December 21, 2024
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Experience GLOW along The First Hundred Miles

Festive pop-up event features over a million lights at Joliet’s Slammers Stadium

By Ryan Searl
Photo provided by Heritage Corridor Destinations

Festive fun runs now through January 4th at Joliet Slammer's Stadium. GLOW's attractions feature over one million lights. Photo provided by Heritage Corridor Destinations

There’s still time to visit GLOW, the newest holiday pop-up attraction along The First Hundred Mile’s Route 66. This exciting limited-time celebration of holiday lights, which runs select nights now through Jan. 5 at the Joliet Slammers Stadium, has been wowing guests of all ages and giving back to some regional charities.

The must-see holiday festival, which originated in St. Paul, Minnesota, at the Slammers’s sister stadium CHS Field, will extend its tradition of giving back. One dollar from every festival ticket bought locally will benefit charities in the Joliet and Chicago area. Since opening in Minnesota in 2020, GLOW has donated more than $350,000 to nonprofit organizations.

“We envisioned bringing something unique, family-friendly, and above all, fun to downtown Joliet and Slammers fans,” said Night Train Veeck, owner and executive vice president of sales and marketing for the Joliet Slammers. “Partnering with the city of Joliet and GLOW was the perfect way to turn this vision into a magical holiday reality.”

The outdoor, walk-through festival features millions of twinkling lights, whimsical sculptures and illuminated vignettes. The centerpiece of this pop-up is GLOW Spectacular, a dazzling light and music show set to holiday tunes, happening every 20 minutes – watch as the entire stadium lights up in a synchronized dance of color and sound.

Photo provided by Heritage Corridor Destinations

Enjoy discounted four-pack ticket bundles for Joliet's inaugural GLOW Holiday Festival pop-up at Slammers Stadium. Photo provided by Heritage Corridor Destinations

Enjoy illuminated trees, larger than life animals and festive art installations, along with multiple concession areas serving snack and beverages. Entry times are reserved every hour starting at 5 p.m. each night. You can enter at any time within the hour that your ticket was bought for, and you can stay as long as you would like. The last reserved entry time is 8 p.m. GLOW closes nightly at 9 p.m. Each night of GLOW benefits a community charity working to better the world during the season of giving. GLOW is a cashless event, so guests are encouraged to bring a credit or debit card for all on-site purchases.

GLOW in style with a full night in a private, heated suite in the upper level of the stadium. For $35 a person, suites include a coffee and cocoa bar available to you all evening. There also is a cash bar available for those of legal age. Food may be ordered in advance for an extra fee by contacting Sean McGrath: email smcgrath@jolietslammers.com, or call 815-651-2032. You are welcome to bring a birthday cake and/or decorations.

GLOW is held at Slammers Stadium, in downtown Joliet. Look for signs to guide you. The main entrance is on the corner of Mayor Art Schultz Drive and E. Jefferson Street. There are many parking options nearby, including parking lots and street parking. Both the Rock Island and Heritage Corridor Metra lines end right across the street at the Joliet station! Please visit https://ridertools.metrarail.com/maps-schedules to plan your visit via rail.

For a limited time, enjoy a 4-pack ticket deal for $50 – while supplies last. These discounted tickets give you, and three guests of any age, access to to this sprawling holiday light show. For full details on discounted tickets, schedules and safety guidelines, visit glowholiday.com.