United Center - Chicago Blackhawks

Photos by Marc Viquez, Dan Will, and Matt Brennan, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00

United Center 1901 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60612

Chicago Blackhawks Website

United Center Website

Year Opened: 1994

Capacity: 19,717

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Blackhawks Centennial Celebrations

The United Center is the home of the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL’s Original Six teams. The club began play in 1926 and is celebrating its centennial season in Chicago at the time of this writing. During this time, the Hawks have captured six Stanley Cups, several Hall of Fame players, and countless memories.

The United Center cost $175 million and features elements from the team's former home, Chicago Stadium. The biggest influence is the angled steel panels around the top level that reflect noise to the seating bowl to replicate “The Roard” from the old arena.  The Art-Deco signage and aesthetics evoke more memories from the old venue.

The building is the largest in the United States by square footage, with a capacity of 19,717 and room for approximately 3,000 additional standing-room spectators. The arena includes 167 executive suites, 34 club boxes, and five super suites. The rafters are filled with banners of past championship accomplishments, along with those of the Chicago Bulls, who jointly own the United Center with the Blackhawks.

Besides the six Stanley Cup banners, there are multiple retired Hawks legends, Bobby Hull, Denis Savard, Glen Hall, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito, to name a few. There are also statues of Hull and Mikita.

The United Center is now into its fourth decade of service as the home of the Blackhawks. How does it measure up with some of the rest in the league, in terms of game day atmosphere, comforts, food and beverage, and everything else?

Food & Beverage 5

The United Center has 27 concession areas and several upscale dining areas to enhance the game-day experience for fans. The arena offers a wide selection of food and beverage options on the main concourse. These range from regular stands to fancier sections with additional seating, and many have their own social areas. Chicago staples and favorites from around the country are available at the United Center.

The main concession stands are labeled Madison Street Eats, Chicago Sausage Shop, Chicago Dish, and Vienna Beef. Customers can order Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polishes, chicken tenders and fries, as well as crinkle-cut fries.

A few specialty areas include the Honey Butter Chicken stand, which sells chicken sandwiches, biscuits, and fries with pimento cheese. Lillie’s Q is home to pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches. This Little Goat Went to the Market fuses Mexican and Korean flavors. Short rib and Korean-style tacos are recommended. Legacy Burgers offers steak and plant-based burgers.

A few more Chicago specialties include Giordano’s, which offers thin- and deep-crust pizzas, and the Goose Island Pub, a stand-alone bar that serves turkey, corned beef, and roast beef sandwiches. Many stands also feature Garrett’s Chicago Mix (cheddar and caramel popcorn) to conclude the city’s culinary tour.

A few upscale areas on the main concourse include three interesting places to enjoy a drink and socialize with friends. Queenie’s Supperclub draws inspiration from nearby Wisconsin's popular eateries and offers a modern interpretation of a classic Midwestern eatery. Rocky’s Club is named after the former Hawks owner and offers a throwback aesthetic for a timeless cocktail with friends. The FanDuel Lounge is a two-story space that offers state-of-the-art viewing, ensuring no fan misses out on the action.

The Blackhawks introduced a Centennial lineup for the 2025-2026 season. The highlights included the loaded fries with jalapeno cheese sauce, bacon, tomato, sour cream, and chopped scallions; the steakhouse ribeye sandwich topped with bacon, bleu cheese dressing, and chives; and the Banner Years Hot Dog that features cheddar jalapeno whipped cream cheese, bacon, and chopped scallion. There is also a thin-crust pizza with meatballs, banana peppers, giardiniera, and black olives.

Atmosphere 4

Attending a Chicago Blackhawks game feels less like going to a sporting event and more like stepping into a long-standing NHL tradition. From the moment you approach the United Center, there’s an unmistakable buzz in the air. Fans dressed in red, black, and white fill the surrounding streets, moving with a shared sense of anticipation towards the arena’s entrances.

Once inside, the atmosphere is evident to all five senses. The building is loud, energetic, and unapologetically proud of its hockey heritage. Long before the game begins, the concourses are alive with activity—fans grabbing classic arena food, browsing merchandise, and debating line combinations like seasoned analysts. Even if you’re new to hockey, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement.

Then comes the moment every first-time visitor remembers: the national anthem. As the lights dim and the singer begins, the crowd erupts, cheering loudly from the first note to the last. It’s not disrespect—it’s tradition. The roar builds, echoing through the arena and sending chills down your spine. By the time the puck drops, you already feel like part of something bigger.

During the game, the Blackhawks crowd is engaged on every shift. Big hits are met with thunderous approval, scoring chances bring fans to their feet, and goals trigger an explosion of sound and movement. Even during stoppages, the energy never fully fades, with music, video features, and fan interactions keeping the building alive.

What makes a Blackhawks game especially memorable for travelers is the balance between intensity and hospitality. Longtime fans are passionate but welcoming, happy to explain a chant, a rule, or a bit of team history to newcomers. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or attending your first-ever NHL game, you’ll feel included.

