So there are a couple of fun pre-party places for the UC that I usually attend for Hawks (
) or Bulls games.
1) Moretti's: easy walk to the UC (barring a blizzard or something). Huge facility. Easy to get to by cab or blue line. Can fit lots of people. Overall good times. They usually offer a complementary shuttle to the UC but like I said, it's also walkable.
2) Hawkeye's: A little off the beaten path. Pretty healthy walk in the winter BUT they offer shuttle school buses to and from the UC on event days for a couple of bucks and you can find free parking in their lot if you get there relatively early. Much more of a college type atmosphere bar. Always packed with fans before events. Been there before games and concerts (Bruce/Muse) and I've always had great times there.
Just thought I'd throw out some info to the out of towners!