Chicago Blackhawks
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
Address
1901 West Madison Street
Source statement; not independently verified.
City
Chicago
Source statement; not independently verified.
State
IL
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
United Center
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
60612
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
More distant surface lots and nearby private/residential lots booked via SpotHero/ParkWhiz; CTA transit is the cheapest overall
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://www.unitedcenter.com/venue/directions-parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessible parking
Lot G South at Damen Ave. and Monroe St. (southwest corner) with ~100 ADA spaces, first-come, first-served
Source statement; not independently verified.
Hours
Lots generally open about 2 hours before events; pre-game and post-game access tied to event times
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overnight
Not permitted — lots are event-only
Source statement; not independently verified.
Payment
Cashless/credit and prepaid online (United Center is a cashless arena); reservable via SpotHero/ParkWhiz
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — prepaid passes online (official site, SpotHero, ParkWhiz, SeatGeek) save roughly 10-20% vs. drive-up
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prices
Roughly $15-$40; advance/prepaid around $24, drive-up at Lots C/K around $27-$29
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Multiple official parking lots (Lots A, B, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L) surround the United Center with over 5,000 spaces. Pre-paid parking is strongly recommended and available through the Blackhawks app. Event rates range from $25-$45. Tailgating is not permitted. ADA parking available in Lot A near the main entrance.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
CTA #19 United Center Express bus on game days; Green/Pink Line to Ashland or Damen stations
Source statement; not independently verified.
Traffic
Madison St. and the Damen Ave. corridor near the arena, plus I-290 (Eisenhower) ramps, are heavily congested pre/post-event
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
11 lots (A, B, C, D, F, H, J, K plus garages) for general fans; Lot E is the rideshare lot; Lot G South is ADA parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
Airport connection
CTA Blue Line connects O'Hare to the Loop; transfer toward the Medical District/arena. Midway via CTA Orange Line to Loop then transfer
Source statement; not independently verified.
App
CTA Ventra app and CTA Bus/Train Tracker
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
CTA #19 United Center Express on game days, or Green/Pink Line to Ashland
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
CTA #19 United Center Express (game days); #20 Madison also serves Madison St
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fare
CTA Ventra card/app or contactless; ~$2.50 bus / ~$2.50 rail
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
N/A — indoor arena, no water access
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
Ashland station (CTA Green & Pink Lines), about a 15-minute walk; Damen Green Line station (opened 2024) is also nearby
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
CTA Blue Line: Illinois Medical District station is a 10-minute walk from the arena. CTA Green/Pink Lines: Ashland station is approximately 0.5 miles away. CTA bus #20 Madison runs directly past the arena. CTA bus #19 United Center Express operates on game days from Michigan Avenue. CTA fare: $2.50.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
CTA Green Line and Pink Line (Ashland/Damen); CTA Blue Line at Illinois Medical District
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
A new Pink Line "Madison" station east of the arena is being explored as part of the 1901 Project redevelopment
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
~15 min from Ashland; shorter from Damen Green Line
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Accessibility
All CTA buses are 100% accessible with ramps and securement areas
Source statement; not independently verified.
Cost
Standard CTA bus fare ($2.50, Ventra)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
At the United Center on Madison St
Source statement; not independently verified.
Frequency
Frequent event-day service before and after games
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notes
No official United Center-branded shuttle; transit via CTA is the primary alternative to driving
Source statement; not independently verified.
Operator
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Pickup
#19 runs along Madison St. between downtown (near Michigan/Randolph at Millennium Park) and the United Center
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Many bars and restaurants in the West Loop and West Town neighborhoods offer free shuttle services to and from the United Center on game days. The Chicago Bulls/Blackhawks official app has shuttle partner listings.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Routes
N/A — no dedicated team-run shuttle; CTA #19 United Center Express serves as the de facto game-day shuttle
Source statement; not independently verified.
Schedule
CTA #19 runs before and after Bulls/Blackhawks games and select events
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bicycles
Overnight
N/A — event-only bike corrals; Divvy docks operate 24/7
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Divvy bike-share stations located near the United Center at Madison & Wood Streets and throughout the Illinois Medical District. Bike racks available near Gates 2 and 3.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rack locations
Bike racks/corrals near the Madison St. entrance; extra corrals added during Bulls/Blackhawks seasons
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share cost
Standard Divvy single-ride/day-pass or membership pricing
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share distance
Directly across Madison St. from the United Center entrance
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share provider
Divvy (Lyft-operated Chicago bike share)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share station
Yes — Divvy station across from the main entrance on Madison St.; additional station at the Damen Green Line stop
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Use the Divvy app to check dock availability, as nearby stations fill quickly on event days
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
Lot G South at Damen Ave. and Monroe St. (~100 designated spaces, first-come, first-served)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Assistive listening
Free personal headsets at Guest Relations booths; sign-language interpreters free with 1-2 weeks notice
Source statement; not independently verified.
