Local sports stadiums, arenas have facilities to host event, meetings

Looking for a way to make employees or clients of your company feel like a team? Host an event or meeting at a suburban sports arena or stadium.

Several sports teams such as the Chicago Wolves, Joliet Slammers, Kane County Cougars and Schaumburg Boomers and arenas including the Sears Centre Arena and Allstate Arena offer a variety of facilities for companies to rent out whether it's an event or small meeting for as little as 15 people or a large training session for as many as 1,500.

Allstate Arena

Besides renting out the Jack Daniels Lounge or the Budweiser Brew House before the start of a show at the Allstate Arena, companies can soon rent out super suites at the arena.

As part of a new contract with Rivers Casino, the Allstate Arena is reconstructing about five suites they have now into one large super suite.

The suite will include tickets to an event at the Allstate Arena, food and drinks.

Director of marketing Phil Chihoski said it "could be up and running in October."

The Budweiser Brew House offers a getaway from the action as there is no view of the events from the venue.

The lounge includes high top tables, TVs and a private bar.

"It's open to whatever the person wants to do," Chihoski said.

While inside the Jack Daniels Club Lounge people can see the event as it's happening.

"It's a unique space to entertain and see a show at the same time," Chihoski said. "You could have a pre party and then enjoy the show. We have tons of live entertainment."

Both lounges are available for rent hours before an event at the Allstate Arena begins, but an hour before the show starts, the lounges are open to the public.

Tickets to the events are sold separately and food is served a la carte.

The Allstate Arena is located at 6920 Mannheim Road in Rosemont. For more information or to book an event or meeting call (847) 635-6601.

Chicago Wolves Hockey

Instead of holding a meeting or event in a board room, the Chicago Wolves offer multiple suites as well as an option to skate on the ice after a game.

Luxury suites provide businesses an opportunity to enjoy the game while having a private section to themselves. These suites include 10 game tickets, food and more.

"I think it's a really unique place to have your function. Nothing says team like a sports team," Group Event Specialist Leslie Metcalf said. "It's a great experience and leaves people with a great impression."

Suites are $550 but may rise around the holiday season and catering.

Two party decks can typically host 20 people with 20 game tickets, food and more. The party decks start at around $1,000 and may rise around the holiday season.

Metcalf suggests the Jack Daniels room for companies looking to impress clients because of its bird's eye view of the arena, ability to accommodate 150 people at $30 a person and a full bar featuring Jack Daniels products.

The Wolves also allow businesses to rent out the arena for a skate on the ice, customizing the arena with the business' signage and playing music.

"It can really be tailored to the client's experience," Metcalf said.

Participants need to bring their own skates. Pricing is dependent on the customizations.

Not only do the Wolves offer facilities inside the arena, but companies can choose to have a meeting or an event in the Skyline room across the street from the north side of the arena. The room can accommodate up to 400 people. For more, visit chicagowolves.com.

Joliet Slammers

The Joliet Slammers share their success as companies try to achieve theirs in the Hall of Fame room and other facilities available for rent.

The Hall of Fame room provides an air-conditioned meeting area for up to 100 people. They call it the Hall of Fame room because it contains photos of athletes from the Joliet area that have gone on to play for major league teams. "We do have a pretty big meeting table which makes it great for companies to host meetings there," Marketing manager Megan Becker said.

Companies can rent out a climate-controlled luxury suite that comes with an outdoor stadium box, a personal suite assistant as well as other benefits.

Silver Cross Field is located at 1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Joliet. For more information or to book an event or meeting, call (815) 651-2043 or visit jolietslammers.com.

Kane County Cougars

Whether it's an event for 30 or 1,500 people, the Kane County Cougars offer facilities in Fifth Third Bank Ballpark for companies looking to host an event or meeting for employees, clients or whatever their needs may be.

"We have great customer service and great food. The entertainment is second to none. We have some great entertainment every game," General Manager Curtis Haug said.

Companies hoping to host a large meeting with 100-150 people can rent out the conference room that includes audio, visual and sound equipment.

The Cougars also have 15 climate-controlled party suites available that hold up to 30 people. The suites have indoor and outdoor seating and two TVs.

Event attendees can enjoy the game from behind home plate in the Cougar's super suite that has space for groups anywhere between 30 and 200 people. This suite is also climate controlled and has outdoor seating.

The Fifth Third Bank Ballpark is located at 34W002 Cherry Lane in Geneva. For more information or to book an event or meeting with the Kane County Cougars call (630) 232-8811 or visit milb.com.

Schaumburg Boomers

The Schaumburg Boomers provide a customized experience for companies as they can choose every aspect of their event or meeting from where it is held in the stadium to what is on the menu.

"We pride ourselves on being able to build a custom package for each client," Assistant General Manager Mike Kline said.

The Boomers have a Stadium Club that can hold up to 175 people. They have used the Stadium Club for corporate VIP, weddings and other events.

Also available are 16 luxury suites that can hold up to 25 people each.

Because the Boomers customize each meeting or event to the client, prices vary depending on what the client wants.

"We have great food and the entertainment aspect all for one great price," Kline said.

"You get to enjoy the event instead of being worried because you're the planner. We're your one stop shop for all of it."

The Schaumburg Boomers Stadium is located at 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. For more information or to book an event or meeting at one of the Boomers' facilities call (847) 461-3695 or fill out a contact form on the Boomers website.

Sears Centre Arena

The Sears Centre Arena can host more than just concerts and ice skating shows but also company events and meetings within different areas of the arena.

A carpeted room called The Club overlooks the arena floor and can seat about 150-250 people comfortably depending on the style of the event.

"I like it because it's versatile," director of events Erin Sweeney said. "It really is a unique space in that we can accommodate whatever you are trying to do in there. As far as people's needs go, we try to be as creative as we can to transform the space into what they're looking for."

Also available are the north and south suite lounges which are on the top floor of the arena and can fit approximately 100 to 150 people.

"I like them because the view is really nice," Sweeney said. "The natural light coming into the spaces gives you a different feel."

Prices to rent out the Club, north and south suite lounges and the concourse vary depending on how the Sears Centre Arena can accommodate its clients and the food companies wish to serve.

"Whenever an event comes here, we look at what they're trying to do, what needs to be set up and then they are put in contact with Levy Restaurants," Sweeney said.

The Sears Centre Arena is located at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. For more information or to book an event or meeting at one of the Sears Centre Arena's facilities call (847) 649-2222.