United Center
{{Short description|Indoor arena in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.}}
{{About||the Ukrainian political party formerly known as "United Centre"|Andriy Baloha's Team|the Chilean political party|United Centre (Chile)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = United Center
| nickname = The House That Jordan Built
The UC
The Madhouse on Madison
| logo_image = United Center logo.svg
| image = United Center 1.jpg
| caption = United Center in September 2015
| address = 1901 West Madison Street
| location = Chicago, Illinois, United States
| coordinates = {{Coord|41|52|50|N|87|40|27|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = United States Chicago#Illinois#USA
| pushpin_relief = yes
| pushpin_label = United Center
| pushpin_mapsize = 250
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Chicago##Location in Illinois##Location in the United States
| broke_ground = April 6, 1992{{cite news |title=Dignitaries Dig in at New Stadium Fete |first1=Paul |last1=Sullivan |first2=Patrick |last2=Reardon |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HxsaAAAAIBAJ&pg=3514,1559573&dq=en |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=April 7, 1992 |access-date=May 15, 2012}}
| built = 1992–1994
| opened = August 18, 1994
| closed =
| demolished =
| owner = United Center Joint Venture (UCJV)
(Chicago Bulls 50%/Chicago Blackhawks 50%){{cite news |title=Blackhawks, Bulls Owners Mull Office Project Next to United Center |first=Micah |last=Maidenberg |url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20141001/CRED03/140939974/blackhawks-bulls-owners-mull-office-project-next-to-united-center |work=Crain's Chicago Business |date=October 1, 2014 |access-date=February 15, 2015}}
| operator = United Center Joint Venture
| scoreboard = Mitsubishi Electric{{cite news |title=A new scoreboard is coming to the United Center. It will have the largest high-def screens among NBA and NHL arenas. |first=Phil |last=Thompson |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-bulls-blackhawks-united-center-scoreboard-20190320-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=March 20, 2019 |access-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608011857/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-bulls-blackhawks-united-center-scoreboard-20190320-story.html |url-status=live}}
| renovated = 2009–10 (300 Level)
2014 (exterior)
| expanded = 2016–17 (atrium)
| construction_cost = $175 million
(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|175000000|1994}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| architect = Populous (then HOK Sport)
W. E. Simpson Company, Inc.
Marmon Mok
| project_manager = International Facilities Group, LLC{{Cite web |url=http://www.ifgroup.cc/content/?section=506§ion2=508§ion3=552&page=552 |title=International Facilities Group – United Center |access-date=October 18, 2011 |archive-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404024608/http://ifgroup.cc/content/?page=552§ion=506§ion2=508§ion3=552 |url-status=dead}}
| structural engineer = Thornton Tomasetti
| services engineer = Flack + Kurtz{{cite web |title=Engineers Mark 25th Anniversary |first=Lois |last=Weiss |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3601/is_n23_v41/ai_16400039/ |work=Real Estate Weekly |date=January 4, 1995 |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-date=March 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322034806/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3601/is_n23_v41/ai_16400039 |url-status=live}}
| general_contractor = Morse Diesel/Huber Hunt & Nichols{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120516014909/http://www.emporis.com/building/unitedcenter-chicago-il-usa United Center – Emporis.com]}}
| tenants = Chicago Bulls (NBA) (1994–present)
Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) (1994–present)
| seating_capacity = Concerts: 23,500
Basketball: 20,917
(standing room to at least 23,129{{cite news |title=Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls |url=http://sports.chicagotribune.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=chicagosports&page=nba/scores/final/boxscore.aspx?GAMEID=12668 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=March 19, 2010 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303203630/http://sports.chicagotribune.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=chicagosports&page=nba%2Fscores%2Ffinal%2Fboxscore.aspx%3FGAMEID%3D12668 |archive-date=March 3, 2014 |url-status=dead}}
Hockey: 19,717
(standing room to at least 22,428){{cite web |title=Red Wings 3, Blackhawks 2, OT |agency=Associated Press |url=http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2009021225 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=April 11, 2010 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616020900/http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2009021225 |archive-date=June 16, 2010 |url-status=dead }}
| dimensions = {{convert|960000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
| publictransit =
{{rint|chicago|Green}} at Damen
{{rint|chicago|Green}}{{rint|chicago|Pink}} at Ashland
{{rint|chicago|Blue}} at Illinois Medical District
| website = {{URL|unitedcenter.com}}
}}
The United Center is an indoor arena on the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). It is named for its corporate sponsor United Airlines. With a capacity of nearly 21,000, the United Center is the largest arena by capacity in the NBA, and second largest arena by capacity in the NHL. It also has a seating capacity of 23,500 for concerts.
Opened in 1994, the United Center replaced the West Side's Chicago Stadium ("the madhouse on Madison"), which was opened in 1929 and located across the street from the center. It is owned by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, owners of the teams that use the arena, and which also own much of the surrounding land. The first event held at the arena was WWF SummerSlam, and it hosts hundreds of sporting events, and concerts a year. The center has also hosted the 1996, and the 2024 Democratic National Convention.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/99340726/ |title=Speakers send a strong message |work=Detroit Free Press (Detroit, Michigan) |date=August 27, 1996 |access-date=October 12, 2019 |archive-date=May 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521025844/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/99340726/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/dnc-chicago-2024/see-inside-the-united-centers-transformation-for-the-dnc/3524145/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |title=See inside the United Center's transformation for the DNC |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821004628/https://www.nbcchicago.com/dnc-chicago-2024/see-inside-the-united-centers-transformation-for-the-dnc/3524145/ |url-status=live}} The arena served as the municipal emergency hub in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |url=https://www.unitedcenter.com/official-statement-on-covid-19/ |title=COVID-19 Updates {{!}} United Center|website=www.unitedcenter.com|access-date=March 30, 2020}}
The arena is home to a statue of basketball great Michael Jordan, posed mid-air in his iconic "flying" jump, erected in 1994. Originally outside, it now stands inside an atrium extension and event space which was added to the Center in 2017.{{cite news |title=The Michael Jordan statue has new home inside the United Center atrium |url=https://www.timeout.com/chicago/blog/the-michael-jordan-statue-has-new-home-inside-the-united-center-atrium-030217 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |work=Time Out Chicago |language=en}} The Jordan statue has since been joined by statues of Blackhawks ice hockey players Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, while a statue of various Blackhawks players is located across the street on the site of Chicago Stadium.
