Candidates for mayor and alderman in Chicago began filing their nominating petitions on Monday, but one mayoral candidate already has dropped out of the race, as Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) said a crowded field will only benefit Mayor Lori Lightfoot, so he’s instead running for re-election to City Council.

Chicago’s Sports Events Culture

Despite its size, Chicago has a vibrant sports culture. Its professional and amateur sports teams have a storied history. The city is home to the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, NHL’s Blackhawks and minor league affiliates. The city has a top notch transportation infrastructure which has helped it become a destination in its own right.

The city has a population of nearly 3 million people, making it the third largest metropolis in the U.S. Despite its size, it is a sports fan’s paradise. In fact, Chicago is arguably the sports capital of the Midwest. The city has a storied sports history and boasts numerous awards and accolades to boot.

A good number of Chicagoans know something about sports, and the city is known for its football centric proclivities. In fact, the city is home to some of the best sports franchises in the game, including the NFL’s Bears. This sports bonanza has created 456,000 jobs in the Chicago area alone.

Sports are a good way to promote health and fitness, and the city has plenty of parks and public spaces for families to enjoy. The city has a few notable sports venues, such as Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. A trip to Chicago is the perfect excuse to see some of the best stadiums in the game, from the Cubs to the Blackhawks. If you are lucky enough to live in the Windy City, you will likely find yourself at a sports game at least once a week, and that’s not including Sunday night games!