), electronics like tablets/laptops, laser pointers/glow sticks, balloons, noise-makers, projectiles, oversized signs (over 2’ x 3’ or on sticks), stickers, skateboards/scooters, sticks/poles/selfie sticks, weapons, illegal drugs, fireworks, and anything deemed unsafe by management. Possession results in ejection without refund; the venue isn’t liable for lost items. This comprehensive ban minimizes disruptions and hazards in a crowded space.
Smoking Policy
Smoking, including tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarettes, and vaporizers, is strictly prohibited inside Wintrust Arena and the Arie Crown Theater, per Chicago ordinances and the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. No designated smoking areas exist indoors; violators face ejection. This policy promotes health, reduces fire risks, and ensures comfort for all, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.