United Center history
Both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls play their home games at the arena with some of them on back-to-back nights. In the 2023-2024 edition of the NBA, the Bulls drew an average attendance of 20,624 in 41 home games, the highest in the NBA.{{Cite web |title=2023-2024 NBA Attendance - National Basketball Association - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance/_/year/2024 |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=ESPN.com}} The hardwood floor for the Bulls games is laid over the ice that the Blackhawks play on. The flooring is assembled like a puzzle and taken apart when the Blackhawks have a game.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igdlN3wqBfY Ice to Hardwood: United Center Photo Timelapse]
The Bulls and Blackhawks own and operate the United Center through the United Center Joint Venture (UCJV), a 50/50 partnership. It covers {{convert|960000|sqft|m2}} on a 46-acre (19 ha) parcel, west of the Chicago Loop.{{cite news |title=A Closer Look Inside The United Center |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/09/07/a-closer-look-inside-the-united-center/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=September 7, 1994 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202211516/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-09-07/sports/9409150331_1_level-restrooms-concourse |url-status=live}} The arena is the largest in the United States in size, though not in capacity. Its exterior bears a striking resemblance to that of Chicago Stadium. It seats 19,717 for hockey, 20,917 for basketball and up to 23,500 for concerts. The United Center hosts over 200 events per year and has drawn over 20 million visitors since its opening. Attendance routinely exceeds seating capacity for Bulls and Blackhawks games.
The Bulls opened their practice facility, The Advocate Center, located a block east of the United Center, in 2014. Advocate Health Care owns the naming rights to the facility.
The Blackhawks opened their practice facility, Fifth Third Arena (formerly MB Ice Arena prior to 2019), located two blocks to the south of the United Center, in 2017.
= Design and construction =
The original construction of the arena cost $175 million.{{cite web |title=Chicago Blackhawks: Pros And Cons To New United Center "L" Train |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nhl/chicago-blackhawks-pros-and-cons-to-new-united-center-l-train |work=Fox Sports |access-date=August 2, 2022}}
The United Center's acoustics were designed to amplify noise to replicate "The Roar" – the din that made Chicago Stadium famous, especially during hockey games.{{cite news |title=Hawks Quiet in Opener |first=Robert |last=Markus |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/09/17/hawks-quiet-in-opener/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=September 17, 1994 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202211518/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-09-17/sports/9409170143_1_hawks-roar-exhibition-opener |url-status=live}} The designers originally estimated that the United Center would be 80% as loud as the Chicago Stadium had been. To amplify noise, they placed angled steel panels around the top level in order to reflect noise back into the arena's bowl.
During hockey season, the Blackhawks use an Allen TH323 Theatre Organ that is a replica of the Chicago Stadium's famous Barton organ. Recreating the old organ's notes took two years.{{cite news |title=Like Stadium, New Organ Will Be More Versatile |first=Marcia C. |last=Smith |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/09/07/like-stadium-new-organ-will-be-more-versatile/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=September 7, 1994 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=May 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510101603/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-09-07/sports/9409070059_1_organ-sound-pipe |url-status=live}}
The building is {{convert|140|ft|m}} tall,{{cite web |title=United Center, Chicago |url=http://www.emporis.com/buildings/228331/united-center-chicago-il-usa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614231709/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/228331/united-center-chicago-il-usa |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |publisher=Emporis |access-date=December 30, 2015}} and is of concrete and steel construction, with 3,500 tons of steel being utilized in its construction.{{Cite book |title=Profiles of American / Canadian Sports Stadiums and Arenas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xNsfQSqHlDMC |publisher=Xlibris Corporation |date=March 13, 2006 |isbn=978-1-4628-3676-5 |first=Gene W. |last=Knupke}}{{Self-published inline|certain=yes|date=December 2017}} While the Blackhawks and Bulls had long planned another arena, an inflated real estate market and the early 1990s recession delayed the project until financing was secured from an international syndicate, with funding by banks from Japan, Australia and France. The arena originally had 216 luxury sky-boxes,{{cite news |title=Work Set To Start On New Arena |first=Robert |last=Davis |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/04/06/work-set-to-start-on-new-arena/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=April 6, 1992 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=May 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506075313/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-04-06/news/9201310828_1_new-stadium-basketball-and-hockey-arena-mayor-richard-daley |url-status=live}} the most of any professional hockey or basketball venue at the time of its opening. But after the 2009–10 renovation, this had been decreased to 169 executive suites spread across its three levels of suites.{{cite web |title=Premium Seating and Suites at the United Center |url=http://www.nba.com/bulls/tickets/premium.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=June 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621131428/http://www.nba.com/bulls/tickets/premium.html |url-status=live}} It also was originally constructed with 3,000 club seats.
