Everything you need to know about visiting the United Center (1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612).
When the Bulls and the Blackhawks aren’t playing home games at the United Center, this sports arena hosts concerts headlined by some of music’s biggest superstars. You’ll find hordes of cheering fans no matter what event you attend in the cavernous venues, where the acoustics were designed to amplify the roar of the crowd. Whether you’re rocking a jersey or coming to see acts like U2, Kanye West or Madonna, a trip to the United Center is an epic way to cap off any evening.
Arrive hungry for local eats
While the stars on the court, rink or stage are the main attractions at the United Center, the refreshments are definitely a close second. Instead of serving generic hot dogs and nachos, the arena has partnered with local restaurants like Big Star, Leghorn Chicken and Lillie’s Q to provide dishes and drinks that handily outclass typical stadium fare.
Pay tribute to His Airness
If you’re making a trip to the United Center, you’ll probably want to snap a selfie with one of the most famous names the arena has ever hosted. A towering bronze statue of Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan (called “The Spirit”) resides in the venue’s the public atrium, which is typically open from 10am–6pm each day. Statues of Blackhawks players Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull can be found near Gate 3-1/2.
Our Chicago editorial team is constantly updating and reviewing the best attractions, activities and venues across the city, so that you're always in the know, with the best of Chicago at your fingertips. United Center was most recently updated with new tips on June 30, 2017.
Hans Zimmer’s bombastic, brass-heavy scores for the likes of The Dark Knight trilogy, Interstellar and, most recently, Denis Villeneuve's Dune saga, have not only reshaped the sound of modern cinema, they’ve also influenced pop. Need proof? Just check out how often hip-hop artists lift the blaring horns in Inception’s score. Here’s your chance to experience the German-American genius’s work firsthand, with a full orchestra in one of NYC’s most famous venues.
Charli XCX is the kind of artist that could only exist in today's increasingly fragmented world of streaming platforms, fluid genre classifications and poptimism. Listen to the bouyant club beats and catchy refrains of her latest album “Brat” and it's clear that this larger-than-life performer is a true pop star with the ability to fill arenas.
Tennessee country singer/rapper Jelly Roll rocks up at the United Center for the Chicago leg of his “Beautifully Broken” tour. Expect tracks from his latest, 7th studio album “Whitsitt Chapel”, as well as his bigger hitters, “Need a Favor” and “Son of a Sinner”.
A consummate pro, J.T. mixes Sinatra’s swagger and charisma with the airtight funk of Michael Jackson at his peak. Though the former NSYNC member’s last few albums haven’t quite lived up to the rest of his catalog, he’s still adept at making magic on stage night after night (especially when with an accompanying big band).
After the success of his Super Bowl halftime show, R&B smoothie Usher Raymond IV brings his loverman soul-pop show back to the masses for his “Past Present Future” world tour. Gird your loins for plenty of libidinous tracks from his hefty back catalog, which features hits such as “Yeah!”, “DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love” and “Love In This Club”.
Californian megastar Billie Eilish heads out on an epic, multi-continent-spanning tour to tout her new album “Hit Me Hard and Soft”. Glimpse her mix of magnetic and ethereal pop that's seen her bag nine Grammys, three Brit Awards, two Golden Globes and a couple of Oscars. Wowsers.
In a world of lies (and, these days, alternative facts), the only thing we can rely on is Shakira’s hips. Watch them shake with precision when she returns to Chicago with her first new music in seven years—and first Spanish-only record in almost two decades. “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” (“Women No Longer Cry”) is the Colombian superstar's 12th studio album and is just as accomplished as her back catalog.
The legendary, if somewhat cheesy, rock ’n' rollers bid farewell to fans after 50+ years of rocking out. The “Peace Out” tour sees them hit the road all over North America throughout the year and into 2025. So don your tightest pants and get your devil horns at the ready for a final hurrah with classics including “Walk this Way” and “Dude (Looks like a Lady)”. For the Chicago gig they'll be joined by The Black Crows, so even more bang for your buck.
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