2025 FOOTBALL DONOR TRIP
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
SEPT. 26-27
*PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE
ITINERARY
CHECK-IN
To give guests flexibility and to ensure rooms are ready, please check-in at the front desk of the St. Regis
Friday
3:00-6:00pm: Welcome Reception at the Astor Ballroom, once done checking in at the front desk
- Guest gift bags distributed
- Snack bags distributed
- Cocktails and refreshments available
- If you arrive at the St. Regis after 6pm, gifts can be claimed at the Astor Ballroom, Saturday before we board game day buses
5:30pm: Buses load for the Odyssey River Dinner and Architectural Cruise along the Chicago River
Saturday
8:00am: Join us for coffee and pastries before we depart
Game Day: Bus boarding time to Evanston will be announced once the game time is confirmed
- Buses will drop off near tailgate space
- Buses will depart from Northwestern 30 minutes after the game concludes
GO BRUINS!
Beat the WILDCATS!
$500 CONTRIBUTION
To be the best stewards of your investment, ensure your support is even more impactful, and continue providing a first class experience to our most generous donors, we appreciate your contribution of $500/per person toward UCLA’s donor trip. Additionally, your contribution allows us to:
- Maintain an elevated experience as costs continue to significantly increase
- More accurately plan
- Lower our attrition rate
Thank you for your partnership and continued support of UCLA’s student athletes!
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Friday, September 26
Explore the City
A shuttle bus will loop between the St. Regis and various stops along the Magnificent Mile for guests interested in sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the local attractions at their own pace.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Baseball Game
Join fellow Bruins for a group outing to Wrigley Field to experience a classic Chicago Cubs game.
- Departure: Buses will depart from the St. Regis at 12:00 PM
- First Pitch: 1:20 PM
- Ticket Price: $109 per person
- RSVP Deadline: Please purchase your ticket when you make your travel reservation.
St. Regis Room Rate
- Your travel reservation includes Friday and Saturday nights. Should you wish to extend your stay, the St. Regis is pleased to offer a special rate of $495 per night for additional nights.
- Please indicate your interest in extending your stay when making your travel reservation.
RSVP
To RSVP for the 2025 Football Donor Trip to Chicago, please contact our Development office at (310) 206-3302 or email development@athletics.ucla.edu.
- You can also RSVP for the optional Cubs vs Cardinals game at Wrigley Field at this time.
- RSVP’s are limited to the donor and one guest and are non-transferrable.
- The RSVP Deadline is Friday, July 25th or once we reach our maximum capacity of 200 guests.
Airport transportation
We recommend flying into Chicago O’Hare International Airport . It’s about 18 miles from the St. Regis Hotel and the drive typically takes 23 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Taxi
- Taxi stands are located outside baggage claim at each terminal.
- Use only official taxi stands for safety and to ensure a licensed driver.
- Taxis have meters and fares vary by traffic, with an average fare of $50 to downtown.
- Wheelchair-accessible taxis available: Call 1-888-928-2227.
- Shared ride taxis are available to certain destinations if matched with other travelers:
- Downtown: $24 per person
- McCormick Place: $24 per person
- Midway Airport: $37 per person
- Suburban taxis must be pre-arranged. Call a suburban taxi company before arrival or at Baggage Claim. Pick-up is at designated commercial lanes at each terminal.
Uber/Lyft Rideshare Services
- Rideshare pickups are prearranged via app.
- Pick-up zones for Terminal 2 (Upper Level between Door 2A and 2E):
- BLACK Zone A: North of vestibule 2A
- BLUE Zone B: Outside vestibule 2A
- ORANGE Zone C: Outside vestibule 2B
- GREEN Zone D: Outside vestibule 2E
- Wait in the designated color zone until your ride arrives.
- Indoor waiting area available between vestibules 2A and 2D.
- Black Car services pick up on the lower level of all terminals.
Things to Consider
Tre Dita Cucina Toscana: Located inside the St. Regis Chicago, Tre Dita is a collaboration between award-winning Chef Evan Funke (Felix, Mother Wolf, Funke) and Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, Tre Dita marks the Los Angeles-based chef’s first Chicago restaurant. Italian for "three fingers," Tre Dita is a nod to the precise thickness of a properly cut bistecca Fiorentina, which the “Cucina Toscana” servers from its open-hearth wood-fired grill, along with handmade pastas, antipasti and dolce. Located on the second floor of The St. Regis Chicago, the architectural marvel designed by award-winning architect Jeanne Gang, Tre Dita offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River in Chicago’s Lakeshore East and is open for dinner service seven nights a week. To book a table at Tre Dita Cucina Toscana click here . You can also call +1 312-787-3447 to place a reservation.