Architects originally proposed utilizing limestone and granite for its exterior, however the owners instead decided to have a less expensive precast concrete exterior.{{cite web |last1=Kamin |first1=Blair |title=Throughly Modern Milieu |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-08-21-9408210174-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 12, 2023 |date=August 21, 1994 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412172904/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-08-21-9408210174-story.html |url-status=live}}
Per the team owners' request, the City of Chicago closed a section of Monroe Street west of the stadium, as the venue's footprint extends into where the road's sidewalk had previously been located. When the venue opened, Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin criticized this street closure and other aspects as the venue's design as isolating the venue from its surrounding neighborhood. He argued that the venue's design had intentionally closed the arena off from its surroundings, which at the time included the (since-demolished) Henry Horner Homes public housing.
= Renovations =
== Late 2000s club additions and 300 level renovation ==
In 2008, the United Center saw the debut of the Harris Club, private premium seating area that filled space previous occupied by several club-level suites. The Harris Club was an open lounge premium seating area with a capacity of 236 ticketholders fitted with amenities such including a Nintendo Wii, a pool table, three bars, a buffet, and multiple televisions.{{cite web |title=Home improvements at the United Center |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/improvements_091110.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=August 2, 2022 |language=en |date=October 13, 2009}} Another change was the addition of two bars on the 300 level with open views to the arena bowl.
In time for the 2009–10 season of its sports tenants, the United Center's 300 level saw its concourse renovated with the addition of 144 flat screen televisions, new food and beverage stations above select seating sections and two new bars that open up to panoramic views of the arena. During the 2010 off-season, two additional bars with panoramic views of the arena were added along with the other two that had been added the previous year. Another notable addition were illuminated signs on each side of the arena's 300 level seating bowl reading "Welcome to the Madhouse".{{cite news |title=The United Center's New Concessions Offerings Are Playoff Caliber |first=Phil |last=Vettel |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-11-19/entertainment/0911170224_1_levy-restaurants-crab-cakes-concessions |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=November 19, 2009 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502004606/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-11-19/entertainment/0911170224_1_levy-restaurants-crab-cakes-concessions |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title="Madhouse on Madison" Signs Removed from United Center |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/madhouse-on-madison-signs-removed-from-united-center/2072883/#:~:text=Signs%20were%20erected%20in%202009%2C%20will%20be%20replaced%20by%20LED%20signs&text=During%20a%20recent%20reconstruction%20of,sides%20of%20the%20seating%20bowl. |website=NBC Chicago |access-date=August 2, 2022 |date=August 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412171353/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/madhouse-on-madison-signs-removed-from-united-center/2072883/#:~:text=Signs%20were%20erected%20in%202009%2C%20will%20be%20replaced%20by%20LED%20signs&text=During%20a%20recent%20reconstruction%20of,sides%20of%20the%20seating%20bowl. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=United Center introduces the Madhouse on Madison |url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/madhouse_090715.html |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=August 2, 2022 |language=en |date=July 15, 2009 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412171353/https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/madhouse_090715.html |url-status=live}} The United Center also renovated several of its club-level suites into 32 "theater boxes", which were opera-style boxes seating four-people seating areas with access to an upscale restaurant-style lounge area shared with the other theater boxes. The theater boxes were built on the opposite end of the seating bowl as the Harris Club.{{cite web |last1=Elejalde-Ruiz |first1=Alexia |title=First class fans |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-10-15-0910150309-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune/RedEye |access-date=August 2, 2022 |date=October 15, 2009}}{{cite web |title=Suns converting eight suites to theater boxes |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2011/08/01/Facilities/IAVM-notebook.aspx |website=Sports Business Journal |access-date=August 2, 2022 |language=en |date=August 1, 2011 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412171353/https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2011/08/01/Facilities/IAVM-notebook.aspx |url-status=live}}
== 2010s changes ==
After the 2012–13 season, a third panoramic LED bar was installed around the 300 level, which required the removal of the "Welcome to the Madhouse" signs.
A new court floor design was added for the Bulls' 2015–16 season and includes multiple changes. The iconic bull head logo at center court has increased in size by 75% and the image of a basketball that was previously behind the logo has been removed. The "CHICAGO BULLS" text on the endlines has been changed to the font used in the official Bulls logo to make the court design more consistent with the Bulls brand, and the same font has been applied to the "Bulls.com" and the "@ChicagoBulls" text on the north apron of the court. The lines on the court have been changed from red and white to all black to emphasize the bold colors of the Bulls brand. The four stars from the City of Chicago flag have been added to the south apron of the court to highlight the team's civic pride and incorporate the "Chicago Basketball" branding campaign.{{Cite web |title=Bulls unveil their new court design |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25313408/chicago-bulls-unveil-their-new-court-design |website=CBSSports.com |access-date=October 21, 2015 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117185925/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25313408/chicago-bulls-unveil-their-new-court-design |url-status=live}} As of the 2024-2025 Bulls season, the current court features sponsor FanDuel in on the endlines with a smaller text of "CHICAGO BULLS", and Calamos replacing "Bulls.com" and the "@ChicagoBulls" text on the north apron of the court.
