DePaul University Athletics
Gameday Enhancements at Wintrust Arena for 2025-26 Basketball Season
10/17/2025 2:55:00 PM | ATHLETICS, MEN'S BASKETBALL, WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO – The Blue Demons are raising the bar once again. For the 2025-26 men's and women's basketball season, DePaul Athletics is rolling out more than a dozen gameday upgrades at Wintrust Arena designed to create a more dynamic, comfortable, and memorable fan experience. From expanded food and beverage offerings to enhanced retail, improved amenities, and upgraded entertainment, every detail has been considered to serve the needs of Blue Demon Nation while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
Food & BeverageWintrust Arena's concessionaire, OVG Hospitality, is introducing updated menus and new fan-focused options across the arena, including:
- Early arrival beverage discount: Domestic beers will be 25% off from doors open until tip-off at all concession stands. Some exclusions apply.
- Enjoy 10% off select concession items when you order ahead in the official DePaul Blue Demons app.
- Back by popular demand, it's Big Chicken! Big Chicken fuses Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O'Neal's home-cooked childhood favorites with today's trending flavors.
- New and improved service lines at Cermak Express in Section 128 with new menu items, including a new Demon Dog (all-beef footlong hotdog with cheese, pico de gallo, and sliced jalapenos) and the Slam Mac Cup (gourmet mac and cheese topped with smoked brisket, crispy onions, and scallion).
- Introduction of signature menu items at the Windy City Burger stand in Section 115, including an Inferno Burger (8oz beef patty, fiery jack cheese, black pepper-crusted bacon, pickled red onions, sweet and spicy pepper slaw, and special sauce, all on a brioche bun) and the Red Line Fry (French fries, buffalo popcorn, cheese, and coleslaw).
- Reimaged signature cocktail bar in Section 112, featuring frozen drinks.
- Cashless convenience: All concessions and bars remain cashless, with Apple and Samsung Pay accepted throughout the arena.
The DePaul Team Shop is now powered by Rank + Rally, the retail operator for the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Fans can expect:
- A broader selection of DePaul gear, highlighted by replica jerseys, premium polos, and quarter-zips from Peter Millar, and Billy Blue Demon throwback apparel.
- Year-round 10% discounts for season ticket holders and Wintrust cardholders.
- The ability to purchase select, student-only giveaways at the in-venue retail location.
Blue Demon Moments
Make your gameday unforgettable with Blue Demon Moments! Beginning with the Chicago State men's basketball game, fans will have the chance to purchase exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities that bring you closer to the action.
Whether it's seeing your message on the scoreboard, watching warmups from the team bench, standing in the tunnel during introductions, getting an in-seat visit from DIBS, or capturing a postgame photo on the court, there's something for every Blue Demon fan to enjoy. Stay tuned for more information.
Student Tickets & Entry
DePaul students will continue to receive complimentary tickets to every home basketball game. A new digital claim system will make it easier than ever to reserve tickets and add free round-trip motorcoach transportation from Lincoln Park. Student tickets will now scan at any entrance, including the skybridge and main entry, providing greater flexibility and faster entry.
Season Parking Permits
Season parking permits are going mobile, offering fans a more convenient entry process. Mobile permits will be delivered with season tickets and can be stored in digital wallets. Permits can also be easily transferred electronically on a single-game basis, just like tickets. Learn more at DePaulBlueDemons.com/MobileTickets.
Enhanced Fan Amenities & Accessibility
- Charging stations: Following a successful pilot, charging stations for both Apple and Android devices have expanded throughout the concourse.
- Mamava Lactation Pods: DePaul Athletics has partnered with Mamava to provide freestanding pods for breastfeeding or pumping that are private, comfortable, and dignified. Access is available through the Mamava app, which offers secure keyless entry.
- KultureCity Certification: In partnership with KultureCity, Wintrust Arena is certified as a sensory-inclusive venue. Families can download the free KultureCity App to view sensory-friendly features and access them on game day.
- Blue Demon Meet Up: With Blue Demons Meet Up, it's easier than ever to connect with classmates, alumni, colleagues, and fellow fans at Wintrust Arena. Learn more and get started within the "More" section of the official DePaul Blue Demons app.