*Please Note* Tre Dita only accepts reservations 7 days in advance.
Bar Tre Dita: Led by Chef Evan Funke, Bar Tre Dita hosts an elegant bar for a selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, creative cocktails and a curated all-Italian wine list.
Miru: Located inside the St. Regis Chicago, Miru, Japanese for "view" celebrates the flavors and cuisine of Japan. Feast on a collection of sharable dishes including tempura and crispy rice, skewers, a robust seafood and beef selection, as well as expertly crafted sushi, nigari, and raw items. Miru's dining rooms and terraces offer breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and the Chicago River. To book a table at Miru, click here. You can also call +1 312-787-3447 to place a reservation.
Millennium Park: Just a short stroll from The St. Regis, Millennium Park is home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as "The Bean"), the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and the serene Lurie Garden. During the warmer months, the park hosts outdoor film screenings and music festivals, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or an evening under the stars.
Chicago Riverwalk: Located adjacent to The St. Regis, the Chicago Riverwalk offers a scenic promenade along the Chicago River. This vibrant area features restaurants, bars, kayak rentals, and public art installations, providing a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk or dining with river views.
Navy Pier: Approximately a 15-minute walk from The St. Regis, Navy Pier is a lively destination featuring the Centennial Wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, and various dining and entertainment options. It's an ideal spot for family-friendly activities and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Alinea: As Chicago's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Alinea provides an avant-garde dining experience that combines molecular gastronomy with theatrical presentations. Expect a multi-sensory journey featuring dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Smyth: Smyth, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a contemporary tasting menu that showcases seasonal produce and inventive flavor combinations. The intimate setting and open kitchen provide a unique dining experience that emphasizes both creativity and hospitality.
Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Exclusive Guided Tour: The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the finest American and Impressionist painting collections in the world, but it can be overwhelming to explore on your own. Remove the guesswork and maximize your time inside the museum on a private tour that covers major highlights by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol, Hopper, and others. Plus, there's no waiting to get inside, as the tour includes a skip-the-line ticket.
The concierge at The St. Regis Chicago can be reached at +1 (312) 787-3447. This line connects you directly to the hotel's front desk, where the concierge team is available to assist with reservations, recommendations, and personalized services. As guests of the hotel, you can also access the signature St. Regis Butler Service via your in-room phone, email, or text message, available 24/7 for personalized assistance.
Wrigley Square: Located within Millennium Park, this public square is home to the Millennium Monument, a nearly full-sized replica of the original peristyle that once stood in Grant Park. (0.6 mi/13 min walk)
American Writers Museum: As the first museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to American writers, the American Writers Museum offers an engaging and interactive experience. Its exhibits celebrate the diverse tradition of American writing, featuring literary icons like James Baldwin, Mark Twain, Octavia Butler, and Emily Dickinson. Notable displays include Jack Kerouac's 120-foot-long manuscript of "On The Road" and a "Surprise Bookshelf" exhibit offering sensory experiences related to writers’ works. (0.5 mi/11 min walk)
Driehaus Museum: This museum is housed in a restored Gilded Age mansion and showcases a remarkable collection of decorative arts, including works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The opulent interiors and rotating exhibitions offer a glimpse into late 19th and early 20th-century design. (1 mi/10 min walk)
Chicago Cultural Center: The Chicago Cultural Center is a historic landmark featuring stunning architecture, including the world's largest Tiffany glass dome. It hosts free art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events year-round. (0.6 mi/13 min walk)
Greektown: Greektown is a vibrant neighborhood known for its Greek heritage and cuisine. You can enjoy authentic Greek dishes at local restaurants and explore cultural events, especially during the annual "Taste of Greektown" festival held in August. (2.2 mi/20 min walk)