File:2017 NHL Entry Draft (35346024092).jpg was being held at the United Center]]
File:2017 NHL Entry Draft (35346009152).jpg
In March 2017, the United Center opened a new 190,000 square foot privately funded "atrium" addition. The addition featured office space on its second, third, and fourth floors and a gathering place on its first floor which is open to fans and visitors before, during, and after events. The statue of Michael Jordan which formerly sat outside the arena was relocated to the atrium.{{cite web |last1=Rios |first1=Courtney |title=The United Center's New Atrium is Finally Revealed |url=https://urbanmatter.com/chicago/united-center-atrium/ |website=UrbanMatter |access-date=August 2, 2022 |date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518191626/https://urbanmatter.com/chicago/united-center-atrium/ |url-status=live}}
In 2019, a new scoreboard manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric was added to the United Center. At its unveiling, the scoreboard was the largest and highest-resolution scoreboard in any dual-purpose NHL/NBA arena.{{Cite web |url=https://www.unitedcenter.com/scoreboard/ |title=2019 United Center Scoreboard {{!}} United Center|website=www.unitedcenter.com|access-date=July 23, 2019|archive-date=July 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723051856/https://www.unitedcenter.com/scoreboard/|url-status=live}} The scoreboard has a {{convert|8600|sqft|m2}} display with 4 mm pixel spacing,{{Cite web |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/3/20/18313786/united-center-reveals-new-scoreboard-for-2019-20-season-for-bulls-blackhawks |title=United Center reveals new scoreboard for 2019–20 season for Bulls, Blackhawks |last=Lieser |first=Jason |date=March 20, 2019 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=July 23, 2019}} six independent moving panels, and a continuous inner ring display. New audio and lighting systems were installed alongside the scoreboard upgrade.
== Sportsbook Lounge ==
On February 1, 2022, the United Center and FanDuel Group announced a partnership to develop a sportsbook lounge located off the United Center atrium. The two-story venue was built out as a non-wagering space complete with FanDuel branding with screens featuring other live sports events. With the lounge opened in 2023, betting is still contingent on approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.{{Cite web |last=Traub |first=Matt |date=February 1, 2022 |title=United Center Announces Plans to Open In-Arena Sportsbook |url=https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/united-center-announces-plans-to-open-in-arena-sportsbook/ |access-date=February 5, 2022 |website=SportsTravel |language=en-US}}
== Neighborhood development 1901 Project ==
The Reinsdorf and Wirtz families who own the United Center and much of the surrounding land have considered development schemes for the area. In 2024, they announced plans for a potential $7 billion "mega-development." Named the "1901 Project" for the United Center's address number on West Madison Street, the plan includes almost 9,500 new housing units and related neighborhood amenities and business spaces. Like most mega-developments, the project would be phased and could take many years to realize. The first phase includes an auditorium planned as a music venue.{{Cite web |last=Ecker |first=Danny |title=United Center owners detail vision for 1901 Project |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/united-center-owners-detail-vision-1901-project |date=September 4, 2024 |newspaper=Crains Chicago Business |access-date=October 7, 2024}}
In 2025 it was announced that a new CTA Pink Line station is being explored to be built as part of the Project 1901 development. It would be located directly east of the United Center and rebuild the former Madison station that was demolished in 1951.{{cite news |title=The United Center hasn't been served by a Pink Line station since it opened. Could redevelopment plans change that? |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/02/08/united-center-pink-line-cta-stop/ |access-date=22 February 2025 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=8 February 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=T. R. D. |title=United Center redevelopment wants Pink Line train station |url=https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2025/02/10/chicagos-united-center-redevelopment-needs-train-station/ |access-date=22 February 2025 |work=The Real Deal |date=10 February 2025 |language=en}}
Events
= Sports =
== Basketball ==
File:United Center pano.jpg of the United Center during a Bulls game in January 2020]]
The arena was the Bulls' home during their second run of three consecutive championships, hosting the {{nbafy|1996}}, {{nbafy|1997}}, and 1998 NBA Finals. The Bulls won the 1996 and 1997 series in the sixth game at home, but won the 1998 series at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 2020, it hosted the NBA All-Star Game.{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-chicago-to-host-2020-nba-all-star-game-20171109-story.html |title=Chicago to host NBA All-Star 2020 |date=November 9, 2017 |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=February 15, 2018}}
The Chicago Sky of the WNBA would host two games at the United Center against the Indiana Fever on June 7 and July 27, 2025.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/indiana-fever-vs-chicago-sky-two-games-between-rivals-in-chicago-moved-to-united-center-for-larger-audience/ |title=Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky: Two games between rivals in Chicago moved to United Center for larger audience |date=February 28, 2025 |work=CBS Sports |access-date=February 28, 2025}}
== Hockey ==
File:20231227 09 Hawks win! (53707615097).jpg of the United Center during a Blackhawks game in December 2023]]
The arena has hosted the Stanley Cup Finals three times: in {{scfy|2010}}, {{scfy|2013}}, and {{scfy|2015}}. The Blackhawks clinched two Stanley Cups on the ice of their opponent in the sixth game of the series (Philadelphia's Wachovia Center in 2010 and Boston's TD Garden in 2013). The Blackhawks won the 2015 Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning at home in the sixth game, the first time since 1938 the Hawks clinched the Cup in Chicago.{{cite web |title=Chicago Blackhawks fans anticipating Stanley Cup |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/ct-blackhawks-fans-met-0616-20150615-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=June 15, 2015 |access-date=June 15, 2015 |archive-date=June 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616052236/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/ct-blackhawks-fans-met-0616-20150615-story.html |url-status=live}}
In 2017, it hosted the 2017 NCAA Division I Frozen Four on April 6–8, which was the first Frozen Four in history to be hosted in the state of Illinois. On October 2, 2024, the NCAA announced the Frozen Four would return to the arena in 2028.{{Cite web |title=NCAA announces more than 240 host site selections {{!}} NCAA.com |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/ncaa/article/2024-10-02/ncaa-announces-more-240-host-site-selections |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=www.ncaa.com |language=en}}
Both the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons saw the United Center hosting the University of Wisconsin Badgers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish rivalry game.
