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The greatest sporting event in the world has concluded its play and with it millions of viewers around the world can finally return to normal everyday schedule. The tournament, first ever hosted in Africa was great and aside from some refereeing errors and the constant noise of the vuvuzelas most people will view it as a success.
For the final on Sunday, I decided to go to Soldier Field and watch the game with a couple thousand fans at Soldier Field. The event was called 2010 Chicago World Cup Festival and it featured live soccer matches on the field, live music and entertainment, as well as a live viewing of the final game between Netherlands and Spain.
The event did not draw a crowd that the organizers were hoping for (I’m assuming) but the atmosphere at the stadium was great nevertheless. Lots of Spain and Holland supporters came on to cheer their country in this historic game. (Neither team had won the World Cup before)
The first noticeable thing I came across as I was arriving at Soldier Field (walking from Grant Park) was the shortage of signs pointing people in the right direction. The entire north side of the stadium was barricaded off and after walking downstairs and upstairs numerous times, myself and a large group of others decided to circle around the stadium and try our luck from the south entrance. That turned out to be the right way to go, but the lack of any signs whatsoever and the 90 degree heat made the walk a very uncomfortable one.
Once at the gate there were several tents outside providing the fans with free Coke Zero or Powerade refreshments. This certainly seemed to raise the spirits of those who just spent half an hour trying to figure out a way in. Once in and inside the concourse of the stadium there was a real, party like atmosphere. Live entertainment, music and numerous tents made the event seem like a Sport Expo. There were tents sponsoring different charities, offering newest equipment, to the official South African tent with all kinds of different memorabilia, including an option to buy a signature “vuvuzela.” After purchasing mine, I decided to see what exactly is happening on the field.
The field was split up in three different areas, which created three smaller size soccer fields enabling the tournament to be completed quicker. There were many different age groups on display ranging from the young adults, teens, girls teams to even young guys in grade school. The quality of play was great and it certainly provided entertainment for those waiting for the final to start.
The final between Spain and Holland was a disappointment from a quality of game perspective but not in terms of drama. Andres Iniesta’s goal in the 116th minute gave Spain its first ever World Cup title, much to the delight of the Spanish fans at Soldier Field.
Couple things I didn’t like about the event was the admission price ($20 a little to expensive for my taste) and even the food inside the stadium was the same price like it is during Chicago Bears games. Buying a $6 beer or a $5 hot dog is expensive even when at a Bears game, let alone at an event such as this one was. In my opinion the food was overpriced and it probably stopped some people from ordering. Another problem was the lack of signs on the north side of the stadium leaving people to wonder which way they needed to go. A couple of signs on either side would have solved this problem and saved a bunch of people less walking on a hot summer day.
Overall, the festival was an interesting experience to attend as a fan and a member of the press. I got to see a World Cup Final alongside a couple thousand other fans at Soldier Field. Sure there were some things that could have been better but I have yet to go to a festival that didn’t miss a thing here or there. I will definitely be looking forward to a similar event in July of 2014 when the World Cup takes place in Brazil. Hopefully USA will make a deeper run in that tournament.
To view pictures from the event click here:
It was a scathingly hot day during the kick-off of the Taste of Chicago on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of people packed Grant Park and the surrounding area to sample the delicious offerings of this year’s vendors. The 53 represented restaurants lined the streets in decorated booths. Some vendors shouted or sang to draw in customers.
Taste favorites Harry Carry’s, Eli’s Cheesecake, and Lou Malnati’s had long lines of eager customers in front of their booths. Another popular vendor, Rainbow Cone also had quite a crowd of people craving cold items to beat the heat. Tons of people were walking around with ears of corn from Abbey’s Pub, or Italian ice from Franco’s. Newcomers Iyanze, a West African restaurant, thrilled Taste goers with their interesting selection of foreign delicacies. Beverages included Pepsi products- 20 oz. bottles are 5 tickets.
