A Guide to United Center
As the legendary home of both the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, the United Center stands as the premier heartbeat of Chicago sports and entertainment. The arena continues to blend its rich championship heritage with modern innovations, offering an electric atmosphere that remains one of the most iconic experiences in professional sports.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingTake I-90 East to the Madison St. exit, make a right onto Madison, and the arena will be on your left. From the South: Take I-55 North to the Damen exit, make a left, and drive northbound for about 7 minutes. The arena will be on your right. From the East: Take Madison St. directly west from the Loop.From the West: Take I-290 East to the Damen Ave. exit (Exit 28A). Take Damen north to Madison St., turn right, and the arena will be on your rightStreet parking in the neighborhood is limited on game nights. The arena lots Gates 2, 4, & 6 open 2.5 hours before puck drop.
- Public TransitThe CTA offers an express bus (#19 United Center Express) from the Loop on game nights. The Green and Pink Lines serve the Ashland station, about a 10-minute walk. The Blue Line's Medical Center station is also walkable. CTA buses are the most popular transit option for games.
- Train LineThe Damen Green Line station is the primary and closest L stop for the arena. The Ashland stop remains the best option for the Pink Line, but Green Line riders should use the Damen station. The Blue Line is a 10 minute walk south of the arena via the Damen Avenue exit.
- Bus LineRoutes 19 and 20 run directly to the arena. The Pink and Green Line stops at Ashland.
- RideshareThe United Center has consolidated its rideshare operations into a single Uber Zone located at Lot E, on the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street. Fans at this drop-off enter through the East Atrium.
Pregame Festivities
The blocks around the United Center and stretching east toward the West Loop are packed with options. West Madison, Randolph Street, and the surrounding neighborhoods give you everything from divey hockey bars to upscale dining.
Bars & Restaurants
- The legendary Chicago bar immortalized by the Saturday Night Live "Cheezborger, Cheezborger" sketch — has a location near the arena. The original is under Michigan Avenue, but this outpost brings the same no-frills charm, cold beer, and double cheeseburgers.
- A beer garden and restaurant on Randolph Street in the West Loop offering German-inspired fare, an extensive craft beer list, and a spacious outdoor area with bags (cornhole) courts and communal seating. About 15 minutes from the arena and a great group pregame spot.
- A craft brewery and pub on West Randolph Street near the arena, named for the historic Haymarket affair. They brew creative beers on-site and serve elevated pub fare. The industrial-chic taproom is a quality pregame destination.
- A taqueria near the arena offering authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, and street food. Chicago's Mexican food scene is world-class, and this spot delivers quick, flavorful pregame fuel.
- A Chicago deep-dish pizza institution since 1971. The buttery, flaky crust and generous toppings define Chicago-style pizza. Multiple locations throughout the city make it accessible for pregame, though deep dish takes 30-45 minutes to bake — plan accordingly.
- An Italian grocery and sub shop in the West Loop that has been making sandwiches since 1937. Their Italian sub — loaded with quality meats, giardiniera, and their house dressing on fresh bread — is one of the best sandwiches in Chicago. About 15 minutes from the arena.
Neighborhood Attractions
- Formerly the Sears Tower, the 110-story skyscraper was the world's tallest building from 1973 to 1998. The Skydeck on the 103rd floor features The Ledge glass boxes that extend 4.3 feet from the building, letting you look straight down.
- One of the world's great urban parks, featuring Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), the Crown Fountain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and Lurie Garden. About 20 minutes from the arena in the Loop. Free admission.
- Chicago's trendiest neighborhood, a former meatpacking district now lined with James Beard Award-winning restaurants, cocktail bars, galleries, and boutiques. Girl & the Goat, Au Cheval, and Kuma's Corner are just a few of the culinary heavyweights. About a mile east of the arena.
- One of the most prestigious art schools in the country, affiliated with the Art Institute of Chicago museum. The museum itself with its iconic lion statues on Michigan Avenue houses one of the finest art collections in the world, including Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte."
- Chicago's historic Greek neighborhood on Halsted Street. Restaurants like Greek Islands and Athena serve classic Greek cuisine saganaki (flaming cheese), gyros, and lamb dishes.
Monuments & Unique Features
- The Michael Jordan StatueThe 12-foot bronze statue of Jordan in his iconic mid-air pose stands outside the arena's east entrance. Unveiled in 1994, it's inscribed with "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be." It's the most visited attraction at the arena and a pilgrimage site for basketball fans worldwide.
- Six Championship Banners1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998.
- Retired Numbers
- #23 Michael Jordan
- #33 Scottie Pippen
- #1 Derrick Rose
- #4 Jerry Sloan
- #10 Bob Love
Seating & Special Sections
- Banner LevelReplacing the former Penthouse Suites, this premium tier is located above the 300 Level. It is designed to immerse fans in team history, situated near the rafters where championship banners and retired jerseys are displayed.
- BMO ClubOne of the most exclusive premium areas in the arena, located on the west side of the Club Level. It blends a sophisticated lounge-style environment with fine dining, upscale bar options, and premium seating.
- Courtside SeatsLocated at the event level, these are the most exclusive seats in the arena, providing unmatched proximity to the Chicago Bulls players and the court.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsChicago-style hot dogs are the staple. Italian beef sandwiches with giardiniera and sweet peppers are a Chicago essential. Deep-dish pizza slices are available but the real stuff is at Lou Malnati's or Giordano's.
- Chicago DishSections 107, 122, 209, 312, 327: The home of quintessential Chicago game-day food. They feature classic Vienna Beef hot dogs served Chicago-style with no ketchup, Maxwell Street Polish sausages, chicken tender baskets, and French fries.
- Lillie’s QSections 119, 206, 330: A popular choice for authentic Southern-style barbecue, featuring slow-smoked pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, and barbecue-topped nachos or fries.
- Giordano’sSections 109, 203, 311: Available at various locations within the arena, offering personal-sized deep-dish pizzas (cheese, sausage, or pepperoni).
- Legacy BurgerSections 105, 214, 324: The go-to spot for classic American burgers, serving burger baskets including the Impossible Burger for a plant-based option) and chicken tenders with crinkle-cut fries.
- Goose Island PubSections 106, 208, 307: A local favorite offering a variety of sandwiches, including roast beef, corned beef, and turkey, along with a wide selection of Goose Island craft beers.
- Mrs. Levy’s DeliSections 115, 222: Provides high-quality deli sandwiches, such as stacked pastrami, corned beef, and turkey, often served on classic rye or onion rolls.
- Gibson’s SteakhouseSection 112 (Club Level/Premium areas): Offers a premium, upscale option within the arena, specializing in their signature filet mignon sliders served with house-made kettle chips.
Arena Information
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena