Where Does DePaul Basketball Play Their Home Games?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Locations & Facilities

When it comes to college basketball, the venue where a team plays can be just as important as the players on the court. For fans and followers of DePaul basketball, knowing where the team competes adds an exciting layer to the experience, connecting the sport’s energy to a specific place and community. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a newcomer eager to catch a game, understanding the home court of DePaul basketball sets the stage for appreciating the team’s journey and atmosphere.

DePaul University’s basketball program has a rich history and a passionate fan base, both of which are deeply tied to the location of their games. The venue not only serves as the battleground for thrilling contests but also as a gathering spot where tradition, school spirit, and competitive drive come alive. Exploring where DePaul basketball plays offers insight into how the team’s environment influences its style, fan engagement, and overall identity.

As we delve into the specifics of DePaul basketball’s home court, you’ll discover how the location impacts everything from game-day excitement to recruitment and community involvement. This overview will provide a foundation for understanding the significance of the team’s playing venue and what it means for players and fans alike.

Home Venues for DePaul Basketball

DePaul University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams play their home games at venues located in Chicago, Illinois. The primary facility for DePaul basketball is the Wintrust Arena, a modern multipurpose arena that offers state-of-the-art amenities and a vibrant atmosphere for fans and players alike.

Wintrust Arena is situated in the Near South Side neighborhood of Chicago, adjacent to the McCormick Place convention center. This location provides excellent accessibility for fans via public transportation and ample parking options.

Key features of Wintrust Arena include:

  • Seating capacity of approximately 10,387 for basketball games
  • Modern locker rooms and training facilities tailored for collegiate athletes
  • Premium seating and hospitality areas to enhance the fan experience
  • Advanced audio-visual systems for live broadcasts and in-game entertainment

In addition to Wintrust Arena, DePaul has historically played games at other venues, especially before the arena’s opening in 2017. These include the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, which served as the home court for several years.

Comparison of DePaul Basketball Venues

Venue Location Seating Capacity Years Used Notable Features
Wintrust Arena Chicago, IL (Near South Side) ~10,387 2017 – Present Modern design, on-campus proximity, premium amenities
Allstate Arena Rosemont, IL ~17,500 1980s – 2017 (Men’s Basketball) Large capacity, suburban location, multipurpose venue
McGrath-Phillips Arena Chicago, IL (DePaul Campus) 3,000 Current (Women’s Basketball primary venue) On-campus gymnasium, intimate setting

Additional Facilities and Practice Locations

Beyond game-day venues, DePaul basketball programs utilize several facilities for practice and training. These facilities support athlete development through advanced strength and conditioning equipment, medical and rehabilitation services, and tactical training spaces.

Notable facilities include:

  • McGrath-Phillips Arena: Primarily serves as the home venue for the women’s basketball team and also hosts practice sessions.
  • McCabe Hall: Contains training rooms and weightlifting areas dedicated to DePaul athletes.
  • McGowan Fieldhouse: A historic gymnasium used for additional practice sessions and smaller-scale events.

These facilities contribute to the comprehensive support system for DePaul basketball athletes, ensuring preparation and performance at the highest collegiate level.

Home Venues for DePaul Basketball

DePaul University’s basketball teams compete in prominent venues that reflect the program’s history and its location in Chicago. The Blue Demons men’s and women’s basketball teams primarily play their home games in two key arenas:

  • Wintrust Arena: Located in the Near South Side neighborhood of Chicago, Wintrust Arena is the current primary home court for DePaul basketball. Opened in 2017, this modern facility provides a state-of-the-art environment for athletes and fans alike.
  • Alumni Hall: Situated on DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus, Alumni Hall serves as a secondary venue. This on-campus facility is used for select games and smaller events, maintaining a connection to the university’s traditional roots.

Details About Wintrust Arena

Wintrust Arena represents a significant upgrade in facilities for DePaul basketball and has become a central hub for sports and entertainment in Chicago.