The [https://www.ahai.org/page/show/255785-illinois-state-championship Illinois State High School Hockey Championships] are hosted at the United Center yearly for the Blackhawk Cup, and starting in 2024 the Northern Illinois Hockey League also hosted their championships at the United Center.{{cite web |title=2010 Blackhawk Cup To Be Decided at the United Center On Friday Night |url=http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=522414 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=March 23, 2010 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627113739/http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=522414 |url-status=live}}
== NCAA basketball ==
In addition to 41 Bulls and Blackhawks games each year, the United Center has hosted other sporting events such as University of Illinois basketball, the Big Ten men's basketball tournament (from the first tournament in 1998 to 2001, then in odd-numbered years from 2003 to 2007 and again in 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2023),{{cite web |title=2013 Big Ten men's basketball tournament |url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/big10-m-baskbl-tournament-12.html |publisher=Big Ten Conference |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527234346/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/big10-m-baskbl-tournament-12.html |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Big Ten tournament History |url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122304aad.html |publisher=Big Ten Conference |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119010614/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122304aad.html |url-status=dead}} the NCAA men's basketball tournament (hosted six times, including 2022), the Champions Classic (in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2023), the Roundball Classic, and the Great Eight Classic.
== Professional wrestling ==
The United Center was also the site of the known then as the World Wrestling Federation pay-per-view SummerSlam in 1994—the first major event held inside the building, and also the only major event held in the building, now known as the WWE, as they have traditionally held their Chicago events at Allstate Arena.{{cite web |title=Chicago Bulls Media Guide: United Center Information |url=http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/11_media_0405.pdf#page=9 |format=PDF |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=August 19, 2007 |archive-date=December 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203141633/http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/11_media_0405.pdf#page=9 |url-status=live}} It also hosted the last of WCW's annual Spring Stampede pay-per-views in 2000. On March 3, 2018, WWE returned to the United Center for the first time in over 20 years with a Raw brand "Road to WrestleMania" house show.
File:CM Punk at AEW Rampage The First Dance.jpg
During a special episode of AEW Dynamite, titled Fight For the Fallen on July 28, 2021, Tony Schiavone announced that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) would host the second episode of their television series, AEW Rampage, at the United Center on August 20, 2021, subtitled "The First Dance" in what would be the first televised wrestling event to take place in the United Center since 2000.{{cite web |title=AEW Rampage: The First Dance |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-rampage-the-first-dance |access-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818082128/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-rampage-the-first-dance |url-status=dead}} The event marked Chicago native CM Punk's AEW debut and return to professional wrestling after a retirement of 7 years from the sport.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/32058245/cm-punk-makes-pro-wrestling-return-signs-all-elite-wrestling |title=CM Punk makes pro-wrestling return, signs with All Elite Wrestling |publisher=ESPN |first=Marc |last=Raimondi |date=August 20, 2021 |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821063530/https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/32058245/cm-punk-makes-pro-wrestling-return-signs-all-elite-wrestling |url-status=live}} AEW also held another event at the United Center in partnership with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on June 26, 2022, titled AEW×NJPW: Forbidden Door.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/04/21/aew-njpw-joint-pay-per-view-tony-khan |title=Tony Khan Announces First-Ever AEW, NJPW Joint Pay-Per View Event |first=Justin |last=Barrasso |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 20, 2022 |accessdate=April 22, 2022 |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421005905/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/04/21/aew-njpw-joint-pay-per-view-tony-khan |url-status=live}} AEW then hosted the premiere of AEW Collision on Saturday, June 17, 2023, with the return of CM Punk being a headliner for the event. The venue also hosted the AEW pay-per-view All Out on September 3, 2023.
== Mixed martial arts ==
On January 28, 2012, the Ultimate Fighting Championship held its first nationally televised event at the arena. UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis was the UFC's second live prime-time event on Fox. The headlining fight was former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans against Phil Davis, with Evans winning by unanimous decision.{{cite news |title=Evans Wins Big 1 |first=Matt |last=Erickson |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/01/28/evans-wins-big-1/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=January 28, 2012 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=January 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130211201/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-01-28/sports/ct-spt-0129-mma-ufc-chicago--20120129_1_rashad-evans-anderson-silva-ufc |url-status=live}} The United Center also hosted UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Dodson{{cite web |last=Saunders|first=Andrew|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1502636-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-dodson-what-went-wrong-for-dodson?m=0 |title=Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson: What Went Wrong for Dodson?
