DePaul University Athletics
BIG EAST Road Trip Stops at DePaul Prior to Jan. 24 Seton Hall Matchup
12/22/2025 8:56:00 AM | ATHLETICS, MEN'S BASKETBALL
Free, fan-focused pep rally runs 1:30–3:30 p.m. ahead of tipoff at Wintrust Arena
CHICAGO – DePaul Athletics will bring even more BIG EAST basketball energy to the South Loop on Saturday, Jan. 24, as the conference's signature BIG EAST Road Trip makes its return to Chicago ahead of the Blue Demons men's basketball game against Seton Hall.
The free, fan-focused event will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. inside the Marriott Marquis Chicago, setting the stage for tipoff at Wintrust Arena later that afternoon. Designed as a pregame pep rally, the BIG EAST Road Trip delivers interactive experiences, giveaways, and opportunities for fans to celebrate their Blue Demon pride before heading to the arena.
This week, the BIG EAST Conference announced its 13-stop nationwide tour for the 2025–26 season. The mobile experience will visit BIG EAST cities in conjunction with select men's and women's basketball games. It will culminate with stops at both the men's and women's conference tournaments in March. Chicago will serve as the fifth stop on the tour. A complete list of tour dates and locations is available here.
Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Horizon Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Marriott Marquis Chicago. Fans attending the event are encouraged to park in Lot A, consistent with standard Wintrust Arena game day access, with game day parking rates in effect. Guests arriving via public transit or rideshare should enter through the hotel lobby at 2121 S. Prairie Ave. and proceed to the fourth floor via escalator or elevator.
Following the conclusion of the BIG EAST Road Trip event at 3:30 p.m., fans can make their way to Wintrust Arena for DePaul men's basketball's 4 p.m. matchup against Seton Hall.
The DePaul stop of the 2026 BIG EAST Road Trip will offer a fan-fest atmosphere that includes:
· Appearances by the DePaul cheer and dance teams, along with performances from the DePaul Pep Band.
· A special birthday celebration for DIBS, featuring appearances by several of Chicago's iconic mascots, including Staley from the Chicago Bears, with additional guests to be announced.
· A meet-and-greet autograph session with former Blue Demon legends (schedule to be announced in January 2026).
· Live filming of the Blue Demon Room podcast, featuring several special guests, including DePaul women's basketball head coach Jill M. Pizzotti and longtime public address announcer Gene Honda, the voice of the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, NCAA Final Four, and DePaul Basketball.
· Photo opportunities with the 2026 BIG EAST Basketball Championship trophy.
· Interactive games and activities for fans of all ages, including a pop-a-shot competition, inflatables, a live caricature artist, and free face painting.
· A merchandise stand featuring exclusive NIL apparel, along with custom DePaul knitwear and sweaters available for purchase from SOUNDOFF.
· An exclusive giveaway for the first 150 DePaul students who present a valid DePaul ID (details to be announced).
· Complimentary game day snacks including peanuts, pretzels, hot dogs, and popcorn, with a cash bar available.
· The Coors Light Lounge, offering fans the opportunity to enjoy a Coors Light while spending time with DePaul Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy.
· Opportunities to connect with DePaul Ticket Office representatives to learn more about ticket packages, upcoming games, and enrollment in the DIBS Kids Club.
· Interactive activations from several of DePaul Athletics' corporate partners, including Pepsi, RUSH Physical Therapy, and others.
· The chance to win a trip to the 2026 BIG EAST Men's Basketball Tournament in New York City, courtesy of Wintrust.
Doors to Wintrust Arena will open at 3 p.m. for the 4 p.m. game. Tickets can be purchased here. Complimentary student tickets are available and can be claimed at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Students.
