United Center Sports Fan Tips

United Center is a venue in or near Chicago that is most often used for Basketball

Things to check out around United Center?

Just nine minutes down the road fans can head over to Greektown before or after the game. The neighborhood is filled with museums, exhibits, and restaurants to help entertain Chicago visitors or residents. The neighborhood also has an annual parade and film festival if you're lucky you can catch one of these great events!

Artifacts to look for at United Center?

All six NBA trophies are in the building! The championships are sitting in a case waiting for people to take pictures next to them. Remember Michael Jordan holding one crying, well those same gold Larry O'Brien trophies are in the UC. Before you leave the venue for the night you have to stop by and check them out in person. The case has three on the left side and three on the right side and is separated by a large Bulls logo in the middle.

Safety at United Center?

Entering the game at the Madhouse on Madison can be pretty hard core: a quick pat down, searching of purses the whole works. The event staff is great though, if you have any questions on where any of the statues are located they know the arena like the back of their hands. If you have nosebleed seats and want a shot of you and your date a little closer to the court, the staff will be happy to let you enter the 100 or 200 level just to snap a picture and will even turn the flash on a click the button for you.The UC does have a big issue with re-entering games so make sure to bring all important belongings into the game with you, because you won't be able to go back in if you leave! Overall solid security at the games, they do a really good job making sure everything runs safely and smoothly each and every contest.

Getting to United Center?

Driving is the best way to get to the game. With the amount of parking lots that are around, finding a spot shouldn't be a problem at all, taking a bus or taxi has its tardiness risks. Sure you have to deal with tons of traffic but if you live in Chicago you should be used to that anyway.

Best and worst seats at United Center?

The 200 level tickets are the best overall. For just $75-$110 you can enjoy the excitement of the United Center in fantastic fashion. Vendors and UC employees walk around to go and get food or drink orders for any fans that ask saving you from getting up.Worst seats have to be the 300 section, which is also known as the "nosebleeds”. Depending on who the opponent is of course, tickets can range from $25-$50. The seats are so far away that you can barely see what's going on at times. It can still be a wonderful experience though.

Parking at United Center?

The nearby lots that are open for United Center events are popular. Prices range from $20-$26 dollars. The hosts of the lots are great, they will even direct you to the closet open spot, can't beat that. The lots are legit, and I haven't had any issues using them.

Best bars after the game at United Center?

I'm a big time fan of music that will make you dance. If you are looking to dance to good hip-hop or R&B music after a nice Blackhawks or Bulls win Koncrete Nightclub on 1675 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 would be a great after party for sports fans. Just three miles, or ten minutes away you really can't beat it.With a decent sized venue and great tasting drinks Koncrete Chicago can make your night even better. On weekends the club will have two DJ's rocking the house one on the "main” stage and one around back. The space in this place is unbelievable. They also have photographers snapping photos all night and for $25 you can get it printed out and handed to you right on the spot, all you have to do is ask. With drinks ranging from $6-$15 having beverages can be sort of pricey, but they do a good job mixing them so you get a great tasting drink. Taxi's constantly run up and down the street, so if you need a ride home, just walk outside.

Dealing with scalpers at United Center?

I can say standing outside and trying to scalp on a cold winter day in the Windy City may not be an easy task. I've actually looked at the tickets that scalpers are trying to resale and it's the correct game with a reasonable price tag connected to it. If fans are looking for last minute tickets outside of the United Center you will see scalpers ready to serve. If you are in need of their services go ahead and use them at your own risk, you may get yourself a deal!

Traffic around United Center?

Despite crossing guards at the corner of many of the blocks surrounding the United Center, traffic can get pretty hectic after the game. Not only can it be a long walk out to your car, but the line to exit the parking lot, or get to your destination can be pretty long. The only way to get around this is leaving the game early, but that would not be acceptable regardless of the score, always stay and support your team! You stayed and watched a three hour game, what's an extra 20 minutes of traffic?

Stores to hit up at United Center?

Authentic is the way to go, if you're looking for official athletic gear the Blackhawks/Bulls store can become your best friend. Another positive is it is located right next to the Bulls trophy case so you can hit two birds with one stone within a close timeframe.

What to expect from the United Center crowd?

I've been to both Solider Field and the United Center and I've had absolutely NO issues with the home crowd. The UC gets packed and full of excited fans, and with the relatively young core still at the helm of the Bulls I don't see that excitement that the Madhouse on Madison offers declining in anyway. Fans are great and courteous, great combination to have at a venue as large as the United Center.

Best pre-game bars at United Center?

Park Tavern on Jackson Street is the place for Bulls and Blackhawks fans on game day. There is free shuttle bus rides from here to all UC events, if you're worried about parking at the bar don't be as there is a free lot behind the building.

Best food and drink at United Center?

Quick stop options in the United Center include Budweiser Select Brew Pub and Carvery (Section 108), Bar One (Section 111), Sweet Baby Ray's Smokehouse & BBQ (Section 119) and Iron Works Bar and Grill (Section 309). Menu options are Gluten Free: Hot Dogs, Nachos, Nacho Grande, Candy, Popcorn. Grill: Cheeseburger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Eisenberg Brat, Polish, Housemade Veggie Burger. Mexican: Tinga Chicken and Steak Tacos, Nacho Grande and Quesadillas, Churros. Steakhouse: Ribeye Steak Sandwich, Angus Steak Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Ahi Tuna Burger. Sweet Treats: Gourmet Pretzels, Desserts, Hard Scoop Ice Cream. Italian: DiGiorno Pizza, ½ lb Meatball Sandwich, Italian Beef Sandwich, Italian Sausage Sandwich. Smart Zone: Deli Sandwiches, Salads, Fresh Popcorn, Gourmet Pretzels. Sideline: Hot Dogs, Nachos, Pretzels, Popcorn

Best giveaways at United Center?

The freebies are abundant and range from a glow wand, Luvabulls poster , practice jerseys and of course bobble heads! The staff does a great job breaking up the promotional nights and if you get to the venue early enough you can get your hands on one of these great prizes!

Best insider tip for United Center?