Willis Tower: Willis Tower is a 110-story skyscraper in Chicago, once the tallest building in the world. It’s a top tourist attraction thanks to its Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where visitors can step out onto “The Ledge”—glass boxes that extend 4 feet outside the building for thrilling views over the city and even into neighboring states on clear days. Its height and dramatic skyline views make it a must-see for visitors. (1.9 mi/10 min drive)
Soldier Field: Soldier Field is a top tourist spot in Chicago for its rich history, iconic architecture, and prime location by Lake Michigan. As the oldest NFL stadium, it offers fans a unique blend of classic and modern design, especially for Chicago Bears games and major concerts. Even non-sports fans can enjoy its scenic setting near the Museum Campus, with great views of the skyline and lakefront, making it a great stop on a city tour. (2.6 mi/10 min drive)
Bars/Restaurants
Need Wheels
RPM Steak: Pasta, steaks & seafood served in a sleek, group-friendly eatery. An updated take on the classic steakhouse that features nearly two dozen different cuts of beef sourced from the finest butchers across the globe. The RPM brand focuses on sourcing the highest quality ingredients and providing guests with exceptional service for a dining experience unlike any other. (1.3 mi/8 min drive/$$$$)
Gino’s East – Magnificent Mile location: Gino’s famous flagship location is just steps off the bustling Mag Mile. This is the perfect spot to try Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza. This location boasts three floors full of graffiti-tagged walls, a comedy bar with weekly shows, and a stunning third-floor terrace. Try one of Chicago’s most legendary slices! (1.3 mi/9 min drive/$$)
Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar – River North location: Set in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, Doc B's Restaurant + Bar serves food made from scratch daily. Incorporating the highest-quality ingredients, the menu includes a variety of entree-sized salads, "very special” entrees, crave-worthy burgers and sandwiches, signature Wok Out Bowls™, house made pizza, indulgent desserts and so much more. Doc B’s also impresses with an extensive craft beer, wine and spirits selection in addition to signature cocktails. No matter what occasion, the expansive menu truly offers something for everyone. (1.1 mi/6 min drive/$$)
Cindy's Rooftop: “Experience Downtown Chicago’s Best Rooftop Dining” Perched atop the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel under a glass atrium, Cindy's welcomes guests with sweeping views of Millennium Park, the ever-changing blues of Lake Michigan, and beyond. With vibrant service and an extensive beverage menu that intertwines naturally with the dishes, every detail of your experience is thoughtfully crafted to make a lasting memory. Unable to take groups larger than 10 at this time. (0.8 mi/5 min drive/$$$)
Pizzeria Portofino: Located directly on the Chicago riverfront, Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant. Featuring hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, expansive all-weather patio and breezy decor, guests are instantly transported to the Italian Riviera. Pizzeria Portofino is open daily for lunch and dinner. The menu showcases imported ingredients from the Mediterranean as well as local Chicago artisans. (0.8 mi/5 min drive/$$)
Billy Goat Tavern - Michigan Ave. location: It all began in 1934 when Billy “Goat” Sianis founded his tavern. It immediately became a favorite home of Chicago journalists, who helped the legend continue to grow. From the infamous Curse on the Cubs to the classic SNL skit. “Cheezborger. Cheezborger. Cheezborger! No fries, Cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!” The tradition lives on with Sam and his family. Butt in Anytime! (0.7 mi/4 min drive/$)
The Albert: Keeping with a classic, yet bold approach, the Albert fuses signature and innovative dishes with intricate nuances that shock the taste buds and make the art of dining a pleasure. With an eye on aesthetic, the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus - and cocktails - serve to playfully present the familiar in a distinctly creative fashion. Crafted with global influence and Midwestern ingredients and set in a space that honors the surreal with stunning art, lively energy and warm hospitality. The Albert aims to school and to stimulate. (1.4 mi/7 min drive/$$$)
The Aviary: A high-concept cocktail bar by the Alinea Group, offering molecular gastronomy-inspired drinks in a refined setting. The bar features a "cocktail kitchen" and offers various tasting menus. (2.5 mi/12 min drive/$$$)
Green Door Tavern: Chicago's oldest surviving drinking establishment, dating back to 1921. The tavern offers a historic ambiance with a classic bar menu. (1.2 mi/10 min drive/$)
