United Center
United Center - Travel Guide & Stadium Information
- Basketball stadium in Chicago, United States with 19,717 capacity - complete travel and matchday guide
- Professional playing surface with modern facilities
- Transport: Nearest train station, tube line, and bus routes with walking times
- Parking: Official stadium parking £10 to £20, street parking options nearby
- Away fans: Dedicated section, entrance gates, and capacity allocation information
Key Facts
United Center Essential Details
United Center Basic Details
Stadium Capacity
19,717 spectators
Year Opened
1994
Address & Location
1901 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612
Chicago, United States
Technical Specifications
Pitch Type
No Pitch
Stadium Type
Multi-Sport Venue
Primary Sport
Basketball
Venue Classification
Arena
Location & Maps
About United Center
About United Center
United Center is the home of the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) and Chicago Bulls (NBA), located at 1901 West Madison Street in Chicago's Near West Side. Opened on August 18, 1994, with a capacity of 19,717 for NHL hockey, it is the largest arena in the United States by physical size — covering 960,000 square feet on a 46-acre parcel west of the Loop. The arena is jointly owned by the Wirtz and Reinsdorf families through the United Center Joint Venture. Built to replace Chicago Stadium across Madison Street, the arena was deliberately engineered to recreate the extraordinary acoustic atmosphere of its predecessor. Angled steel panels around the upper deck reflect crowd noise back into the bowl, and during hockey season an Allen organ replica of Chicago Stadium's famous Barton organ maintains the sonic traditions that made Chicago hockey broadcasts unlike any other in North America. Outside, iconic statues celebrate the teams' legends: Michael Jordan's "The Spirit" (now in the 2017 Atrium addition), Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and a Scottie Pippen bronze bust. The 190,000 sq ft Atrium on the east side houses the Madhouse Team Store, Amazon Just Walk Out-powered 1800 Market, and Queenie's Supper Club & Cocktails — a public gathering space accessible without event tickets. The championship history is extraordinary. The Chicago Bulls won three NBA Championships here in 1996, 1997, and 1998 — Michael Jordan's second three-peat. The Blackhawks hosted the Stanley Cup Finals three times (2010, 2013, 2015) and clinched the 2015 Cup at home against Tampa Bay in Game 6 — the first time the Blackhawks clinched in Chicago since 1938. The 2020 NBA All-Star Game and 1996 Democratic National Convention were also held here. Inside, 27 concession areas serve 19,000+ fans including Gibsons Steakhouse, Goose Island Pub, Giordano's pizza, and Lillie's Q barbecue, with new Blackhawks centennial-season offerings added for 2025-26. Premium hospitality spans Lower, Club, and Banner Level suites plus new Banner Lofts. United Center is 3 miles from the Loop, served by CTA bus (#20 Madison, #19 game-day express) and Pink, Green, and Blue L lines. The Blackhawks rebuild around 2023 No. 1 pick Connor Bedard — whose 2024 Calder Trophy rookie season rekindled excitement — is the next chapter for the Madhouse on Madison, one of the most atmospheric and historically rich venues in North American professional sport.
Getting to United Center
Getting to the Stadium
CTA L — Pink & Green Lines to Ashland
The CTA Pink Line and Green Line stop at Ashland station, a 15-minute walk east along Madison Street to United Center. From the Loop, board the Pink Line at Clark/Lake — around 12 minutes to Ashland. The Blue Line's Illinois Medical District station is also within 10 minutes' walk. On game nights the #19 United Center Express bus connects Ashland/Lake to the arena door.
CTA Bus — #20 Madison & #19 Game-Day Express
The #20 Madison Street bus runs directly along Madison Street and stops in front of the United Center at 1900 W Madison. The #19 United Center Express runs on Blackhawks and Bulls game days only, non-stop from the Loop to the arena door. Rideshare pickup and drop-off is at Madison Street and Wood Street, open two hours before events.
Driving & Official Parking
United Center is at 1901 W Madison Street, 3 miles west of the Loop. From I-90/94 take the Madison Street exit west. Official parking lots (A, B, C, D, F, K, L, MXC) surround the arena with 5,400+ spaces. Lots open 2.5 hours before events. Suite holders use Lots C and K. Rideshare drop-off is on Madison Street at Wood Street.
Walking from CTA Stations
From Ashland station (Pink/Green Line): 15-minute walk west along Madison Street — well-lit and flat. From Illinois Medical District station (Blue Line): 10-minute walk north on Damen then east on Madison. The arena is highly visible from both routes.
