Chicago sports are often family traditions passed from one generation to the next. Getting older, using a walker or wheelchair, or simply having less stamina than you once did should not automatically mean giving up an afternoon at the ballpark or a Bears game with the family.
With baseball still in full swing and football season arriving, August is a great time to plan an outing. There is even more excitement surrounding Chicago baseball this year, with both the Cubs and White Sox in the playoff hunt as the 2026 season heads into its final stretch. For long-time fans who have spent decades following their favorite team, the possibility of October baseball on both sides of town makes this an especially memorable time to get back to the ballpark with family. A little preparation can make a significant difference, especially at Chicago’s large sports venues.
Catching a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field
Historic Wrigley Field has been updated over the years with accessibility in mind. Accessible seating is located throughout the ballpark near elevators, lifts or ramps, and all gates have accessible entry lanes. Complimentary wheelchair assistance is also available on a first-come, first-served basis to help guests travel between the gates and their seats.
For seniors concerned about the walk from parking, the Cubs offer an accessible golf cart shuttle between the Toyota Camry Lot and Left Field Gate. The shuttle can accommodate wheelchairs, including motorized wheelchairs and scooters. Accessible parking is limited, so this is one outing where planning ahead is particularly important. (SOURCE: https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/accessibility)
A White Sox Game at Rate Field
Rate Field offers wheelchair accessible seating on every level, with elevators available for guests who need assistance reaching different parts of the ballpark. Seniors who can walk independently but struggle with stairs or long distances may want to consider seating location and elevator access before purchasing tickets.
Wheelchair escorts are available from the stadium’s entrances to seating areas and can also be arranged for the trip back to the gate after the game. The Sox also note that the CTA Red Line’s Sox 35th station is wheelchair accessible, giving families another transportation option. (SOURCE: https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/ballpark/disability-access-guide)
Football Season at Soldier Field
A Bears game presents a different challenge simply because of the size of Soldier Field and the surrounding Museum Campus. For guests with appropriate ADA credentials, an accessible drop off and pickup area is available at Gate 14. The stadium also provides wheelchair escorts to seating locations, accessible elevators and wheelchair accessible seating. (SOURCE: https://www.soldierfield.com/plan-your-visit/ada-accessibility)
If an aging parent tires easily, the best strategy may be to minimize unnecessary walking before the game even begins. Research parking or drop off locations, purchase appropriate seating in advance, identify the best entrance and give yourself plenty of time.
Celebrate National Wellness Month by Staying Connected
August is also National Wellness Month, making it a fitting time to think about wellness as more than doctor visits, medications and physical health. For older adults, emotional and social wellness matter too. Staying connected with family, participating in favorite activities and continuing to feel part of the community can all contribute to a greater sense of well being. In fact, social connection is associated with better mental and physical health as we age.
That is another reason accessibility at Chicago’s sports venues matters. A trip to Wrigley Field, Rate Field or Soldier Field may involve more planning than it once did, but the experience offers something that goes well beyond watching a game. It can mean spending an afternoon with grandchildren, reconnecting with an old friend or simply enjoying a Chicago tradition that has been part of someone’s life for decades.
During National Wellness Month, families can look for ways to help aging loved ones remain involved in the activities they enjoy while adapting those experiences to their current abilities. Sometimes wellness is a daily walk or a healthy meal. Other times, it is putting on a favorite jersey, getting out of the house and cheering alongside thousands of other Chicago fans.
Keep the Traditions You Love
Changes in mobility can require families to approach outings differently, but they do not necessarily have to end them. Staying socially engaged, spending time with family and continuing favorite traditions can remain important parts of life as we age.
Whether it is watching the Cubs from Wrigley, cheering on the White Sox or bundling up for another Bears season, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to keep those traditions going. Plan around your loved one’s current abilities, take advantage of the accessibility services available and remember that needing a little extra assistance does not mean sitting out the experiences that still bring joy.
