Located 20 miles west of Chicago, DuPage County embodies the best of sports: more than 100 years of sports tradition paired with Chicago’s renowned sports culture and an array of facilities that cater to everything from traditional team sports to emerging recreational activities. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a sports fan, DuPage County provides the perfect backdrop for competition and community. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout facilities that make DuPage a premier destination for sports.
Facility Spotlight
FMC Natatorium: Dive into Excellence
The FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park in Westmont is a beacon for aquatic sports. This 71,000 square foot facility features a 50-meter Myrtha Olympic-size competition pool and a 25-yard training pool, making it ideal for swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, and diving. With seating for up to 1,200 spectators, it has hosted prestigious events including the USA Swimming TYR Pro Swim Series (2022-2024), USA Water Polo Kap7 Champions Cup (2022, 2024), USA Water Polo Boys Olympic Development Program (2024) and the USA Artistic Swimming National Collegiate Championships (2023). In addition, it has also become the home to IHSA’s Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Championships.
Oak Brook Fields: The Field of Dreams
Located in Oak Brook, the facility offers eight full-size fields, including one synthetic turfed field for soccer, lacrosse, football, and ultimate frisbee. Facility amenities, including lighting for three of the fields, makes this venue ideal for large tournaments spanning multiple age groups. The nearby community center adds value with facilities for swimming, basketball, and fitness, along with an outdoor trail for those looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of Oak Brook. This year, the venue will be host to a couple new first time events, the USA Flag Chicago Major as well as the Spikeball Chicago Major, one of three on Spikeball’s tour calendar.
Stardust Bowl: A Bowling Extravaganza
Addison’s Stardust Bowl is a distinguished venue for bowling enthusiasts. With 84 consecutive lanes, it’s one of the largest bowling centers in Illinois and one of the largest bowling centers in the United States. This iconic venue also includes a new video gaming lounge, four lounges, a banquet facility, and a ProShop. A few of the significant events it has hosted recently include the USBC Junior Gold (2015), USBC Women’s Championships (2022), the USBC Intercollegiate Singles and Team Championships (2022) and TNBA’s National Tournament (2024).
Ice Arenas: Cool Competitions
DuPage County boasts over a dozen ice sheets across multiple facilities including Edge Ice Arena, Darien Sportsplex, Seven Bridges Ice Arena, and Center Ice of DuPage. These arenas cater to hockey, ice skating, and public skates. Major events such as the CCM Chi-Town Shuffle and the CCM World Invite, which registered over 500 teams in 2023 from around the world, showcase the county’s capability to host large-scale ice sports tournaments.
Glass Court Swim & Fitness Club: Racquetball Central
Glass Court Swim & Fitness Club in Lombard is a top-tier racquetball facility with eight full-size courts. It regularly hosts major events such as the International Racquetball Tour Shamrock Shootout and the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour Pro-Am Turkey Shoot, drawing top players from across the Americas.
College of DuPage: A Collegiate Sports Hub
The College of DuPage, the second-largest undergraduate institution in Illinois, is a significant player in collegiate sports. Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium, with a seating capacity of 5,000, is the home of the NJCAA Division III Football National Championship (through 2027) and various volleyball and track events, solidifying its reputation as a premier sports venue.
Westin Chicago Lombard: Beyond Accommodations
The Westin Chicago Lombard is more than just a hotel. With 40,000 square feet of venue space, including an expansive ballroom, it has hosted numerous sporting events such as the USA Powerlifting High School and Collegiate Nationals (2022) and one of the largest esports events - Frosty Faustings XIV-XVI (2022-2024), making it a dynamic destination for various competitions.
McCaslin Park: Baseball and Softball Haven
McCaslin Park in Carol Stream, with its four artificial turf baseball diamonds, lighting, and bleachers, is a hub for baseball and softball. It serves both adult and youth leagues and hosts tournaments with organizations such as USSSA, GMB, and JP Sports. The park also offers a paved trail, a large playground, and a splash pad for leisure enjoyment.
Cantigny / Cantigny Golf: Where History and Sport Meet
Not traditionally a sporting facility, yet in 2021 Cantigny welcomed the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship to its 500-acre park and grounds, creating a spectacular course among its gardens and historic landscape. Neighboring Cantigny Golf, with its 27 scenic holes, is ranked among the finest golf courses in the Midwest. Cantigny Golf is also known for its exceptional Cantigny Youth Links, a special 9-hole golf course designed for junior golfers ages 8-15. This one-of-a-kind facility combines instruction and play, allowing kids to apply what they've learned in a safe and fun environment.
Adventure Falls Pickleball Courts: The New Star
The Adventure Falls Pickleball Courts, newly opened in 2023 in Downers Grove’s McCollum Park, feature eight permanent courts and 16 temporary courts for tournaments. With amenities like LED lighting, restrooms, concessions and ample parking, Adventure Falls is quickly becoming a top destination for pickleball enthusiasts.
Scrims Esports Gaming Center: The Future of Sports
Scrims Esports Gaming Center in Lisle offers a cutting-edge environment for gamers, with 60 full PC stations equipped with HyperX peripherals, 240hz monitors, and 3070 GPUs. This 6,000 square foot facility hosts tournaments in popular games like Call of Duty, CS, and Valorant, making it a central hub for the growing esports community. Scrims works closely with the DuPage Sports Commission, helping to identify and serve the needs of Midwest gamers of all ages and skill levels.
Conclusion
DuPage County is a vibrant and diverse sports destination, with varied and impressive facilities. Sports rights holders can reach out to the DuPage Sports Commission for more information or a personalized site tour, as the above mentioned facilities are a mere snapshot of destination offerings. DuPage County welcomes coaches, competitors, families, and fans - the fields and courts of DuPage are waiting for you.