United Center: Home of the Chicago Bulls & Chicago Blackhawks - The Stadiums Guide (2024)

For almost thirty years, people have been visiting Chicago to watch the famous Chicago Bulls play in their home arena, called the United Center. This stadium hosts many different events, such as hockey games, UFC fights, and concerts.

With a capacity of more than 20,000 seats, the United Center is one of the most famous venues in the United States. Important sporting events have been held here, and famous artists have performed live on stage.

Apart from being the home of the local basketball team Chicago Bulls, they also share the arena with the Chicago Blackhawks. They are a local hockey team from Chicago. During basketball and hockey games, the stadium can welcome up to 23,000 fans.

United Center: Key Facts

• The United Center was opened in 1994.
• The cost of its construction was more than $300 million.
• 50-50 share between the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks.
• The size of the field is 960,000 square feet.
• Based on the United Center’s size, it is the largest venue in America.

Where Is United Center Located?

Next to the Chicago Loop, on the west side of the river in Chicago, you can locate the United Center. The arena’s at 1901 West Madison Street.

The Best Way to Get to the United Center

Accessing the United Center with a car is pretty simple. However, if you plan on using public transportation to get there, the best option is the transit service.

Although you will have to change lines, this way of getting to the United Center is the most accurate, and the timing is precise.

Take the Orange, Green, Purple, or Brown lines going to Madison. From there, move to the #20 Madison bus that is headed westbound.

Parking Near United Center

Finding a good parking spot for your vehicle during busy game days at the United Center can be difficult and frustrating. Check out these three parking places closest to the arena.

United Center Parking Lot H

This parking lot is located around the United Center which makes it one of the closest places for parking your vehicle. It has only 210 available spots, so you have to reserve yours in advance.

The price for parking on this lot during event days at the United Center costs $40. You will be able to pay in cash or with a credit card.

There are disabled spots for parking at the United Center Parking Lot H. There’s a possibility of charging an electric car, and there are no restrictions when it comes to the height of the vehicles.

Additional information

Teamster’s Garage – Lot #87

This underground parking garage is located only a few minutes away from the United Center which makes it a convenient parking place for visitors.

The parking fee for event days is $10. However, if you arrive early, specifically from 5:30 am to 9 am, you will be required to pay only $7 and asked to leave by 6 pm.

There are 776 available parking spots in this garage, and cash and credit card payment options are available. The lot has a height restriction of 6.82 feet. Handicap parking is also offered.Additional information

West Washington Boulevard Parking

This parking place is the smallest of all surrounding lots. It is open and accessible by anyone if they manage to find an available parking spot out of the 46.

The parking fee at West Washington Boulevard Parking is hourly. Parking your car for one hour at this place will cost you $7.20.

Apart from offering the possibility of paying in cash or with a credit card, at this parking lot you can also pay by using your phone.

Additional information

Restaurants Near United Center

Sinhá

Inspired by the classic culture and cuisine of Brazil, the Sinhá restaurant is one of the most elegant places to eat near United Center. It is open for brunch and during lunch hours.

The menu

The next time you visit Chicago for an event at the United Center, we recommend trying the traditional dish of Brazi, feijoada, at Sinhá restaurant.

They serve various types of seafood dishes with vegetable sides. If you want to grab a quick bite to eat instead of enjoying a fine dining experience, you can try one of their sandwiches.

To satisfy those sweet-tooth cravings, the Sinhá restaurant has a dessert menu with unique pastry and cake creations.

Additional information

Ricano’s Restaurant

After attending an event at the arena, many people frequent Ricano’s Restaurant. For this reason, the place is often crowded. To save you from waiting, the restaurant accepts online orders.

The menu

The cuisine of Chicago, Illinois, is classic American, but this restaurant gives it a Mexican flare. They serve hearty dishes with a lot of flavors which is why they are favored by locals.

Some of their most famous menu items consist of tacos, tostadas, burritos, as well as seafood. Their house specialties are the Quesadilla Dinner and Bistec a la Mexicana.

A very popular item on their menu is the fried ice cream. The children visiting this restaurant love this ice cream because it has a unique taste that can be rarely found in other places.

Additional information

Billy Goat Tavern

There is no doubt that hungry sports fans enjoy eating fast-food meals after attending a game. This restaurant makes sure that every guest is fed and well-situated as soon as they arrive.

The menu

Billy Goat Tavern is famous for its cheeseburgers. Except for pickles and onions, this sandwich does not include other vegetables. This menu item is called ‘The Cheezborger’.

Their meat is always fresh and they stay away from frozen produce. Their bun is slightly toasted, which gives the burger a nice crunch.

Depending on how hungry you are, or if you plan on sharing a burger with your friends, you can order either the single, the double, the triple, or the double-double cheezborger.

Additional information

The Best Bars Near United Center

The Ogden Chicago

A sports bar located only a few minutes away from United Center is The Ogden. Here, you will have a chance to try a beer from their large selection.

To go along with your beer of choice, their menu items include mozzarella sticks, onion rings and chicken wings.

During event days at the stadium, you can order an entire package for you and your friends. This offer includes six beers, a nacho tower, rib sliders as well as chili cheese dips.

Additional information

Damen Tavern

Damen Tavern is a rustic-looking bar with a modern exterior design. During game days, they serve $5 Jameson shots, $3 bud light bottles, and $3 screwball shots.

