DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Unveils 2024-25 Men's and Women's Basketball Game Day Enhancements
10/22/2024 1:37:00 PM | ATHLETICS, EXTERNAL OUTREACH
CHICAGO – DePaul Athletics' gameday experience will again be enhanced for the 2024-25 men's and women's basketball season by implementing more than a dozen enhancements at Wintrust Arena. This offseason, DePaul has been committed to expanding food and beverage options, increasing merchandise and apparel offerings, and introducing amenities within the arena to meet the diverse needs of Blue Demon fans while ensuring a safe and comfortable visit. Some of the notable gameday enhancements and added amenities include:
Food & Beverage
Wintrust Arena's concessionaire, OVG Hospitality, will offer updated food and beverage offerings throughout the arena this season, including:
- Big Chicken, the brainchild of Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O'Neal, will make its' Blue Demon debut during DePaul's exhibition games.
- A portable churro stand will be available at select games.
- The introduction of DePaul-branded souvenir cups, popcorn buckets and nacho baskets.
- A modernized mobile concessions ordering process located within the DePaul Blue Demons app.
- The Blue Demon Club will debut newly inspired menus at men's basketball games this season, including the return of carving stations for select games. Blue Demon Club ticket holders will continue to be offered grab-and-go soft drinks, water, sparkling water options and rotating dessert stations. Blue Demon Club access will continue to be provided to season and single-game ticket holders in Sections 108-110 and B. Coleman Aviation courtside ticket holders.
- All concession stands and bars inside Wintrust Arena will again be cashless this season. Apple and Samsung Pay functionality is available at all concession stands and bars.
Clear Bag Policy & Bag Lockers
Wintrust Arena's clear bag policy will remain in place for all DePaul Athletics events but will be modified for more flexibility. Fans will be permitted to bring clear bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", including fanny packs, backpacks, or sling bags. In addition, non-clear bags that do not exceed 10" x 6" x 2" will be permitted. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags after proper inspection at the entrance. For more information, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/ClearBag.
Fans who cannot leave their bags at home may store their belongings in secure, complimentary lockers outside the arena throughout the game.
Doors Open Time
Doors to Wintrust Arena will now open 60 minutes before tipoff (previously 90 minutes) for each DePaul men's and women's basketball game. Fans are reminded they may enter through the sky bridge connected to the Lot A parking garage or through the arena's main entrance, located at the corner of Cermak and Indiana.
For men's basketball games, Mikan Society members, with a valid Mikan Society Lounge pass, will be permitted to enter the arena 90 minutes before tipoff to access the Mikan Society Lounge. Entry will be required through designated doors off E Cermak Road. Sky bridge entry will not be available for early entry. All Mikan Society Lounge passes will be scanned for verification.
Season Ticket Holder Benefits
Season ticket holders will receive a physical membership card via mail this season. The card will unlock special offers and exclusive discounts inside Wintrust Arena, including:
- 10% off at the Barnes & Noble merchandise location, located behind Section 126.
- 15% off at the Wintrust Arena concession stand. Some exclusions apply.*
- A season ticket holder gift, available for pickup during November games at the marketing table on the concourse.
- Guaranteed access to select giveaways, regardless of arrival time, by visiting the ticket sales table on the concourse.
* Discount not valid on alcohol purchases, packaged beverages, Garrett Popcorn products, and Big Chicken sandwiches and combos.
Group Ticket Benefits
Discounted ticket prices will be available to groups of 10 or more attending DePaul men's or women's basketball games. New this season, the more tickets you purchase, the more exclusive benefits you'll receive, thanks to a new group ticket benefits chart. Groups purchasing 25 or more tickets can secure the Demon Deck, a semi-private overlook above Section 117. Food and beverage packages, with a dedicated bartender, are also available in this location. Learn more DePaulBlueDemons.com/groups. For pricing information, fans can request a call here or contact the DePaul Athletics Ticket Office at (773) 325-7526 or tickets@depaul.edu.
