For those of you heading down to Chicago to cheer on your beloved Spartans, do not fear, there are plenty of places in the Windy City to keep you entertained, even when MSU isn't playing.
The Gin Mill, at 2462 N. Lincoln in downtown Chicago, is the place for Spartans fans, according to manager John McHugh.
"We always have been since we've opened," McHugh said. "The whole building is green and white."
McHugh is anticipating a larger crowd than normal next week during the tournament, and is prepared for the influx of people.
And be prepared to celebrate at the Gin Mill after a Spartans victory, as they give away free beer every time MSU wins a game.
They'll also break out the St. Patrick's green beer a little early for Spartans fans come tournament time.
If you are looking for more of a learning experience, try heading over to Shedd Aquarium, the world's largest indoor aquarium, located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. You can see everything from anemones to weedy seadragons at the aquarium, which features over 8,000 animals from all more than the world.
Michigan Avenue also is a fun little corridor for you and your fellow Spartans to wander down if you are looking for something to do.
Water Tower Place, an eight-floor shopping center, is a great place to spend some money and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
Thursday evening there will be a "Spartan Celebration" open to all Spartans fans from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. CST at the Chicago Marriott Downtown, located at 540 N. Michigan Ave. The pep rally will feature MSU head coach Tom Izzo, MSU Athletic Director Ron Mason, Sparty, Spartan Brass and the MSU dance team and cheerleaders. Free snacks and a cash bar will be provided.
You also can check out Navy Pier, located east of Chicago on Lake Michigan. At the pier you will find the Chicago Children's Museum, an IMAX theater, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and many other attractions.
And when that stomach starts growling, don't fret; Chicago is full of great restaurants with great food.
Chicago is home to ESPN Zone, 43 E. Ohio St., a 35,000-square-foot bar and grill filled with big-screen TV's and big fun.
Ed Debevic's is an entertaining '50s-style diner, and there also is a Hard Rock Cafe and Rainforest Cafe.
So all you Spartans heading down to the Second City for the long weekend, enjoy your time there, and remember what everybody's favorite crooner Frank Sinatra said in his song "My Kind of Town":
"Chicago is one town that won't let you down."