Three Top Lounge at The Salt Shed : An exclusive lounge offering stunning night views over the Chicago River and city skyline. Opened in early November, it's accessible during specific events and private parties. (3.5 mi/20 min drive/$$)
Bavette’s: A stylish departure from a traditional steakhouse. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf embraces French flair without the formality, blending fine dining with unabashed fun. Indulge in a variety of steakhouse staples old and new, paired with classic cocktails and curated wines from around the world. (1.1 mi/7 min drive/$$$)
Gibson’s: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. Gibsons is a classic American steakhouse that offers USDA Prime Steaks and is the leading downtown Chicago Restaurant. (1.5 mi/9 min drive/$$)
Au Chavel: A legendary diner-style bar and restaurant with a passion for eggs, Au Cheval elevates traditional diner fare. Guests can indulge in dishes ranging from chopped chicken liver and roasted bone marrow, to traditional sandwiches, egg-focused entrees, and the signature cheeseburger. (1.7 mi/12 min drive/$$)
Bars/Restaurants
On Foot
The Drunken Bean Coffee & Wine Bar: Friendly neighborhood coffee and wine bar where the locals can get their morning coffee and breakfast and in the evening it transforms into a bar. Mellow spot for coffee, light bites, wine & cocktails, plus happy hours. (0.3 mi/7 min walk/$$)
Eggy’s: Don't be fooled by the name, Eggy's is more than just breakfast! It made national news for its crunchy French toast, which was featured on Travel Channel's "Food Paradise.” Modeled after the homey diners of the '60s, the menu is full of items designed to give a home-cooked feel. Think pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers. (0.2 mi/6 min walk/$$)
Avli – ‘On the Park’ location: Enjoy contemporary Greek fare at this neighborhood gem. The remarkable closeness to The Loop, shopping, and entertainment, along with easy access to popular Maggie Daley Park, makes Avli a perfect destination for a celebratory night out or a group brunch. Open daily for lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch, the charm of River North’s inviting atmosphere and signature pink bougainvillea flowers, will transport you straight to Santorini no matter the season. (0.3 mi/8 min walk/$$$)
Giordano’s - Prudential Plaza/Millennium Park location: As far as renowned restaurants near Prudential Plaza go, Giordano's takes one of the top spots. Enjoy famous Chicago-style deep dish, priding themselves on fresh ingredients and classic flavors. Since 1974, locals and travelers have considered our stuffed double-crust pie the best pizza in town. Enjoy a drink from our full bar and relax in the dining room or on the patio. You can also order online and take advantage of convenient pickup or delivery options. (0.6 mi/11-14 min walk/$$)
Brown Bag Seafood Co.: Whether you prefer to relax on the patio with a house-made cocktail or grab a healthy meal to go, they’re dedicated to bring seafood to the masses. With a dash of creativity, a whole lot of love, a squeeze of lemon, and in a brown bag! From classic salmon to crispy cod tacos (and everything in between) they use fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, flown in from around the world every day. (0.4 mi/9 min walk/$$)
Sweetwater Tavern & Grille: A vibrant bar and restaurant in the heart of Michigan Avenue, offering full views of the city from our glassed-in dining room and expansive patio. Serving upgraded takes on American pub food & a long beer list in a TV-lined indoor space. (0.5 mi/11 min walk/$$)
BIG Bar – Floor 2, Hyatt Regency Chicago – hats prohibited after 9PM: Open Late! Expansive, modern bar at the Hyatt featuring pub grub & floor-to-ceiling windows for city views. Satisfy your craving for modern upscale fare in a stately setting. This nontraditional steakhouse offers internationally inspired dishes prepared with sustainably sourced beef, seafood and produce. Enjoy the cozy setting with an open kitchen and energetic sushi bar at our downtown Chicago steakhouse, voted Diners’ Choice 2023 by OpenTable. (0.4 mi/9 min walk/$$)
Cafe Michelle @Dusable Harbor: Known for wonderful Mediterranean food (kabobs, Philly's and burgers) along with specialty cocktails and fabulous breakfast! Cafe Michelle is located at DuSable Harbor on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. We invite you to come in and experience the charming atmosphere and scenic views. Our menu offers something for everyone, with cuisines from around the world. (0.4 mi/9 min walk/$$)
Three Dots and a Dash: A hidden tiki bar known for its island-themed decor and exotic cocktails served in custom mugs. The entrance is through a discreet alleyway, leading to a vibrant interior that evokes the 1940s. (0.7 mi/15 min walk/$$$)