Pyrotechnics
Fans should be aware that during DePaul's team introductions, the venue's lights will be lowered, and enhanced pyrotechnics, including flame towers, strobe lighting, C02, and other special effects, will be utilized this season.
Charging Stations
Thanks to new charging stations that will support both Android and Apple devices, fans will now have the option to charge their mobile devices on the concourse.
Mamava Lactation Pods
DePaul Athletics has partnered with Mamava at Wintrust Arena to provide fans with freestanding pods for breastfeeding or pumping that are dignified, comfortable, and private. The pods are accessed through the Mamava app, which provides secure keyless entry. Mamava pods can be found at close to 50 locations across Chicago.
DePaul Blue Demons App Rewards Program
The official DePaul Blue Demons app feature live and on-demand video content, in-game statistics, score updates, a digital portal to manage mobil tickets, gameday resources, comprehensive news and more. New this season, the rewards section of the app will see an upgrade, with new prizes and reward levels being introduced. From custom YETI tumblers to Billy Blue Demon pint glasses, to club tickets and more – there's something for everyone!
The DePaul Blue Demons app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play by visiting DePaulBlueDemons.com/app.
DIBS Kids Zone
Weekend women's basketball games just improved, thanks to a redesigned and expanded DIBS Kids Zone within Blue Demon Club, featuring interactive games, poster and bracelet-making stations, and more!
Dedicated DIBS Meeting Location
In addition to pop-up appearances through the arena, DIBS will also offer a dedicated meeting location and time for all fans this season. Located behind Section 103, at the concourse Photo Spot, DIBS will meet and greet with Blue Demon fans throughout halftime of each men's and women's basketball game.
DePaul Team Shop
The DePaul Team Shop will once again expand its footprint this season. The shop will now stock replica jerseys from current men's and women's basketball athletes and an expansion of the department's replica jersey program. Fans can also expect an earlier arrival of new products from Nike and the introduction of polos and quarterzips from Peter Millar. Plus, the shop will feature a mid-season arrival of new Billy Blue Demon product from League.
DePaul basketball season ticket holders and Wintrust cardholders will receive 10% off their purchases at this location throughout the season. In addition to the dedicated Barnes & Noble merchandise locations, fans with access to the Blue Demon Club can purchase club-exclusive apparel at select games.
Promotions, Recognitions & Giveaways
Blue Demon fans will experience a new lineup of promotions and special recognitions, including:
- Salute to Service
- Billy Blue Demon Throwback Night
- 2025 Hall of Fame Class Recognition
- Holiday Hoops featuring Santa Claus!
- Pop Princess x Taylor Swift Night
- Play4Kay
- National Girls & Women in Sports Day
- Maggie Dixon Classic
This season's giveaways include DePaul Santa hats, 2025 DePaul-themed calendars, DePaul Basketball ornaments, discounted and free concessions offerings, and more!
Win 2025 BIG EAST Men's Basketball Tournament Tickets
DePaul and Wintrust are teaming up to offer one lucky fan the opportunity to cheer on the Blue Demons in New York City! Fans can enter the "Blue Demons In The Big Apple" sweepstakes now through Feb. 24, 2025, at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Wintrust.
One lucky winner will receive:
- A $500 airline gift card.
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for up to two at the Blue Demon's official team hotel in New York City.
- Two complimentary, all-session ticket booklets to the 2025 BIG EAST Men's Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City, N.Y.
Wintrust Arena Rafter Banners
This offseason, the banners in the rafters of Wintrust Arena were modernized and increased in size to proudly display the history of the men's and women's programs, as well as the retired jerseys of George Mikan, Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings, and Diana Vines.
SeatGeek Integration Added for Women's Basketball
SeatGeek will return as DePaul Athletics' official secondary ticket marketplace. This partnership will expand to allow both men's and women's basketball ticket holders to use SeatGeek's digital tools to price, list, and sell unused tickets directly through their DePaul Athletics ticket account.
