Chicago, Styx will tour together for first time. How to get tickets

Picture this: It’s a crisp autumn evening in Chicago (naturally!), the kind where the wind whips off Lake Michigan and carries the scent of deep-dish pizza. Okay, maybe I’m romanticizing it a little, but imagine the buzz in the air as two titans of classic rock, Chicago and Styx, announce they’re hitting the road together for the very first time. Seriously, has anyone checked the weather in hell? Because this feels like that kind of improbable event. Fans across the country are already losing their minds, refreshing ticket websites, and dusting off their vinyl records. And why wouldn’t they be? We’re talking about two bands that have shaped the soundtrack of generations, bands whose songs are practically woven into the fabric of American culture. Chicago, with their soaring horns and intricate arrangements, and Styx, with their theatrical flair and progressive rock sensibilities, together? It’s a match made in rock ‘n’ roll heaven.

The announcement came seemingly out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning on a Tuesday afternoon. Social media exploded (I saw someone compare it to the Beatles reuniting!), with fans sharing their favorite songs, concert memories, and desperate pleas for ticket information. The burning question on everyone’s lips (besides “What will the setlist be?!”) is, of course, “How do I get tickets?” Well, fret not, fellow music lovers, because we’ve got you covered. This article will be your guide to navigating the treacherous waters of ticket sales, pre-sales, and everything else you need to know to secure your spot at this historic tour. We’ll break down the dates, the venues, and the strategies you can use to increase your chances of seeing Chicago and Styx live in concert. It’s going to be epic, I promise. I mean, I can practically hear “Come Sail Away” and “25 or 6 to 4” already!

But beyond the logistical details of ticket acquisition, let’s just take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of this tour. Think about it: these are two bands with decades of history, countless hits, and legions of devoted fans. They could easily coast on their existing reputations, playing separate shows and raking in the cash. But instead, they’re choosing to challenge themselves, to collaborate, and to give their fans something truly special. That, my friends, is the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll at its finest. I, for one, am already counting down the days. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty: the tour dates, the venues, and, most importantly, how to get those coveted tickets.

The Tour Dates and Venues

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. The Chicago and Styx tour, officially dubbed the “Sailing the Windy City” tour (clever, right?), is slated to kick off in late spring of 2025 and run through the summer. While the full schedule is still being finalized (as of the writing of this article), several key dates and venues have already been announced.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the confirmed locations:

* June 5, 2025: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL (Of course, they had to start in Chicago!)
* June 12, 2025: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
* June 20, 2025: Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
* July 4, 2025: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO (Can you imagine celebrating Independence Day with these two bands?)
* July 18, 2025: Fenway Park, Boston, MA

(Keep an eye on the official band websites and social media channels for the complete list of dates and venues. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out.)

A representative from Chicago said in a press release: “We’re incredibly excited to be hitting the road with our friends in Styx. It’s something we’ve talked about for years, and we’re finally making it happen. Get ready for a night of classic rock hits!”

How to Get Tickets: Your Battle Plan

Alright, this is where things get serious. Securing tickets for a highly anticipated tour like this is no walk in the park. It requires a strategy, a little bit of luck, and a whole lot of perseverance. Here’s your step-by-step guide to maximizing your chances of getting tickets:

Pre-Sales: Your First Line of Defense

The best way to snag tickets before the general public is through pre-sales. There are typically several different types of pre-sales available:

* Fan Club Pre-Sales: If you’re a member of the official Chicago or Styx fan clubs, you’ll likely have access to exclusive pre-sales. Sign up now if you haven’t already!
* Credit Card Pre-Sales: Certain credit card companies (like Citi or American Express) often partner with Ticketmaster to offer pre-sales to their cardholders. Check your credit card benefits to see if you’re eligible.
* Venue Pre-Sales: Many venues offer pre-sales to their email subscribers. Sign up for the email lists of the venues you’re interested in attending.
* Radio Station Pre-Sales: Local radio stations often run contests or offer pre-sale codes to their listeners. Tune in and listen for your chance to win!

To participate in a pre-sale, you’ll typically need a special code. This code will be sent to you via email or posted on the band’s website or social media channels. Make sure you have the code handy when the pre-sale starts.