Stadium Tours
United Center Behind-the-Scenes Arena Tour
Tour Description
Experience the Madhouse on Madison with an exclusive arena tour covering areas inaccessible on regular event days. Visit the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls locker rooms, walk through the players' tunnels, see the ice and court level, and explore the premium suite levels. Guides bring the arena's rich history to life — from Michael Jordan's three-peats to the Blackhawks' three Stanley Cups.
Pricing & Duration
Adult tickets cost £25, children's tickets are £15, and concession tickets are available for £20. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 75 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
Tour Highlights
The United Center Behind-the-Scenes Arena Tour includes blackhawks locker room, bulls locker room, players' tunnels, ice/court level, suite tour, michael jordan statue, bobby hull & stan mikita statues, championship banners, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Available on select non-event days. Contact United Center guest services or check unitedcenter.com for scheduling. Book via unitedcenter.com or call the United Center box office. Advance booking recommended.
Hotels Near United Center
Where to Stay
The Langham Chicago
Accommodation Type & Location
Luxury accommodation - short drive or cab
Pricing
Rates from £350 to £750 per night
Description
Forbes Five-Star hotel on the Chicago Riverwalk in the Loop, 4.5km from United Center. Award-winning Travelle restaurant and one of the most acclaimed spas in the city.
Hyatt Place Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market
Accommodation Type & Location
Mid-range accommodation - short walk or quick ride
Pricing
Rates from £140 to £280 per night
Description
Modern Hyatt Place in Chicago's Fulton Market district, 2km from United Center. Walking distance to some of Chicago's best restaurants — ideal for Blackhawks game trips.
Flophouse Chicago
Accommodation Type & Location
Budget accommodation - short ride or long walk
Pricing
Rates from £45 to £95 per night
Description
Well-regarded budget hostel on the Near West Side. A solid base for fans attending multiple Blackhawks or Bulls games. Lively common areas and knowledgeable local staff.
The Robey Chicago
Accommodation Type & Location
Boutique accommodation - short drive
Pricing
Rates from £180 to £380 per night
Description
Design-forward boutique hotel in a 1929 Art Deco building in Wicker Park, 4km from United Center. Rooftop bar with sweeping Chicago skyline views and a distinctive neighbourhood feel.
Dining at United Center
Restaurants
Pubs & Bars
United Center Accessibility
Accessibility
Wheelchair-Accessible Seating
United Center is fully ADA compliant with wheelchair-accessible seating throughout the bowl on all levels. Eight escalators and nine elevators provide vertical access to all levels. Accessible seating available in all sections including lower bowl, club level, and upper level.
Designated Accessible Parking
Designated accessible parking in all official United Center lots. Lot A (east side) has the highest concentration near the Atrium entrance. VIP accessible parking in Lots C and K for suite holders. Pre-purchase parking at unitedcenter.com. All lots open 2.5 hours before events.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices available at Guest Services. Captioning available on scoreboard screens throughout the arena. Contact Guest Services for hearing loop details. Acoustics engineered to amplify crowd noise.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms on all concourse levels throughout the arena. Family restrooms available. All updated during the 2017 Atrium renovation. Family restrooms available on all levels.
Accessible CTA Bus & L Train
CTA bus #20 Madison stops directly outside at street level. The #19 game-day Express runs from downtown. Ashland L station (Pink/Green) and Illinois Medical District (Blue) both have elevator access. #20 Madison stops directly in front of the arena door — best accessible transit option.
United Center Ticket Information
Ticket Prices
General Admission Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Upper Bowl (300 Level) tickets range from $35 USD to $120 USD for the season and mini-plan packages available via blackhawks ticket office at 312-455-7090..
Description
Upper bowl seating for Blackhawks home games. The rebuild era has made tickets more accessible than during the championship years but the atmosphere remains exceptional. Prices vary by opponent.
What's Included
These upper deck seating in the madhouse on madison. angled steel panels reflect crowd noise back into the bowl creating legendary acoustics. lively atmosphere among passionate blackhawks faithful. tickets include assigned seat, general concourse access, 27 concession areas, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Club Seating Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Club Level (200 Level) tickets range from $90 USD to $280 USD for the season club packages and fractional ownership options available..
Description
Club Level includes access to premium lounges. Groups of 10+ in the 100 or Club Level receive Blackhawks Points redeemable for up to $40 in food and beverage.
What's Included
These mid-tier club seating with access to premium concourse amenities including the bmo club and michelob ultra club. best balance of atmosphere and comfort in the building. tickets include assigned club seat, bmo club or michelob ultra club access (varies by section), making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Suite / Hospitality Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Lower, Club & Banner Level Suites tickets range from $4000 USD to $13000 USD for the full-season, half-season, and quarter-season suite ownership available..
