DePaul University basketball, a program steeped in rich history and passionate fan support, plays its games across several primary venues depending on the level of competition and specific scheduling needs. Understanding where the Blue Demons take the court requires looking at both the historic heart of the program and its modern, state-of-the-art facilities.
Primary Home: Wintrust Arena
The undisputed crown jewel of DePaul basketball is Wintrust Arena, located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant McCormick Place convention center campus. This 10,387-seat arena has been the definitive home for DePaul men’s and women’s basketball since its opening in 2017. Its modern infrastructure, excellent sightlines, and electric atmosphere created by the loyal Blue Demon faithful make it the perfect stage for the program’s ambitious goals. Every regular season conference game and major non-conference matchup is hosted within this formidable structure, providing a consistent and high-quality home court advantage.
Location and Accessibility
Wintrust Arena’s location is a major asset for the university and its supporters. Situated at 250 East Congress Parkway, the venue is easily accessible via Chicago’s extensive public transportation network, including the Metra, CTA Red Line, and numerous bus routes. This central location not only makes game day travel convenient for fans traveling from across the Chicagoland area but also integrates the team into the city’s broader cultural and economic landscape.
McCormick Place: A Strategic Advantage
Playing within the McCormick Place complex provides DePaul with unique strategic advantages that extend far beyond the basketball floor. The arena is seamlessly connected to one of the largest convention centers in the Western Hemisphere, offering the university immense exposure during major trade shows and events. This proximity allows the basketball program to engage with a massive audience, enhancing the university's brand and providing potential recruitment opportunities that few other programs can access. The modern infrastructure of the entire campus supports the team's operational needs, from training facilities to media capabilities.
Historic Roots: Alumni Hall
While Wintrust Arena is the present, Alumni Hall remains an important part of the program’s past and occasionally its future. Located at 634 S. Wabash Ave on the DePaul Loop Campus, this intimate 3,000-seat arena was the long-time home of DePaul basketball for decades. It is where many memorable moments in Blue Demon history were created and where the program built a fiercely loyal foundation. Alumni Hall is still used for practice, training, and sometimes hosts women’s games or lower-profile men’s fixtures, preserving the connection to the university’s storied heritage.
Navy Pier: A Summer Showcase
For a truly iconic Chicago basketball experience, DePaul has embraced the picturesque setting of Navy Pier. The annual "Blue Demons at the Pier" series transforms the lakeside venue into a festive destination, offering fans a unique way to enjoy the sport. These games, typically held during the summer months, combine competitive basketball with the entertainment and tourism appeal of one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. It’s a strategic move to engage the broader community and showcase the program in a fun, accessible environment.
Road Games and the Away Experience
Of course, a comprehensive view of where DePaul basketball plays must include the extensive network of arenas the team visits on the road. As a member of the Big East Conference, the Blue Demons regularly travel to challenging venues like Villanova’s Finneran Pavilion, UConn’s Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, and Georgetown’s Capital One Arena. These formidable road tests are crucial for measuring the team’s mettle against elite competition and require the squad to adapt to a wide variety of playing styles and crowd dynamics, demonstrating the program’s versatility on the national stage.