We tried several “Taste Of” portions at different booths. Here is what we tried and what we thought:
Star of Siam – Pad Thai – 4 Tickets: “It’s spicier than I remember, but still very delicious. I got a few nice pieces of tofu in my portion which I really enjoyed.”-Zoe
The Grill – Gazpacho – 3 Tickets: “I love gazpacho, this is fantastic!” -Bela
Cubby Bear – Garlic Fries – 3 Tickets: “They’re good, but they should be warmer…” -Vujadin
Bacino’s – Stuffed Spinach Pizza – 4 Tickets: “The top is soft and the bottom has the perfect crunch” -Bela
Iyanze – Bissap Sorbet (frozen hibiscus tea with whipped cream)- 3 Tickets: “It’s very refreshing!” -Bela “I like how it’s sweet and flower-y. It’s such an interesting and pleasant flavor” -Zoe
Vermilion – Grilled Shredded Tandori Turkey – 4 Tickets: “It’s good. It tastes like grilled turkey” -Vujadin
Franco’s – Watermelon Italian Ice – 4 Tickets: “It’s a good flavor, messy to eat though.” -Bela
Eli’s Cheesecake – Plain Cheesecake – 3 Tickets: “Simple and delicious.” -Zoe
There are a lot of great options this year at the Taste of Chicago’s 30th anniversary event. For more information be sure to check out our Taste of Chicago preview and our Taste of Chicago FAQ.
Above: Chicago.com interns Zoe and Bela enjoy some Bissap Sorbet
Above: Taste goers cool off by Buckingham Fountain.
Above: people enjoying all that the Taste has to offer.
Wednesday night’s instalment of the Grant Park Music Festival was a hit featuring a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons starring solo violinist Elina Vähälä. Millennium Park was packed with people picnicking on the lawn in front of the stage, as well as outside the perimeter of the pavilion.
Though a few dark clouds peppered the sky, the weather was pleasant overall. The air cooled as the event progressed making concertgoers wrap up in the blankets they were previously sitting on. It was a pleasant evening for the audience to enjoy the performance. The eight-minute Roman Carnival Overture started the concert. Written in 1843 by Hector Berlioz, the piece was a great introduction to the evening.
After a brief break, it was time for the main act- Vivaldi’s classic Four Seasons. When it was written, each concerto had an accompanying poem, which was included in the event’s program. The very famous and familiar composition drew in music lovers of all ages, andElina Vähälä’s performance was widely anticipated.
This night was the Finnish violinist’s Chicago debut, and she was very well received by the thousands of eager classical music fans awaiting her appearance at the JayPritzker Pavilion. As Elina came out on stage, the crowd greeted her with welcoming applause. Wearing a floor-length silver gown with her violin in hand, she took a graceful bow and waited for her accompanying orchestra to begin.
The performance was beautiful and endlessly engaging. Vivaldi’s masterpiece was truly brought to life. Every crescendo was met with fearlessness by the Grant Park Orchestra and its expressive conductor CarlosKalmar. Elina Vähälä’s solos were breath-taking. Her bow seemed to soar across her violin as the music entranced the crowd.
The whole orchestra played with such enthusiasm, it was felt even from the very back of the lawn. More and more people were drawn to the concert as it continued. The park was filled by the time the performance was half way through, with many people standing around the sides of the pavilion. The applause was overwhelming as the masterpiece was brought to a close.
The evening ended with a rendition of Feste Romane (meaning “Roman Festivals”) by Ottorino Respighi. The Grant Park Orchestra first played this piece in June of 1997. At just under a half hour long, the performance was a fantastic way to end the event. It was a great evening to experience culture in an outdoor urban setting.
Summer is here (okay in four days but who’s counting) and that means officially running season. It is tough to decide which 5K’s to participate in since there are so many different options in the city of Chicago and the suburbs as well. One 5K that is taking place in the downtown area and raising awareness to a great cause is the 5K Traffic Jam.
The 16th annual Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam, benefiting the Leukemia Research Foundation is taking place in Grant Park on June 17th at 6:25 p.m. and the whole race/walk will be broadcast live on ABC 7 Chicago. The event features 5K Run, 3K Walk and a Survivors Strut which will begin and end its journey at Arvey Field, corner of 11th & Columbus in the Grant Park area.
