Illinois Sports Fans Fearful Of Fake And Aggressive Parking Attendants

Attending a professional sporting event should be fun and memorable even if you're team doesn't pull off a victory. For some fans, it might be their only opportunity to watch their favorite athletes perform in person. Whether a first-timer or someone who goes to games all the time, the last thing a fan wants to deal with is being mistreated.

Unless you live within a reasonable distance of a major stadium in Chicago, getting to the venue can be a challenge in itself. The drive into the city could involve major traffic. Navigating into the city and to the park/arena can also induce a headache. Let's not forget the parking situation.

Of the major stadiums in Chicago, United Center, Guaranteed Rate Field, and Soldier Field have their own parking lots on the property. Wrigley Field has its own lots within a short walking distance of the friendly confines but the average person isn't parking at the park.

When you're parking in a lot for a football or baseball game in Chicago you should plan ahead so you're well informed of what lots are available for event parking. Unless you're using an app like ParkWhiz or SpotHero or preemptively purchase a lot pass ahead of time it's best to know you're choosing an appropriate lot.

WARNING: CONMEN AHEAD

There's been a growing trend in Chicago and it's leaving some questioning if they will go to attend another event in person in the city. Aggressive parking attendants are harassing fans as they make their way to the game, the problem is these are conmen.

CBS Chicago has reported instances like this multiple times and, most recently, it's become a dangerous situation. These faux parking attendants take motorized scooters to highway off-ramps and approach vehicles headed to the game. They claim to be actual attendants and attempt to charge $40 for parking at a nearby lot.

Some fans said when they refused to pay the scammers their vehicle was blocked, kicked, or punched. One woman was reportedly spot on when the called out one of the conmen. Of those who paid, main received parking tickets as a result of illegally parking. This has happened recently near United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field.

Chicago White Sox games have been a hotspot for parking scams and team officials told CBS Chicago more police presence has been requested and the only way to pay for parking is credit or debit cards. Check out the full report here.