(Pro tip: Set a reminder on your phone for the pre-sale start time. You don’t want to miss out!)

General On-Sale: The Hunger Games of Ticketing

If you don’t manage to get tickets during the pre-sales, don’t despair! You’ll still have a chance during the general on-sale. However, be prepared for some serious competition. The general on-sale is essentially a free-for-all, and you’ll be competing with thousands of other fans for a limited number of tickets.

Here are some tips for surviving the general on-sale:

* Create an Account: Make sure you have an account with Ticketmaster (or whatever ticketing platform is being used) and that all your information is up-to-date. This will save you time when you’re checking out.
* Be Ready to Go: Log in to your account at least 30 minutes before the on-sale starts. Have your credit card information ready to go.
* Use Multiple Devices: Open the ticketing website on multiple devices (your computer, your phone, your tablet). This will increase your chances of getting through the virtual queue.
* Don’t Give Up: Even if you get stuck in the queue, don’t give up! Keep refreshing the page and be patient. Sometimes tickets become available later in the process.

“I was refreshing the page like a maniac,” said one anonymous fan who successfully scored tickets to the Chicago show. “My heart was pounding out of my chest! It was like winning the lottery.”

Resale Market: Proceed with Caution

If you strike out during the pre-sales and the general on-sale, you might be tempted to turn to the resale market. Websites like StubHub and Vivid Seats offer tickets to sold-out events, but be aware that these tickets are often sold at inflated prices.

(Exercise caution when buying tickets from the resale market. Make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller and that the tickets are verified. Also, be prepared to pay a premium.)

VIP Packages: The Ultimate Fan Experience

For the ultimate Chicago and Styx fan, VIP packages offer a range of exclusive perks, such as:

* Premium seating
* Meet-and-greets with the band members
* Backstage tours
* Limited-edition merchandise

VIP packages are typically more expensive than regular tickets, but they offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re a die-hard fan, it might be worth splurging on a VIP package.

What to Expect from the Concert

Beyond just securing your tickets, you’re probably wondering what the concert itself will be like. Well, based on what we know so far, it’s shaping up to be a night of pure classic rock bliss.

Both Chicago and Styx are known for their high-energy performances and their impressive musicianship. Expect to hear all their biggest hits, as well as some deep cuts for the die-hard fans. And who knows, maybe they’ll even collaborate on a song or two!

Here’s a potential setlist:

Chicago:

* 25 or 6 to 4
* Saturday in the Park
* Beginnings
* You’re the Inspiration
* Hard to Say I’m Sorry

Styx:

* Come Sail Away
* Renegade
* Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
* Lady
* Too Much Time on My Hands

(Disclaimer: This is just speculation, of course. The actual setlist may vary.)

“I’m hoping they’ll play ‘Suite Madame Blue’,” said another enthusiastic fan. “That’s my all-time favorite Styx song!”

Beyond the Music: The Vibe

More than just the songs, a concert is an experience. This Chicago and Styx tour promises a nostalgic trip down memory lane, a chance to reconnect with the music that shaped your life, and to share that experience with fellow fans. Picture yourself singing along to “Come Sail Away” with thousands of other people, the energy in the air electric, the feeling of community palpable. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, but it’s one that stays with you long after the last note has been played.

And let’s not forget the fashion! Expect to see plenty of vintage band t-shirts, ripped jeans, and maybe even a few tie-dye shirts. This is a concert where you can let your inner rock ‘n’ roll spirit shine.

The air will crackle with excitement. It’s more than a concert, it’s a reunion!

The Legacy Continues

The “Sailing the Windy City” tour is more than just a concert tour; it’s a celebration of the enduring power of classic rock. Chicago and Styx have both left an indelible mark on the musical landscape, and this tour is a testament to their legacy. It’s a chance for fans of all ages to experience the magic of these two legendary bands live on stage.

So, are you ready to set sail? Get your tickets, dust off your air guitar, and prepare for a night of unforgettable music. This is one tour you won’t want to miss! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go practice my “Come Sail Away” falsetto.

(Wish me luck!)

I truly believe that this tour will be a defining moment for both bands and their fans. The energy, the music, the memories…it’s going to be something special. Something truly unforgettable. Don’t miss out.