Discover Illinois Sporting Events with Phil

Sports in Illinois hit different. Sure, we’ve got the big stadiums, big teams, and big-ticket games… but we also have small-town gyms, Friday night lights, minor league ballparks, and college arenas that feel like home. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned traveling this great state: there’s always a game worth going to.

Whether it’s Cardinals vs. Cubs, an MVC showdown, an East Suburban Catholic League nail-biter, or a high school basketball game where the whole town shows up. Illinois sports deliver heart, passion, and memories you can’t buy in the pro shop.

This blog is my way of sharing the sporting events I love across Illinois (and occasionally across the Mighty Mississippi or the Cheese Curtain). From Wrigley’s ivy to the buzz of a packed high school gym, if there’s a scoreboard and my schedule is open…I’m going. And you’re invited.

A vibrant Busch Stadium filling with Cardinal fans before a Cubs/Cards game. June 2025.

I love the St. Louis Cardinals!

My wife loves the Chicago Cubs!?!

And dare I say it… I might love Wrigley Field more than Busch Stadium.

There, I said it. Bonus points with Liz!!

But honestly, it doesn’t matter who you root for. If there’s a game in town and my schedule is free, let’s go to a game.

And when I say “game,” I’m not talking only about overpriced professional sports (though I’ll never say no to MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL… you get the idea). I’m down for almost anything with a scoreboard:

• Minor league baseball? Absolutely.

• College games? Hell yes!! Count me in.

• High school sports? BOOM!! My wheelhouse.

In fact, Illinois High School Basketball is my absolute favorite! Fast-paced, pure, community-driven, and still played for all the right reasons. I’ll take a packed high school gym on a Friday night over most pro arenas any day.

It’s just hard for this ol’ coach to sit quietly and simply cheer… not coach from the stands. But I’ve learned: the referees are my friends, and I have great respect for them!!

From big stadiums to tiny bleachers, from Ballpark Village to small-town gyms where you bring your own seat cushion. I love it all.

This blog will highlight the sporting events I go to across Illinois (and sometimes across the Mighty Mississippi or the Cheese Curtain). If I’m at a game and you want to join me, just check Where’s Phil? and hop in.

The only rule: Bring your energy… and your “I Met Phil Aderton” koozie, of course.

Conclusion

Illinois is a sports lover’s playground: big games, small games, pro games, playoff games, rivalry games, and the kind of high school matchups that remind you why people fall in love with sports in the first place. Whether you’re cheering under stadium lights, sitting on cold metal bleachers, or grabbing nachos at a minor-league park, the energy is always the same: pure fun.

So grab your cap, check Where’s Phil?, and come join me at a game—any game. Because the best memories aren’t made on the couch… they’re made in the stands.

And don’t forget your “I Met Phil Aderton” koozie. You never know when you’ll need it.