Get ready, Chicago. FanDuel FanFest is right around the corner.
FanDuel, one of the biggest US gambling operators, is throwing an all-day party on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago from 2-9 p.m. The event is open to those 21 or older and will feature several musical performances and several other “unique sports experiences.”
FanDuel Fest info, tickets and getting to the ballpark
New customers who sign up with the FanDuel Sportsbook and place any “real-money wager” of $25 or more between now and Sept. 9 can snag some free tickets. Existing customers who place a $25 bet during that same window can purchase tickets for $15. Finally, those non-FanDuel customers looking to have a good time at FanDuel FanFest can buy tickets for $40.
The lineup for #FanDuelFanFest has arrived 👀
🗓 September 10th
📍 Chicago, IL
🏟 Guaranteed Rate FieldFor more info visit https://t.co/pnVGf5KkRz pic.twitter.com/XVzwlkwRsA
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) August 18, 2022
The unique thing about Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, is the parking aspect. Not only is it a great place to tailgate during home games, but those attending FanDuel FanFest will find several parking options.
The ballpark is easily accessible via public transportation for those traveling within the city limits. People coming in from the northside can take the Red Line to 35th Street, while those coming in from the south suburbs can take a metra train to the Lou Jones stop.
As mentioned, there will be some musical performances at FanFest, including Wiz Khalifa and DJ Alesso, plus a “Superstar Showdown” where famed Chicago athletes will compete in various games and challenges. Expect to see legendary Chicago Bears athletes Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester and Charles “Peanut” Tillman.
In a statement, Andrew Sneyd, Sr. VP of Brand, FanDuel Group, had this to say:
“Between the amazing musical performances featuring Wiz Khalifa and Alesso, and the legendary athletes like Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester who will be in attendance, this event will have something for all and is just another way for us to do something extraordinary to celebrate our customers and sports betting in the state of Illinois.”
FanDuel’s TV network
One of the more exciting projects coming down the FanDuel pipeline is a 24-hour content network and perhaps it will be mentioned at FanDuel Fest.
The plan is to feature studio programming and live sports hosted by the group’s influencer partners. In July, newly appointed chief commercial officer Mike Raffensperger said FanDuel already saw itself as a sports media company by inking deals with several well-known personalities and companies:
- SportsGrid
- Turner Sports
- Pat McAfee
- Bill Simmons & The Ringer
The network will be comprised of news, sports, special reports, and the ability to let viewers place bets from the same app.
The rebrand includes:
- FanDuel TV, formally TVG
- FanDuel Racing, formally TVG2
- FanDuel+, formally TVG OTT
Some aspects are set to unroll in September.
FanDuel already s for over 30% of the US betting market. In Illinois alone, the sportsbook has been in the top position for the past five months, having secured 64% of the total handle ($201 million) in June.
Experts anticipate that number to increase as it rolls out this new endeavor.
It’s still unknown if FanDuel Online Casino games will make the jump to FanDuel TV, but it wouldn’t be a hard sell. Already, customers can view live slot play on YouTube. One would think streaming live slot’s on a FanDuel channel could be the next logical step.