The State of Illinois has a long and varied history of professional sports and venues. The first professional sports team in the state was the Chicago White Stockings, which was founded in 1870 and became the Chicago Cubs in 1890. The Chicago Bears were founded in 1920 and the Chicago Bulls in 1966. The Chicago Blackhawks were founded in 1926 and the Chicago Fire in 1997.
Illinois is also home to several professional sports venues. The United Center, home of the Bulls and Blackhawks, opened in 1994. Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs, opened in 1914 and is one of the oldest stadiums in the country. Soldier Field, home of the Bears, opened in 1924 and is the oldest stadium in the NFL. The Allstate Arena, home of the Chicago Wolves, opened in 1980.
In addition to professional sports teams and venues, Illinois is also home to several college sports teams. The University of Illinois Fighting Illini, Northwestern Wildcats, and DePaul Blue Demons all compete in the NCAA Division I. The University of Chicago Maroons compete in the NCAA Division III.
Illinois is also home to several minor league teams, including the Kane County Cougars, the Rockford IceHogs, and the Peoria Chiefs. The state also hosts several major golf tournaments, including the BMW Championship and the John Deere Classic.
Illinois has a long and storied history of professional sports and venues, and continues to be a major player in the sports world.
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