|publisher=Bleacher Report |date=January 26, 2013 |access-date=December 11, 2024}} in 2013 and UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson in 2014.{{cite web |last=Chiari|first=Mike|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1931454-henderson-vs-thomson-results-winner-highlights-and-analysis |title=Henderson vs. Thomson Results: Winner, Highlights and Analysis |publisher=Bleacher Report |date=January 26, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2024}} The UFC announced in mid-January 2015 that the United Center would be host of UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs. Barao 2.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/ufc-on-fox-16-official-for-july-25-at-chicagos-united-center |title=UFC on FOX 16 official for July 25 at Chicago's United Center |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=February 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729210257/http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/ufc-on-fox-16-official-for-july-25-at-chicagos-united-center |url-status=live}}
On June 9, 2018, the United Center hosted UFC 225: Whittaker vs. Romero 2 which was its first PPV event.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/31454/ufcs-2013-schedule-on-fox-network-kicks-off-jan-26-at-united-center-in-chicago.mma |title=UFC's 2013 schedule on FOX network kicks off on Jan. 26 at United Center in Chicago |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=November 5, 2012 |last=Erickson |first=Matt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108024414/http://mmajunkie.com/news/31454/ufcs-2013-schedule-on-fox-network-kicks-off-jan-26-at-united-center-in-chicago.mma |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-returns-to-chicago-with-a-jan-title-fight |title=UFC® on FOX: UFC returns to Chicago with January title fight |publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship |date=November 15, 2012 |access-date=November 15, 2012 |archive-date=March 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305133443/http://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-returns-to-chicago-with-a-jan-title-fight |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/10/24/ufc-on-fox-sports-10-heads-to-chicago-ufc-170-booked-for-las-vegas/ |title=UFC on FOX Sports 10 heads to Chicago |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson |date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=October 24, 2013 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163053/https://mmajunkie.com/2013/10/24/ufc-on-fox-sports-10-heads-to-chicago-ufc-170-booked-for-las-vegas/ |url-status=live}} Returning a year later, the UFC hosted UFC 238: Cejudo vs. Moraes at the arena.{{cite web |last=Newport|first=Kyle|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2828225-henry-cejudo-vs-marlon-moraes-bantamweight-title-fight-announced-for-ufc-238 |title=Henry Cejudo vs. Marlon Moraes Bantamweight Title Fight Announced for UFC 238 |publisher=Bleacher Report |date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2024}}
== Bull riding ==
On the weekend of March 5–6, 2011, the Professional Bull Riders made their Built Ford Tough Series debut at the United Center.{{cite web |title=PBR Announces 2011 BFTS Schedule |url=http://www.pbrnow.com/release/?id=6771 |publisher=Professional Bull Riders |date=September 21, 2010 |access-date=September 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928023610/http://www.pbrnow.com/release/?id=6771 |archive-date=September 28, 2010 |url-status=dead}} It was their third Chicago-area visit, having previously visited Rosemont's Allstate Arena in 2006 and 2008. The event at the United Center presented a unique scenario as instead of dirt, white crushed stone was used to cover the arena floor.
== Tennis ==
In September 2018, the United Center hosted the second edition of the Laver Cup. The tennis competition will feature Team Europe vs. Team World.
== Gymnastics ==
On October 13, 2016, the arena hosted the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions.{{cite web |title=2016 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions takes center stage beginning Sept. 15 |url=https://usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=19213 |publisher=usagym.org |access-date=March 26, 2019 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327085825/https://usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=19213 |url-status=dead}}
= Entertainment =
== Concerts ==
With a seating capacity of 23,500 for concerts, the United Center has been a home to many concert performances. The first was Billy Joel, who stated the "...acoustics could use some work.." Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo, P!nk, New Kids on the Block, Guns N' Roses, Prince, Beyoncé, Adele, The Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Taylor Swift, Madonna, U2, Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, KISS, Bon Jovi, Barbra Streisand, Billie Eilish, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Janet Jackson, Blackpink, Celine Dion, Coldplay, BTS, Stray Kids, The Who, Pearl Jam, Green Day, blink-182, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Muse, The Killers, Rod Wave, Megan thee Stallion, Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter have all had sold-out shows for their concerts in this arena, as well as Dave Matthews Band, who released its 1998 show at the venue, entitled Live in Chicago 12.19.98 at the United Center.{{Cite web |title=Top 20 Most Impactful Moments in United Center History |url=http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/top-20-most-impactful-moments-united-center-history |website=CSN Chicago |access-date=October 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909092723/http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/top-20-most-impactful-moments-united-center-history |archive-date=September 9, 2015 |url-status=dead}} Contemporary Christian music has also been played at this venue, on tours such as the Tomlin UNITED tour in June 2022, featuring Hilllsong UNITED, Chris Tomlin, and Pat Barrett.
== Family events ==
File:Ringling Bros. at United Center (15844419545).jpg
The United Center has also provided a Chicago home for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (last performance was 2016, and they permanently shut down on May 21, 2017) and Disney on Ice, which occur once per year; the Bulls and Blackhawks have a tradition of taking a two-week road trip when the circus is in town.{{cite news |title=Practices Few and Far Between for Blackhawks |first=Chris |last=Kuc |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/01/28/practices-few-and-far-between-for-blackhawks/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=January 28, 2013 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206143448/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-01-28/sports/ct-spt-0129-bits-blackhawks-chicago--20130129_1_ice-show-nhl-lockout-goaltender-corey-crawford |url-status=live}} After Ringling left Chicago for one final time in November 2016, the Bulls and Blackhawks allowed Ringling's sister production Disney on Ice to perform its last two-week show in February 2017, before being condensed to a one-week period effective February 2018.
== Television events ==
On May 17, 2011, Oprah The Farewell Season: Oprah's Surprise Spectacular was taped at the United Center. The program aired on television on May 23 and 24, 2011. Pictures from the event are displayed inside the arena entrance on the wall of Gate 4.{{cite news |title=Oprah Winfrey Spectacle sSands Out in a Sea of Farewells |first=Phil |last=Rosenthal |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-18/business/ct-biz-0518-phil-20110518_1_oprah-winfrey-network-25th-and-final-season-love-letter |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=May 18, 2011 |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101230756/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-18/business/ct-biz-0518-phil-20110518_1_oprah-winfrey-network-25th-and-final-season-love-letter |url-status=dead}}
= Political events =
File:2024 Democratic National Convention - United Center Interior.jpg]]
The United Center was also the venue of the 1996 Democratic National Convention, where the Democratic Party nominated as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates Bill Clinton and Al Gore, the incumbent holders of the respective offices, who would be reelected as a result of the general election held that November. The United Center also hosted the 2024 Democratic National Convention.[https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/president-biden-announces-chicago-site-2024-dnc-convention-rcna79044 Democrats choose Chicago for their 2024 convention] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414000551/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/president-biden-announces-chicago-site-2024-dnc-convention-rcna79044 |date=April 14, 2023 }} NBC News, April 12, 2023
Banners
The following banners hang from the rafters of the United Center honoring past and present Bulls and Blackhawks. In March 2025, the 6 Bulls championship banners were temporarily removed for the rest of the season after they were damaged during a Disturbed concert.{{cite web|title=Chicago Bulls championship banners damaged during Disturbed concert, removed from United Center rafters |first=Austin |last=Nivison |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/chicago-bulls-championship-banners-damaged-during-disturbed-concert-removed-from-united-center-rafters/ |website=CBS Sports |date=March 14, 2025 |access-date=March 14, 2025}}
= Bulls =
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" | ||||
| colspan="5" style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls}};" | Chicago Bulls retired numbers and honorees | ||||
| style="{{NBA color cell2|Chicago Bulls}};" | No.