Prior to the event at 5 p.m. a music group called “Daily Special” will be rocking out and getting all the runners in the right mood for the run, while after the race “16 Candles” will perform 80’s tunes to help everyone remain in good spirits.
While online registration has closed, those still interested in participating at this great event can still do so at the event for $40. The event organizers would appreciate those who have not registered to show up early since the event will sell out at 3,000 runners.
There are literally hundreds of different races g
oing on in Chicago this upcoming summer. It is not easy to choose which one is the right every person, however, those in favor of running for a great cause can not find a better event than the 5K Traffic Jam.
Got a question about the Taste of Chicago this year?
Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Taste of Chicago 2010.
Q: Where is the Taste of Chicago?
A: The Taste of Chicago is in Grant Park (On Michigan Avenue across Jackson Drive from the Art Institute ). Trolleys run on weekdays from 11am to 2pm. Buses and the El also provide transportation to the event.
Q: When is the Taste of Chicago?
A: June25th-July4th. Hours: June25th-July2nd 11am-9pm, July3rd 11am-7pm, July4th 11am-6pm.
Q: How do the tickets work?
A: Tickets work as currency at the Taste of Chicago. You can purchase strips of 12 tickets for $8 at the entrance and around the event at labeled booths. You can also purchase tickets ahead of time (until June 24th) at Dominick’s stores.
Q:What is a “Taste Of” portion?
A: “Taste Of” portions are smaller portions of the vendor’s classic items. They are usually 2-4 tickets, so they are cheaper than the full-sized items. Getting several “Taste Of” portions around the event is a great way to sample and experience a variety of foods at the Taste.
Q: How do I find a vendor that I know I want to visit?
A: The brochures (which are available at the entrance, at the ticket booths, and at information booths around the event) contain a map of the location of every vendor, bathroom, ticket booth, beverage booth, and special event area. The brochures also contain a list of every vendor and what they offer, and highlight daily performances and special events.
Q: Who is performing this year at the Taste?
A: Live performances occur daily and include: Friday June 25th 5:30pm – Rap Down Rewind feat. Bell Biv Devoe and Salt-N-Pepa, Saturday June 26th 5:30pm – Gavin Rossdale and Band From TV, Sunday June 27th 2:30pm – Emily Osment and Allstar Weekend, Monday June 28th 6:00pm – Broadway in Chicago, Tuesday June 29th 5:30pm – Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys, Wednesday June 30th 5:30pm – Matt Kearney and Brett Dennen, Thursday July 1st 5:30pm – Trey Songz and Teairra Mari, Friday July 2nd 5:30pm – Rob Thomas, Saturday July 3rd 3:00pm – Steve Miller Band, and Sunday July 4th 12:00pm – Passion Pit and Robert Randolf and Carney.
Q: What is new at the Taste this year?
A: There are 11 new restaurants added to the Taste this year, including: Abundance Bakery, Bobak Sausage Co., Carbon, Churro Factory, Cubby Bear, Doreen’s Pizzeria, Iyanze, Pegasus Restaurant and Taverna, Shokoland Pastry & Cafe, Summer Rice and Noodle, and Timothy O’Toole’s Pub.
Q: What is happening at the Dominick’s Cooking Corner?
A: Star chefs such as Mario Batali, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jimmy Bannos, and Giada De Laurentiis will present at the Dominic’s Cooking Corner near Buckingham Fountain. See Batali on une 25th at 1pm, Quinn on June 26th at noon, Bannos on June 25th and 28th, and Laurentiis on July 1st at 3pm.
Q: What else goes on at the Taste?
A: As usual, from 11am to 2pm every day you can work out at the Taste Sports area. Seniors can relax under the shaded Humana Senior Pavillion near Buckingham Fountain. The Family Village and Fun Times Stage has an exciting line up for family fun, as well as the Illinois Lottery Taste Stage. Also, on Sunday June 27th, don’t miss the 18th annual Humana Race to Taste event. Also, don’t miss the sponsor’s booths around the event for fun information and promotional materials.
More questions? Leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.