- Upgraded LED Designs: Beginning in November, enhanced LED graphics and effects at Wintrust Arena will make this season's in-game experience more vibrant and engaging than ever.
- DePaul Blue Demons App Rewards Program: The official app offers live and on-demand video, statistics, scores, ticket management, gameday resources, and news. New this season, the rewards program features upgraded prize levels, including custom YETI tumblers, wall flags, winter hats, and premium club and suite tickets to select events. The app is available at DePaulBlueDemons.com/app.
This year's promotional lineup blends tradition with fresh experiences, including Salute to Service, Billy Blue Demon Throwback Night, 2025 Hall of Fame Class Recognition, Holiday Hoops, Maggie Dixon Classic, Play4Kay, National Girls & Women in Sports Day, K-Pop Night, NASCAR Night, and Fan Appreciation Day.
Fans will also enjoy new concourse activations, a self-serve photo booth, and an expanded t-shirt parachute drop system that reaches more fans across the arena.
- Dedicated DIBS Meeting Location: Located behind Section 103 at the concourse Photo Spot, DIBS will meet and greet fans at halftime of every men's game.
- Pyrotechnics: DePaul's team introductions will feature enhanced special effects, including flame towers, strobe lighting, C02, and other pyrotechnics.
- DIBS Kids Zone: Weekend women's basketball games will now feature a redesigned and expanded DIBS Kids Zone within Blue Demon Club, including interactive games, poster- and bracelet-making stations, appearances by DIBS, and more.
New this season, fans will have the opportunity to participate in the Blue Demons' 50/50 Raffle at most men's and women's basketball home games. Half of the net proceeds from each raffle will be allocated directly to support DePaul student-athletes through scholarships and vital program resources, while the other half will be awarded to one lucky winner.
Tickets can be purchased in-arena from roaming sellers and fixed kiosks throughout the concourse, or online in advance and during the game at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Raffle.
Military & Veteran Honors
DePaul Athletics will expand its partnership with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and honoring the U.S. military community. Tickets will be donated to nearly all men's and women's games, and new in-game recognition programs will honor those who have served or are serving. More information is available at VetTix.org.
Season Ticket Holder Benefits
Season ticket holders will once again receive a physical membership card which will be ready for pickup at the Ticket Sales Table starting at the home opener on 11/3 vs. Chicago State. The card unlocks exclusive offers and benefits inside Wintrust Arena, including:
- 10% off purchases at the DePaul Team Shop, located behind Section 126.
- 15% off concessions (some exclusions apply).*
- A season ticket holder gift, available during November games at the marketing table.
- The ability to purchase single-game Blue Demon Club upgrades, while supplies last.
- Guaranteed access to select giveaways by visiting the ticket sales table on the concourse.
*Discount not valid on alcohol, packaged beverages, Garrett Popcorn, or Big Chicken sandwiches and combos.
DePaul and Wintrust are teaming up to send one lucky fan to New York City. The "Blue Demons in the Big Apple" sweepstakes runs through February 12, 2026, at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Wintrust. One winner will receive a $500 airline gift card, hotel accommodations for two at the team hotel, and two all-session ticket booklets to the 2026 BIG EAST Men's Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden.
IDOT Blue Demons Designated Driver Program
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation, DePaul Athletics will launch the IDOT Blue Demons Designated Driver Program this season. The program, to be launched soon, will provide a benefit for designated drivers at Wintrust Arena.
Entry Reminders
Wintrust Arena's clear bag policy will remain in place. Bags must not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Non-clear bags are limited to 10" x 6" x 2". Exceptions apply for medical needs and diaper bags. Complimentary lockers are available outside the arena for non-permitted bags.
Doors open 60 minutes before tipoff for all games. Mikan Society members may enter 90 minutes before men's games via designated doors off E. Cermak Road with valid lounge passes.
With these upgrades, DePaul Athletics reaffirms its commitment to creating one of the premier gameday environments in college basketball. Fans can expect more energy, more convenience, and more opportunities to create lasting memories at Wintrust Arena this season.
Fan feedback remains central to DePaul's commitment to excellence. After select games, ticket holders will receive surveys to share their experiences. Results will be reviewed weekly to guide improvements throughout the season. Fans can also provide real-time input by emailing FanExperience@depaul.edu.
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