! style="{{NBA color cell2|Chicago Bulls}};" | Player ! style="{{NBA color cell2|Chicago Bulls}};" | Position/charge ! style="{{NBA color cell2|Chicago Bulls}};" | Tenure ! style="{{NBA color cell2|Chicago Bulls}};" | Date retired | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | {{sortname|Jerry|Sloan}} | G/SF | 1966–1976 | {{dts|1978|February|17|format=mdy}} |
| 10 | {{sortname|Bob|Love}} | F | 1968–1976 | {{dts|1994|January|14|format=mdy}} |
| 23 | {{sortname|Michael|Jordan}} | SG | 1984–1993 1995–1998 | {{dts|1994|November|1|format=mdy}} | |
| 33 | {{sortname|Scottie|Pippen}} | SF | 1987–1998 2003–2004 | {{dts|2005|December|9|format=mdy}} |
| – | {{sortname|Phil|Jackson}} | Coach | 1987–1989 (assistant) 1989–1998 (head coach) | {{dts|1999|May|5|format=mdy}} |
| – | {{sortname|Johnny|Kerr}} | Coach Business manager broadcaster | 1966–1968 (head coach) 1973–1975 (business manager) 1977–2009 (broadcaster) | {{dts|2009|February|10|format=mdy}} | |
| – | {{sortname|Jerry|Krause}} | General manager | {{dts|1985|3|26}}–{{dts|2003|4|7}} | {{dts|2003|October|31|format=mdy}} |
Championship banners
- 1974–75 Midwest Division Champions
- 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1995–96*, 1996–97, 1997–98, 2010–11, 2011–12 Central Division Champions
- 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98 Eastern Conference Champions
- 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998 NBA World Champions
- A banner with the number 72 is hung below the 1995–96 division title to denote the Bulls' then-record 72–10 season.
= Blackhawks =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ style="background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#E51837 5px solid; border-bottom:#000000 5px solid;" | Chicago Blackhawks retired numbers | ||||
| style="width:40px;|No.
! style="width:150px;|Player ! style="width:40px;|Position ! style="width:100px;|Career ! style="width:150px;|No. retirement | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glenn Hall | G | 1957–1967 | November 20, 1988 |
| rowspan="2" | 3 | Keith Magnuson | D | 1969–1980 | rowspan="2" | November 12, 2008 |
| Pierre Pilote | D | 1955–1968 | ||
| 7 | Chris Chelios | D | 1990–1999 | February 25, 2024 |
| 9 | Bobby Hull | LW | 1957–1972 | December 18, 1983 |
| 18 | Denis Savard | C | 1980–1990 1995–1997 | March 19, 1998 |
| 21 | Stan Mikita | C | 1958–1980 | October 19, 1980 |
| 35 | Tony Esposito | G | 1969–1984 | November 20, 1988 |
| 81 | Marian Hossa | RW | 2009–2018 | November 20, 2022 |
Championship banners
- 1990–91, 2012–13* Presidents' Trophy Champions
- 1966–67 Prince of Wales Trophy Champions
- 1969–70 Wales Conference Champions
- 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73 1991–92 Campbell Conference Champions
- 2009–10, 2012–13, 2014–15 Western Conference Champions
- 1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79, 1979–80 Smythe Division Champions
- 1982–83, 1985–86, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1992–93 Norris Division Champions
- 2009–10, 2012–13, 2016–2017 Central Division Champions
- 1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013, 2015 Stanley Cup Champions
- The banner with the years 2012–13 is hung below the 1990–91 Presidents' Trophy banner, marking the second time the Blackhawks have won the trophy.
Statues
Several statues of Bulls and Blackhawks greats exist inside and around the outside of the arena.
The most well-known of these is the statue of Michael Jordan, also known as "The Spirit", on the east side of the arena in an atrium (opened in 2017) outside Gate Four. Originally installed in 1994, during Jordan's first retirement and just after the arena's opening, the statue features Jordan mid-dunk over an opposing player, with his tenures with the Bulls and career stats engraved on the bottom. The statue was initially located directly in front of the arena.
In 2000, in honor of the team's 75th anniversary, a statue of various Blackhawks greats from different eras, along with the franchise's Indian head logo, was erected on the north side of the stadium across Madison Street, near the former Chicago Stadium site. The back of the statue features the names of all Blackhawks players up to that point, along with a marble plaque commemorating Chicago Stadium. In October 2020, the statue was vandalized in protest of the team's use of Native American iconography as a logo and was temporarily removed for repairs.
Blackhawks legends Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita received bronze statues in their honor outside of the United Center during the 2011–12 NHL season.{{cite news |title=Moving Moment for Hull and Mikita |first=Chris |last=Kuc |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/10/22/moving-moment-for-hull-and-mikita/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=October 22, 2011 |access-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701044827/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-10-22/sports/ct-spt-1023-hull-mikita-blackhawks-statues-chicago-20111023_1_hull-and-mikita-statue-omri-amrany |url-status=live}}
In 2011, a bronze bust of Bulls great Scottie Pippen was dedicated in the stadium's first-floor concourse.
