Wintrust Arena

The Wintrust Arena: Chicago's Premier Boxing Venue

The Wintrust Arena, a centerpiece of Chicago's sports and entertainment scene, has been making waves in the boxing world since its inception. The journey of this state-of-the-art arena began with a ceremonial ground-breaking on November 16, 2015, attended by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and officials from DePaul University and McCormick Place. This significant event marked the start of the construction of a 10,000-seat venue at the corner of Cermak Road and Indiana Avenue. The arena, designed by internationally renowned architecture firm Pelli Clarke & Partners, was completed and opened in 2017, creating a significant number of construction and permanent jobs.

Wintrust Arena, initially referred to as both DePaul Arena and McCormick Place Events Center, secured a 15-year naming rights agreement with Wintrust Financial in November 2016. The arena's first major event was a concert featuring Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples on October 27, 2017, setting the stage for various diverse events.

Since its opening, the Wintrust Arena has hosted numerous significant events, including the Chicago Sky's home games for the WNBA season starting in 2018. The arena has not only been a hub for basketball but also for a variety of other events, including the 2020 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Revolution.

In boxing, the Wintrust Arena has seen a handful of exciting matches including the Matchroom boxing card held on October 6, 2018. This event was headlined by a thrilling match featuring IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev, who defended his title against unbeaten British contender Callum Johnson. The bout was a significant draw for boxing enthusiasts and highlighted the arena's ability to host top-tier boxing matches. The arena, with its modern facilities and strategic location in McCormick Square, has become a prime destination for local residents and visitors, serving as a catalyst for the economic development of the surrounding neighbourhoods. The Wintrust Arena represents a public-private partnership between the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and DePaul University, and it stands as a testament to Chicago's commitment to revitalizing its historic Motor Row area and enhancing the city's tourism appeal.

In summary, the Wintrust Arena is a modern marvel in the heart of Chicago, offering a versatile space for sports, concerts, business meetings, and major special events. Its role in hosting significant boxing matches adds to Chicago's rich sporting heritage and cements the arena's status as a key venue in the city's vibrant entertainment landscape