CHICAGO ( October 29, 2018 )—Chicago-based Transit Tees, an official manufacturer of Chicago Transit Authority ( CTA ) products that also designs and produces its own local and transit-themed merchandise, is excited to launch the next big thing in Chicago games. LOOP: The Elevated Card Game is a hilarious new game designed to capture the realistic, edgy commuter experience on Chicago's train system that's fun and engaging for every generation, from ages nine to 99.
Train line stops, track colors and events unfold as players navigate their way around the Loop train system ( the 'L' ) while attempting to discard all their cards. However, this is not a typical UNO-style card game. LOOP takes players on an urban adventure as they encounter Buskers, Train Car Preachers and Manspreading commuters, as well as the less savory aspects of Chicago commutes such as Fell Asleep on the Train, Sat in Puddle and Went to Wrong Airport—among the unique event cards relatable to any Chicago resident, visitor or transit geek.
"Chicago transit riders are true urban warriors," said Transit Tees owner and founder, Tim Gillengerten. "They encounter and deal with many obstacles in their daily commute and, in our opinion, have an 'elevated' ability to navigate our train system. We would joke around the studio about all the hilarious, and not so hilarious, things that happened to us on the 'L' and came up with the brilliant idea to merge art, design and all that's irreverent about living in and getting around a big city in creating LOOP: The Elevated Card Game."
LOOP: The Elevated Card Game retails for just $20 and will be available starting Thursday, November 15, online and at both Transit Tees locations in Wicker Park ( 1371 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago ) and Andersonville ( 5226 N. Clark Street, Chicago ).
A free public launch event will be held Nov. 15 from 6-9 p.m. in conjunction with the 6th Anniversary of Transit Tees' Wicker Park location, 1371 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago. Guests will be the first to play the new LOOP card game, preview other holiday gift ideas, and enjoy light bites and refreshments from Antique Taco and Revolution Brewery. No RSVP is required.
Conceived and designed at the Transit Tees design studio in Wicker Park, LOOP: The Elevated Card Game is the first-ever game created by the locally owned and operated company that designs and produces more than 100 original local and transit-themed apparel, housewares and accessory products each year. In fact, the LOOP game and 'L' Stop Cards are based on the design of Transit Tees' popular Transit Magnets, which now include all 185 unique 'L' stops in the transit system represented in square magnet form.
"The transit system's signage, maps, and colors are the epitome of contemporary artwork and remind us of game play action." said artist Tom LaPlante, who spearheaded this project at Transit Tees' in-house design studio. "The graphic look of the LOOP game is inspired by the look, shape, colors, and icons of the Chicago's 'L' system."
Transit geeks will especially appreciate LOOP's technical authenticity: all the Transfers are accurate, and all Stops include the precise coordinates on Chicago's grid. Each deck also includes an iconic 'L' Map Card with interesting facts about the train system and its history. Now, daily commuters, tourists and Chicago buffs alike can learn how to navigate and ride the CTA through playing the LOOP game.
For more information, visit www.transittees.com or call 773-227-1810.
—From a press release
About Transit Tees
Founded in 2001 by Tim Gillengerten, Transit Tees takes visuals from Chicago's metropolitan landscapes and transforms them into fashionable artwork, accessories, home goods and more. An official manufacturer of Chicago Transit Authority products, Transit Tees locally designs, fabricates and retails their signature brand online and at two storefronts in Wicker Park and Andersonville. Most store items are created in their design studio and produced on-site by local artists and craftsmen. For more information, visit www.transittees.com .