Sponsorship
United Airlines paid about $1.8 million per year in 2014 for its naming rights.{{cite web |title=Stadium Naming Rights |url=https://www.espn.com/sportsbusiness/s/stadiumnames.html |publisher=ESPN |date=January 14, 2008 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619171400/http://espn.go.com/sportsbusiness/s/stadiumnames.html |url-status=live}}
In May 2010, United announced they would be merging with Continental Airlines resulting in the United name being kept but with Continental's globe logo and corporate look being retained, eliminating the tulip emblem. This rebranding would be completed in October 2010, just before the 2010–11 NBA and NHL seasons started. Despite this change, the arena continued to use United's previous tulip logo for the 2010–11 season and in the 2011 NHL and NBA playoffs. In the summer of 2011, all the previous United tulip signs were at last replaced with the globe logo to reflect the new identity of the combined airline in time for the 2011–12 NHL and NBA seasons and onwards, nearly a year after the merger and identity change had initially gone into effect by United themselves. Two new lit signs on the east and west ends of the arena saying "United Center" with the United globe in the middle were also revealed below the upper-level suites complementing the former "Madhouse" signs on the north and south sides.
In December 2013, it was announced that an agreement had been reached to keep United's naming rights for the arena for another 20 years. The United Center will see a series of updates and upgrades to the interior and exterior of the building. New signage, additional LED boards, and other elements have been added after reaching this agreement. LED screens have been installed on the north side of the arena along with a panoramic LED board on the 300 level, eliminating the "Welcome To The Madhouse" sign.
Anheuser-Busch has also established a sponsorship. They are partners with both the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks and have gained rights to signage inside the arena along with a pub.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}
PepsiCo and the United Center announced on July 12, 2023, a multi-year partnership to become the official soft drink of the United Center, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, replacing Coca-Cola.{{cite news |first=Larry |last=Hawley |publisher=WGN-TV |title=A beverage change is coming to the United Center |url=https://wgntv.com/sports/a-beverage-change-is-coming-to-blackhawks-bulls-games-at-the-united-center/sports/a-beverage-change-is-coming-to-blackhawks-bulls-games-at-the-united-center |date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=July 12, 2023}}
Seating capacity
{{col-begin}}{{col-break}}
| class="wikitable"
|+ Basketball |
| style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls}}"|Years
! style="{{NBA color cell|Chicago Bulls}}"|Capacity |
|---|
| style="{{NBA color cell2|Chicago Bulls}}"|1994–2009
| {{center|21,711}} |
| style="{{NBA color cell2|Chicago Bulls}}"|2009–present
| {{center|20,917}} |
| style="{{NBA color cell2|Chicago Bulls}}"|With standing room
| {{center|23,129}} |
{{col-break}}
| class="wikitable"
|+ Hockey |
| style="background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#CF0A2C 5px solid; border-bottom:#000000 5px solid;" | Years
! style="background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#CF0A2C 5px solid; border-bottom:#000000 5px solid;" | Capacity |
|---|
| style="text-align:center"|1994–2009
| {{center|20,500}} |
| style="text-align:center"|2009–present
| {{center|19,717}} |
| style="text-align:center"|With standing room
| {{center|22,428}} |
{{col-break}}
| class="wikitable"
|+ Concerts |
| style="background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#CF0A2C 5px solid; border-bottom:#000000 5px solid;" | Years
! style="background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#CF0A2C 5px solid; border-bottom:#000000 5px solid;" | Capacity |
|---|
| style="text-align:center"|1994–present
| {{center|23,500}} |
{{col-end}}
= Record attendance =
- Basketball: 24,544 (11 times during the 1996 NBA Playoffs and 1997 NBA Playoffs)
- Ice hockey: 22,712, December 26, 2008, vs. Philadelphia Flyers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/boxscores/200812260CHI.html |title=Philadelphia Flyers at Chicago Blackhawks Box Score – December 26, 2008}}
- Professional wrestling: 23,300, August 29, 1994, at SummerSlam (1994).{{cite web |title=SummerSlam 1994 |work=Pro Wrestling History |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/summer.html#94 |access-date=November 12, 2007 |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061913/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/summer.html#94 |url-status=live}}
Average attendances
{{row counter|
| class{{=}}"wikitable sortable"
!Tenants!!League season!!Home games!!Average attendance | |||
| Chicago Blackhawks | 2023-24 | 41 | 18,836https://www.hockeydb.com/nhl-attendance/att_graph_season.php?lid=NHL1927&sid=2024 |
| Chicago Bulls | 2023-24 | 41 | 20,624{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance/_/year/2024 | title=2023-2024 NBA Attendance - National Basketball Association - ESPN }} |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 2022-23 | 41 | 17,167https://www.hockeydb.com/nhl-attendance/att_graph_season.php?lid=NHL1927&sid=2023 |
| Chicago Bulls | 2022-23 | 41 | 20,527{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance/_/year/2023 | title=2022-2023 NBA Attendance - National Basketball Association - ESPN }} |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|United Center}}
- {{Official website|http://www.unitedcenter.com/}}
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{{Near West Side, Chicago}}
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Category:1994 establishments in Illinois
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Category:College basketball venues in the United States
Category:Gymnastics venues in Chicago
Category:Ice hockey venues in Chicago
Category:Mixed martial arts venues in Illinois
Category:Music venues in Chicago
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