Chicago Blackhawks Arena

The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago and part of the NHL's "Original Six." Established in 1926 by Frederic McLaughlin, the Blackhawks were built from the roster of the defunct Portland Rosebuds. The team have won six Stanley Cup championships, with notable victories in 1934, 1938, and 1961, and their golden era in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

The Blackhawks enjoyed success during the 1960s with stars like Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito. However, struggles in the late 20th century were followed by a resurgence under new management, with young talents like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane leading the team to three Stanley Cup wins in six years.

What is the name of the Chicago Blackhawks Arena?

According to the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks play at the United Center, located at 1901 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois. Opened on August 18, 1994, it is the largest arena in the United States and is also home to the Chicago Bulls.

The United Center hosts over 200 events annually, including concerts, sports tournaments, and shows like Disney on Ice. It was built through a partnership between Blackhawks owner William Wirtz and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and has welcomed over 40 million guests since its opening.

Chicago Blackhawks Arena History/Chicago Blackhawks Arena Construction and Cost

The United Center, opened in 1994, replaced the historic Chicago Stadium across the street. The arena is owned by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, who also own the teams that play there, the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. The first event at the United Center was the WWF SummerSlam, and it has since hosted numerous sporting events, concerts, and notable events like the 1996 and 2024 Democratic National Conventions. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it also served as a municipal emergency hub.

The arena's construction cost $175 million and was designed to amplify sound, replicating the famous "Roar" of Chicago Stadium. Acoustic features, including angled steel panels, were incorporated to enhance noise levels. The building is 140 feet tall and uses 3,500 tons of steel. Initially, the arena had 216 luxury suites, but after renovations in 2009–10, this number was reduced to 169. The exterior was originally planned to be limestone and granite but was instead made with precast concrete to lower costs.

Where is the United Center?

The United Center is located at 1901 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, in the United States.

Chicago Blackhawks Arena Capacity

The United Center, home of the Chicago Blackhawks, held 20,500 seats from 1994 to 2009 and now accommodates 19,717, with standing room increasing capacity to 22,428 for hockey games. For basketball, the capacity was 21,711 until 2009, after which it was adjusted to 20,917, with standing room allowing up to 23,129. For concerts, the arena can hold up to 23,500 people.

Chicago Blackhawks Arena Seating Chart

According to the NHL, the seating chart at the United Center is divided into several sections across three main tiers. Each section has a unique set of rows and some sections offer standing room or access to premium seating options.

The 100-Level, also known as the lower bowl, consists of various tiers, from Tier 1 with Glass seats in Row 1, to higher tiers such as Tier 10 with Rows 12-19. These sections are numbered 101 through 122.

The 200-Level, known as the Lexus Club level, includes several tiers, ranging from Tier 1 (with seats in Rows 1 of sections 201, 217, 218, and 234) to higher tiers like Tier 9 in Rows 2-8 of sections 207-211.

The 300-Level, or upper bowl, spans multiple tiers as well, from Tier 1 (Row 1 in sections 301-303) to Tier 11 (Rows 15-17 in sections 321-331).

What is the parking cost at Chicago Blackhawks Arena?

According to SpotHero, parking at the United Center, home of the Chicago Blackhawks, typically costs around $24 for a regular-season game or special event at official lots. Public parking lots nearby generally range from $15 to $20, with some specific lots offering rates like $20 at the 2000 W Madison St. Lot or the 105 S Wood St. Lot. Event parking may cost between $20 and $30, and overnight parking is available for $12 to $20.

Chicago Blackhawks Arena Notable Events

The United Center, home of the Chicago Blackhawks, has hosted several notable events, including the 1996, 1997, and 1998 NBA Finals, where the Chicago Bulls won two championships. It has also been the venue for the Stanley Cup Finals three times, with the Blackhawks clinching titles in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Other major events include the 2020 NBA All-Star Game and the NCAA Division I Frozen Four in 2017.

In addition to sports, the United Center has been a key venue for concerts by artists such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and U2. It has also hosted family events like Disney on Ice, political events including the 1996 Democratic National Convention, and television tapings like Oprah's Farewell Season special in 2011.