Contact
Guest Relations (312) 455-4509
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The arena was designed to amplify crowd noise ("The Roar") via angled steel panels recreating the old Chicago Stadium's acoustics
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
United Center is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every level. Accessible parking in Lot A. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits at Guest Relations. Service animals welcome.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
Accessible stalls in men's/women's restrooms plus single-stall accessible restrooms including on the top floor
Source statement; not independently verified.
Sensory
KultureCity-certified sensory inclusive venue; Sensory Room at Gate 2 1/2; sensory bags at Guest Relations (Gates 2 and 6, Section 221, Section 325)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Service animals
Service animals are permitted (confirm specifics with Guest Relations)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Wheelchair seating
Wheelchair-accessible and companion seating available throughout multiple levels
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Cashless
Yes — fully cashless for food, beverage, and merchandise
Source statement; not independently verified.
Craft beer
Local and craft beer available at concourse bars and panoramic 300-level bars
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The Bulls' hardwood floor is laid like a puzzle directly over the Blackhawks' ice and disassembled between events
Source statement; not independently verified.
Local
Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Lillie's Q, Little Goat Taqueria, and other Chicago-area partners
Source statement; not independently verified.
Mobile ordering
Yes — mobile ordering and contactless purchases supported (Shift4 payments partner)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Banner Level Plus food/beverage offerings; FanDuel Sportsbook lounge off the atrium
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
SpotHero, ParkWhiz (parking, not concessions)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
United Center features an extensive premium food program by Levy Restaurants with Chicago classics including deep-dish pizza, Italian beef, Big City Chicken, Giordano's Pizza, and Goose Island Beer Co. The Blackhawks Store is on the 100 level concourse.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Signature food
Chicago classics like hot dogs and Italian beef; signature items include Honey Butter Fried Chicken (OG Sandwich, Buffalo Ranch Fries), Lillie's Q loaded brisket fries, and Little Goat Taqueria Yucatan pork tacos
Source statement; not independently verified.
Vegetarian
Yes — plant-based items including Field Roast/Greenleaf Foods offerings
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
Populous (then HOK Sport), with W. E. Simpson Company and Marmon Mok
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
$175 million (about $380 million in 2025 dollars)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Blackhawks won the 2015 Stanley Cup at home; hosted 2010/2013/2015 Stanley Cup Finals; 1996 & 2024 DNC; Jordan-era Bulls titles
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Replaced "the Madhouse on Madison" (Chicago Stadium) across the street; statues of Michael Jordan, Bobby Hull, and Stan Mikita stand at the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
~21,500 with 216 luxury sky-boxes and 3,000 club seats at opening
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
United Center (named for United Airlines from the outset)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Opened August 18, 1994, replacing the Chicago Stadium. The Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups here (2010, 2013, 2015). Known for the iconic anthem tradition with Jim Cornelison. The arena features statues of Blackhawks legends Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita outside.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Records
Record attendance 22,819 on Feb. 15, 1997 (Blackhawks vs. NY Rangers)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Renovations
300-level concourse (2009-10), exterior (2014), atrium addition (2017), Mitsubishi Electric scoreboard (2019); FanDuel lounge (2023)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Retired numbers
Blackhawks retired numbers — Glenn Hall (1), Pierre Pilote & Keith Magnuson (3), Bobby Hull (9), Denis Savard (18), Stan Mikita (21), Chris Chelios (7), Tony Esposito (35), Marian Hossa (81)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Climate
Fully enclosed climate-controlled indoor arena; building stands ~140 ft tall over 960,000 sq ft
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Three primary seating levels (100/club/300) with suite levels
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
169 executive suites across three levels (down from 216 originally); plus club seats, theater boxes, and lounges
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Hockey seating capacity: 19,717 (largest NHL arena). Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. The arena features an iconic exterior design and premium seating throughout multiple levels.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Scoreboard
Mitsubishi Electric center-hung (2019), ~8,600 sq ft display, 4mm pixel pitch, six moving panels and inner ring — largest in any dual NHL/NBA arena at install
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
Chicago Bulls (NBA); occasional Chicago Sky (WNBA) games; concerts and events
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
Standard NHL rink 200 ft x 85 ft
Source statement; not independently verified.