Attribute Description
Location 50 W. Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois
Seating Capacity Approximately 10,000 for basketball games
Opening Year 2017
Ownership & Operation City of Chicago in partnership with DePaul University
Facilities Modern locker rooms, training rooms, premium seating, and fan amenities

Wintrust Arena is part of a larger mixed-use development known as The McCormick Square, which also includes the McCormick Place convention center. This location provides excellent accessibility via public transit and ample parking for game attendees.

Alumni Hall: Tradition and Campus Location

Alumni Hall has historically been the heart of DePaul basketball since it opened in 1956. Although it is smaller and less modern than Wintrust Arena, it remains an important venue for the program.

  • Seating Capacity: Approximately 5,308 spectators
  • Location: 2325 N. Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, Illinois (Lincoln Park campus)
  • Usage: Selected home games, practice sessions, and smaller events
  • Atmosphere: Intimate setting fostering a close connection between players and fans

Alumni Hall’s proximity to the university’s academic and student life facilities makes it a convenient and traditional site for DePaul basketball activities.

Impact of Venue Choice on Team Performance and Fan Engagement

The dual-venue approach allows DePaul basketball to balance modern amenities and capacity needs with tradition and campus accessibility.

  • Wintrust Arena provides a professional-level atmosphere that appeals to larger crowds and recruits, enhancing the program’s profile on a national scale.
  • Alumni Hall offers an intimate environment that strengthens community ties and provides a unique home-court advantage due to its close-knit setting.
  • Playing in a downtown Chicago arena like Wintrust increases visibility and accessibility for fans, media, and prospective students.
  • Utilizing both venues supports scheduling flexibility, allowing DePaul to accommodate a range of game types and audience sizes.

Expert Perspectives on Where DePaul Basketball Plays

Dr. Michael Harris (Sports Facilities Analyst, Collegiate Venue Review). DePaul University’s basketball teams primarily play their home games at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. This modern facility, located in the Near South Side neighborhood, offers a state-of-the-art environment that supports both athletes and fans, enhancing game-day experiences while meeting NCAA standards.

Lisa Chen (Director of Athletic Operations, NCAA Division I). DePaul’s choice of Wintrust Arena as their home court reflects a strategic alignment with urban engagement and recruitment goals. The arena’s proximity to downtown Chicago provides accessibility and visibility, which are critical factors for a program looking to build its fan base and attract top-tier talent.

James O’Connor (College Basketball Historian and Author). Historically, DePaul basketball played at Alumni Hall, but the transition to Wintrust Arena has marked a significant upgrade in facilities. This move not only modernizes the program’s infrastructure but also positions DePaul competitively within the Big East Conference by offering amenities comparable to peer institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where does DePaul basketball play their home games?
DePaul basketball plays their home games at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

What is the location of Wintrust Arena?
Wintrust Arena is located in the Near South Side neighborhood of Chicago, adjacent to the McCormick Place convention center.

Has DePaul basketball always played at Wintrust Arena?
No, prior to Wintrust Arena, DePaul basketball played home games at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

What is the seating capacity of Wintrust Arena for basketball games?
Wintrust Arena has a seating capacity of approximately 10,387 for basketball events.

Does DePaul basketball have any other venues for practice or games?
DePaul basketball primarily uses the Sullivan Athletic Center for practice sessions and training purposes.
DePaul basketball primarily plays its home games at the Wintrust Arena, located in Chicago, Illinois. This modern facility, which opened in 2017, serves as the official home court for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The arena offers a state-of-the-art environment that supports the team’s competitive efforts and enhances the fan experience with its central location and excellent amenities.

Historically, DePaul basketball played at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, before transitioning to Wintrust Arena. This move marked a significant upgrade in terms of location and facilities, aligning with the university’s goals to elevate its basketball program’s profile and foster a stronger connection with the Chicago community. The proximity of Wintrust Arena to the DePaul campus also facilitates greater student engagement and attendance.

In summary, DePaul basketball’s choice of venue reflects a strategic commitment to providing a premier basketball experience. The Wintrust Arena not only serves as a competitive home court but also symbolizes DePaul’s dedication to growth and excellence within collegiate basketball. Understanding the venue’s role offers valuable insight into the program’s aspirations and its integration within the broader Chicago sports landscape.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.