I feel like a bad Chicagoan admitting this, but until last weekend I had never been to a Chicago Blackhawks game. I follow the team. I know the players names and I always check game results; but an actual game - that was a first for me. For my brother too, actually. (True life, he didn’t even know that hockey had 3 periods!)

On Sunday, October 28 we had the chance to see the Blackhawks in action as they took on the Edmonton Oilers. And while we lost in overtime, the game was thrilling to see in person!

One of my favorite moments at any sporting event is when the national anthem is sung and the crowd participates. At basketball and baseball games the crowd tends to be quiet until the final lines when they cheer loudly over the singer. Well, at a Blackhawks game the crowd cheers through the whole thing - hats off, hands over their hearts, looking at the American flag and cheering along. I love how sports can bring people together like that!

The Blackhawks managed to score the first goal of the night, which meant the United Center erupted in applause and cheering - everyone up out of their seat. It was so energizing and after that the crowd excitement was palpable.

The United Center was packed full of people decked out from head-to-toe in Blackhawks gear. We fit right in with our getups - hats, sweatshirts, etc… (The only exception were the three Oilers fans sitting directly behind us - which made for really entertaining commentary and fan interaction.) While attending the game and even on non-game days, you can grab gear at the Madhouse Team Store in the United Center. The black and white scarf I got was so soft and warm that I never wanted to take it off and my brother was loving his sweatshirt!

Whether you are a Chicago native or a transplant, a Blackhawks game is an experience worth having! Lucky for you I’m giving away 2 tickets to a home game this season. Head over to my Instagram account and follow the instruction on this post to be entered for a chance to win.

This post was sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks! All opinions are my own.