Description
All-inclusive 20-person executive suite packages include tickets, 4 VIP parking passes, food and beverage, open bar, and dedicated attendants. Suites seat 12–20; Super Suites up to 80.
What's Included
These private suites on three levels: lower level (closest to ice), club level, and banner level. new for 2025-26: banner lofts — semi-private elevated spaces with banner lounge access. tickets include private suite (12–20 guests), 4 vip parking passes, food and beverage, open bar, dedicated attendant, vip entrance at gate 2½ or 6½, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
United Center FAQs
Filter by Category
Why is United Center called the Madhouse on Madison?Featured
United Center inherited the nickname from its predecessor, Chicago Stadium. Designers engineered angled steel panels around the upper level to replicate "The Roar" — the legendary noise of the old stadium. The Barton organ tradition continues with an Allen organ replica used during hockey season.
How do I get to United Center by public transport?Featured
The CTA #20 Madison Street bus stops directly outside — about 12 minutes from downtown. On game days, the #19 United Center Express runs non-stop from the Loop. By L train, take the Pink or Green Line to Ashland (15-min walk) or the Blue Line to Illinois Medical District (10-min walk). Both have elevator access.
Is there parking at United Center?Featured
Yes — 5,400+ official spaces in lots A, B, C, D, F, K, L, and MXC. Lots open 2.5 hours before events. Pre-book at unitedcenter.com. Suite holders use Lots C and K. Rideshare is at Madison Street and Wood Street.
What is the bag policy at United Center?
Clear bag policy applies. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, no larger than 12x6x12 inches, or a small non-clear clutch no larger than 4.5x6.5 inches. All guests pass through metal detectors. NBA events follow the NBA's 14x14x6 inch bag rule.
What food and drink is available at United Center?
27 concession areas include Gibsons Steakhouse, Goose Island Pub, Crown Royal Whiskey Bar, Lillie's Q barbecue, Giordano's pizza, and The Little Goat Taqueria. The 2025-26 season introduced loaded fries, steakhouse ribeye sandwiches, and Banner Years Hot Dogs. Queenie's Supper Club in the Atrium is open without an event ticket.
How many Stanley Cups have the Blackhawks won here?
Three Cups were hosted at United Center: 2010 (clinched away in Philadelphia), 2013 (clinched away in Boston), and 2015 — clinched at home in Game 6 against Tampa Bay, the first time the Hawks clinched in Chicago since 1938.
Are accessible facilities available at United Center?
Yes. Fully ADA compliant with wheelchair-accessible seating on all levels, 9 elevators, 8 escalators, accessible parking in all lots (highest concentration at Lot A), and assistive listening devices at Guest Services (Gates 2, 4, and 9).
Where can I buy Chicago Blackhawks tickets?
Ticketmaster is the official marketplace. Mobile tickets required. The Box Office is at Gate 4 on Madison Street. For groups of 10+, call the Blackhawks ticket office at 312-455-7090 for group pricing and Blackhawks Points food credit.
What statues are at United Center?
Michael Jordan's "The Spirit" (relocated to the Atrium in 2017), Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita on the west side, a Scottie Pippen bronze bust, and a statue of Bulls broadcaster Johnny "Red" Kerr. A walk around the arena before the game is worth doing.
How early should I arrive for a Blackhawks game?
Gates open 90 minutes before puck drop. Arriving 60–75 minutes early is recommended. For sold-out rivalry games against Detroit, St. Louis, or Nashville, arrive 90 minutes early. The Atrium opens earlier and is a great pre-game gathering spot.
Latest News
United Center Unveils 2025-26 Concession Upgrades for Blackhawks Centennial Season
FeaturedPublished
1 October 2025
Article Summary
United Center introduced new concession offerings for the 2025-26 Blackhawks centennial season including loaded fries with jalapeño cheese sauce and bacon, a steakhouse ribeye sandwich, Banner Years Hot Dogs, and a thin-crust meatball pizza with giardiniera — a nod to Chicago's Italian beef tradition.
United Center Banner Level Lofts Debut for 2025-26 Season
Published
15 September 2025
Article Summary
United Center launched new Banner Level Lofts for 2025-26 — semi-private elevated spaces on the north and south Banner Level sides with exclusive access to the new Banner Lounge beneath the Blackhawks' and Bulls' championship banners. Available for single-event rental.
Connor Bedard Wins Calder Trophy as Blackhawks Rebuild Gains Momentum
Published
26 June 2024
Article Summary
Rookie Connor Bedard won the 2024 NHL Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie, scoring 61 points in his debut season and igniting renewed excitement at United Center. The Madhouse on Madison is experiencing a surge of interest as the Blackhawks rebuild around the generational talent.
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