By the time the final horn sounds, you’ll understand why hockey holds such a special place in Chicago. Attending a Blackhawks game isn’t just about watching a team play—it’s about experiencing the city’s spirit, pride, and love for the game, all packed into one unforgettable night at the United Center.

Neighborhood 3

When there is an event at the United Center, the surrounding neighborhood is buzzing with fans heading to the game and grabbing a bite to eat and drink before a Bulls game. The West End of Chicago does have a reputation, but just like the South Side, where the Sox play, the neighborhood is fine during hockey and basketball games.

Hawkeye’s is known for its homemade chili and hamburger specials. There is also an array of wines, spirits, and beers. On warmer days, the sidewalk patio makes for a nice choice before a game. Park Tavern serves draft specials before every game, a huge savings off the price of beer at the arena, and The Kaiser Tiger and WestEnd offer incredible food, chef-driven dishes, and plenty of flat-screen TVs. The Kaiser Tiger offers free shuttle service to Blackhawks and Bulls games.

If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a few blocks away and is known for its “cheezborgers,” made popular from Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories.

The neighborhood is in the beginning phases of a transformation called Project 1901 that will transform the surrounding parking lots into a new mixed-use neighborhood that will connect it to the rest of the city and its people. The $7 billion private investment will include a 6,000-seat music hall, a hotel, retail space, housing, an elevated community park, and plenty of green space all around the United Center.

Fans 5

Blackhawks fans are among the most passionate and loyal in the NHL. Despite the lack of success on the ice the past decade, the arena sells close to 100% capacity. The fanbase even travels well throughout the Midwest.

Access  4

CTA buses, including the #20 Madison and #19 United Center Express, offer direct public transportation. After the game, a fleet of #20 buses returns to the Loop, connecting with CTA trains and Ogilvie Metra rail for easy suburban access.

For north-south travel, use the #9 Ashland or #50 Damen buses. The Ashland/Lake station (Green/Pink Lines) is also within walking distance of CTA train connections.

Once inside, the seating areas are divided evenly to make for easy access to all sections of the seating area. The upper and lower concourses are somewhat narrow in certain parts but large enough to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Neighborhood 3

When there is an event at the United Center, the surrounding neighborhood is buzzing with fans heading to the game and grabbing a bite to eat and drink before a Hawks game. The West End of Chicago does have a reputation, but just like the South Side, where the Sox play, the neighborhood is fine during hockey and basketball games.

Hawkeye’s is known for its homemade chili and $1.50 hamburger specials. There is also an array of wines, spirits, and beers. On warmer days, the sidewalk patio makes for a nice choice before a game. Park Tavern serves $3 drafts before every Bulls game, a savings of 70% off the price of beer at the arena, and The Ogden and WestEnd offer incredible food, chef-driven dishes, and plenty of flat screen TV’s.

If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a few blocks away and is known for its “cheezborgers”, made popular by Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories.

Return on Investment 4

Ticket prices for Hawks games are among the highest in the NHL; however, it can be like playing the stock market, at least on the secondary market. The further out you plan for the game, the more likely you are to find an affordable price.

The cheapest ticket as of this writing is $50 for a Wednesday night game against the New York Rangers; however, that price more than doubles when the Detroit Red Wings come to town on Saturday night. It depends on the night, the opposing club, or if there is a special promotion at the game. The website TickPick offers prices without additional fees.

The cost of concessions is along the lines of other venues in the league. An Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dog, or Polish sausage costs between $8.75 and $9.50. They are among the cheapest items in the building, which also include top-end concessions from local eateries. The price of a draft beer tends to be on the higher side. A domestic draft is $16.50, and a premium draft is $18. However, we are in an era where you plan your dining options before the game if you want to save money.

Extras 4

The Blackhawks goal song, “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis, has been a welcome sight after every goal since the 2008-2009 season. It is also played after every home victory and can be found at other hockey arenas, including Hawks ECHL Indy Fuel games.

The United Center features a unique look compared to buildings of its era. The narrow concourse offers Art-Deco signs and other wordmarks that harken back to the 1930s era Chicago.

A favorite stop for both Blackhawks fans and visitors is the Madhouse Store, a 10,000-square-foot retail space co-branded with Bulls and Blackhawks merchandise. The store features interactive technology that lets fans customize their own jerseys or hats and is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The fans have a tradition to cheer throughout The Star Bangle Banner. It began before Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in 1985 when the fans erupted in a loud, sustained cheer that lasted the entire song in an effort to create a hostile environment and rally their team against the heavily-favored Edmonton Oilers. Forty-plus years later, it has become a signature part of the Blackhawks home game experience.

Final Thoughts

The United Center furnishes an excellent setting to experience NHL hockey, highlighted by a passionate and knowledgeable fanbase. With multiple areas dedicated to entertainment, food, and drinks, the arena offers an abundance to enjoy beyond the action on the ice. While there are many places to watch a hockey game, doing so in Chicago delivers a distinctly different—and memorable—experience.

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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com