Visiting the United Center is essential for anyone aiming to snap a photo with Michael Jordan or Stan Mikita.
Home to statues of the top NBA player and a legendary hockey figure, this venue stands as Madison Street’s jewel and a global sports icon.
The United Center, from Michael Jordan to Derrick Rose, has hosted unforgettable sporting events and NBA milestones.
This guide will cover all you need to understand about the arena famously dubbed the House that Jordan Built, focusing on Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games, seating charts, event schedules, and more.
Table of contents:
- Parking Price
- Seating Chart
- Is the United Center the Largest Arena?
- Why was the United Center built?
- What happened to the old Chicago Stadium?
- Can the Bulls and Blackhawks play on the same day?
Parking Price for the Bulls Games
Parking at the United Center begins at about $24 in official lots for most events.
Nearby, unofficial parking lot may charge more, with prices starting from $39.
Buy your tickets for events inside the United Center on SeatGeek, ETC, and StubHub!
United Center Seating Chart
These seating charts reflect the general layout for the Chicago Bulls games.
Is the United Center the Largest Arena?
Indeed, the United Center has stood as the United States’ largest arena since its opening ceremony in August 1994, covering a grand area of 960,000 sq ft (89,000 m2).
Why was the United Center built?
Before the late 80s and 90s, Bulls games saw many empty seats, with stars like Jerry Sloan and Artis Gilmore unable to turn the tide. Then, Michael Jordan entered, reshaping the team’s destiny.
Jordan‘s era marked a significant shift, drawing large crowds to the aging building of the Chicago Stadium.
His influence sparked the need for a new home, leading to the construction of the United Center. This modern building, located at 1901 West Madison Street, spans 960,000 square feet with a basketball seating capacity of 20,917 for Bulls games.
With Jordan, the Bulls became a global sensation, necessitating a larger stage to host the burgeoning fan base.
The United Center emerged as this venue, symbolizing the Bulls‘ rise and the city’s embrace of their basketball heroes. Every Bulls game became a major event, underlining the shift from past struggles to a new era of dominance.
What happened to the old Chicago Stadium?
The old Chicago Stadium was replaced by the United Center, built for $175 million, now valued at $306 million.
Opening on August 18, 1994, with WWF SummerSlam, it stands as a premier NBA and events arena.
With capacities of 23,500 for concerts and 20,917 to 23,129 for Bulls games, it’s a hub for major events.
Iconic acts like Madonna and Jay-Z have performed here, with acoustics designed to magnify fan noise, making concerts uniquely immersive.
Can the Bulls and Blackhawks play on the same day?
The Bulls and Blackhawks can play on the same day; the floor transitions from hardwood for basketball to ice for hockey quickly.
Both teams support each other, showcasing a strong family vibe.
The Blackhawks boast two Stanley Cup wins, while the same floor has seen six NBA Finals, marking the United Center as a versatile and historic venue.