Apart from these special offers, they also have Guinness and Corona beers. This bar serves drinks in glass bottles and cans, as well as draft beers.

In addition to these classic sports drinks, Damen Tavern has co*cktails. Sipping their Maple Old Fashioned pairs well with the atmosphere of this bar and its old-school interior design.

Additional information

Park Tavern

Park Tavern is the most frequently visited bar near United Center by both locals and tourists. The hospitable atmosphere and rich menu is what draws people into coming back to this place.

Since many people visit this bar either with their friends or family members, Park Tavern has many shareable plates on its menu. Some of them include cheese curds and pretzel sticks.

If you choose to order a beer, keep in mind that there are craft beers included in the menu. We recommend trying the barbecue bacon Burger with cheddar cheese and onion strings.

Additional information

The Best Hotels Near United Center

Hotel Chicago West Loop

The nearest hotel located only minutes away from the United Center is Hotel Chicago West Loop. The interior and exterior design of this hotel is artistic and welcoming for visitors.

Amenities

• Free Wi-Fi
• Fitness center
• Pet-friendly
• Room service
• Parking options

Rooms

Not only is the stay at this hotel affordable, but it is also comfortable. There are in-room amenities in each accommodation, like toiletries and coffee machines.

The guest rooms at the Hotel Chicago West Loop can accommodate two or three visitors. The King and Queen Deluxe rooms are suitable for two guests.

Additionally, there is a guest room that contains a bunk bed. This accommodation option is often chosen if three people want to stay in the same room.

Food + beverages

Since this hotel is located near the most famous attractions in Chicago, there are a lot of restaurants and bars around it that people can visit.

One of the most popular cafes near Hotel Chicago West Loop is Froth. This coffee shop has an outdoor patio where you can enjoy drinking your coffee and eating pastries in the sun.

SoJu BBQ is a restaurant that a lot of people visit when they’re staying at this hotel. This restaurant serves classic dishes with an Asian twist, such as Korean fried chicken and kimchi stew.

Additional information

Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC

Located near the Medical District and the United Center in Chicago, this hotel by Marriott is one of the most refined and modern places to stay in this area.

Amenities

• Gym
• Housekeeping service
• Free coffee
• Room service
• Event space

Rooms

This hotel is deemed as luxurious and prestigious. Many business people and artists often stay in one of the suites at the Chicago Marriott hotel.

The suites include special amenities such as a sofa bed that can be pulled down to accommodate one more guest. They also have a bathtub and mini in-room refrigerators.

In comparison, the guest rooms have a work desk, one king bed, or two medium-sized beds. The guest room with one king bed has a lounge area with a sofa and a coffee table.

Food + beverages

Due to the renovations currently taking place at this hotel, the restaurants and bars are not open for guest visitations.

However, many places to eat can be found only minutes away from the Chicago Marriott hotel. Almost all of the nearby restaurants serve Italian-inspired dishes.

Tuscany on Taylor Street is a restaurant near this hotel that serves pasta and seafood dishes. The most famous pizzerias in this area are Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s Pizza.

Additional information

Hyatt Place Chicago – Medical / University District

A cozy place to stay if you are visiting Chicago for event season at the United Center is the Hyatt Place Chicago hotel located near the Medical and University district.

Amenities

• Free Wi-Fi
• Complimentary breakfast
• Laundry services
• Pet-friendly
• Fitness center

Rooms

This hotel is known for the soft and plush bedding in each of its rooms. They focus on providing comfort for all guests and an unforgettable relaxing experience.

You will be given several options to choose from when it comes to the accommodations at the Hyatt Place Chicago hotel. The rooms contain either one or two beds and a separate lounge area.

The rooms include one king bed for you and your partner or two queen beds for your close family. There are accessible rooms with roll-in showers or bathtubs.

Food + beverages

This hotel serves free-of-charge breakfast in the breakfast bar. Here, you can choose whatever menu item you prefer for the most important meal of the day.

In the lobby area of the hotel, there is a market that works 24/7. At this place, you can purchase many items like snacks and sandwiches before heading out to the United Center.

Every day from 3 pm to 10 pm, you can visit the hotel bar. co*cktails and wines can be enjoyed at this bar, along with bite-sized meals such as parmesan french fries.

Additional information

The History of the United Center

What was once known as the Chicago Stadium was replaced by the United Center in 1994. In 1995, it was decided that the Blackhawks would share the arena with the Chicago Bulls.

Apart from being famous for hosting sporting events, the United Center also has a statue of Michael Jordan which has been visited by many people from all over the world.

The construction and building of this stadium took two full years and it was renovated in 2009. The opening event of the United Center was held with a wrestling match called Summerslam.

Where to Get Tickets for United Center

Tickets for any Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks games, or concerts can be purchased at the United Center box office. The doors open at 11 am from Monday to Saturday and close as soon as an event starts. The box office is closed on Sundays.

If you want to skip the stressful waiting in line at the box office, you can purchase tickets for United Center at Ticketmaster.com. On this online platform, you will be able to see the event calendar and reserve a ticket in advance.

Does United Center Offer Tours?

Indoor tours are not allowed at the United Center. Outdoor tours around the United Center are also not scheduled for the near future.