Expanded Vet Tix Partnership
DePaul Athletics will expand its partnership with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), a national 501c3 nonprofit founded by veterans dedicated to supporting and honoring the US military community, veterans, and their families. This season, DePaul Athletics will donate tickets to nearly all men's and women's basketball games directly to the organization and allow the military community to enjoy Blue Demon Basketball at Wintrust Arena. To learn more and claim tickets, visit VetTix.org.
Returning Experiences & Reminders
Several enhancements introduced during the prior season will again be offered throughout the 2024-25 season. See below for complete details.
Fan Feedback Program
Fan feedback is critical to DePaul Athletics' efforts to provide the nation's safest and best fan experience. After select games, ticket holders will receive a link to a fan feedback survey. Survey results will be evaluated weekly by DePaul Athletics' operations staff, allowing for improvements to be made between games. Further, fans interested in providing information to DePaul Athletics in real time may email FanExperience@depaul.edu.
KultureCity Certification
DePaul Athletics has partnered with KultureCity, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs, to create sensory-inclusive spaces at each of its sporting events. Wintrust Arena is certified by KultureCity as a sensory-inclusive venue. Before attending a DePaul basketball game, families can download the free KultureCity App, where you can view what sensory features are available and where access them on game day.
Mobile Pass
The DePaul Blue Demons Mobile Pass has returned. This unique ticket package allows fans to experience Wintrust Arena from different seat locations throughout the season at a low, affordable rate. Mobile tickets are delivered to the purchaser's ticket account at least 24 hours before game time. Men's basketball ($180) and women's basketball ($85) mobile passes are on sale now!
DePaul Faculty & Staff Ticket Discounts
DePaul University employees receive a 20% discount off the full-season ticket rate in all general lower-level and 200-level locations at Wintrust Arena. A maximum of four (4) seats can be purchased at the discount. In addition, DePaul employees receive 10% off single-game tickets. View complete details on DePaul employee discounts here.
Student Tickets & Entry
DePaul students will continue to be offered complimentary tickets and roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Lincoln Park to Wintrust Arena for all DePaul basketball games. Student tickets must enter through the dedicated set of student entry doors at the main entrance of Wintrust Arena. Student tickets will not successfully scan at other doors or entry points.
Mikan Society Lounge
This exclusive space beneath Section 103 will once again welcome Mikan Society Members—DePaul Athletics' major gift society. Named in honor of DePaul Basketball great, George Mikan, the Mikan Society recognizes supporters who commit to contributions of $50,000 or more. Donors can make these commitments through pledges that are carried out over five years. For more information about access to DePaul's Mikan Society Lounge, please complete this form.
B. Coleman Aviation Courtside Seating
Season and single-game ticket holders in the B. Coleman Aviation Courtside seating will continue to have access to the Blue Demon Club for men's basketball games from the time doors open until the game's conclusion. The Blue Demon Club features complimentary food and non-alcoholic drinks, a cash bar, and private restrooms. For more information about B. Coleman Aviation Courtside seating, please complete this form.
Suite Rentals
Blue Demon fans will be able to enjoy a private and relaxed environment on gameday from the Wintrust Arena suites. Suites accommodate 10 to 16 people per game and start at $600 for men's basketball games and $250 for women's basketball games. For more information, fans can request a call here or contact the DePaul Athletics Ticket Office at (773) 325-7526 or tickets@depaul.edu.
Infant Tickets
For DePaul Athletics events at Wintrust Arena, infants or toddlers under 36 inches in height who will not need a seat and will sit on a parent/guardian's lap do not need a ticket to enter. A regular ticket must be purchased if the infant and/or carrier must occupy a seat. Ticket policies for DePaul postseason events may differ due to guidelines set by the NCAA, BIG EAST Conference, or other sponsoring organizations.