Chicago · United Center

United Center guide

The United Center FAQ is the arena rule for bags and food. A personal bag may be no larger than 10 by 6 by 2 inches, and outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Bulls and Blackhawks games in this week’s file are at this arena. The FAQ says additional restrictions may be required on certain event days.

Bag policy

The FAQ says guests may enter with a small purse or personal bag up to 10 by 6 by 2 inches. Backpacks and other bags are not allowed. An exception is made for required medical equipment.

Medical bags larger than that limit must be at least two-thirds filled with medical supplies, and they are searched. Binbox lockers at the Uber Zone, Madison Street and Wood Street, are the only approved bag storage the FAQ names.

United Center FAQ

Outside food and drink

The FAQ says outside food or beverages are not permitted, and the prohibited list includes outside food or beverage of any kind, alcoholic beverages included. Bottles and cans are also prohibited.

United Center FAQ

Cheapest seating

The Bulls’ seating page lists the 100 level, the 200 level, and the 300 level. It does not label one of them as the cheapest.

The Blackhawks’ seating chart splits the 300 level into price tiers. The chart does not state a dollar price, so this page does not name a cheapest section.

Bulls seating diagramBlackhawks seating chart

Getting there by CTA

The FAQ lists the arena at 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612. There is no Metra station at the door.

CTA says the arena is two blocks south and one block east of the Green Line Damen stop, and two blocks south and three blocks west of the Green and Pink Line Ashland/Lake stop. The Blue Line Illinois Medical District stop is a few blocks south; use the Damen exit and walk north.

Bus #19 is the United Center Express. Buses #20 Madison, #9 Ashland, #50 Damen, and #126 Jackson also stop nearby.

CTA sports directionsCTA #19 United Center ExpressUnited Center FAQ

Parking

The FAQ says official lots are reached from Damen Avenue, Madison Street, Adams Street, Warren Boulevard, Wood Street, Monroe Street, and Washington Street. The Uber Zone is at Madison and Wood, in Lot E.

The parking page has the 2026–27 construction note from the Blackhawks: which lots are coupon-only, and which still take drive-up.

Parking notes for this venue

United Center FAQUnited Center parking notes

Nearby bars

The West Loop page covers rooms that publish a United Center shuttle or sit near the arena, and it says which ones are actually in the West Loop.

Ticket guides

Other venues

FAQ

What size bag can I bring into the United Center?

The FAQ says a small purse or personal bag up to 10 by 6 by 2 inches. Backpacks are not allowed. Medical equipment is the stated exception.

Can I bring food or a water bottle?

No. The FAQ says outside food or beverages are not permitted, including alcohol. Bottles and cans are on the prohibited list.

Which seat is the cheap seat?

Neither the Bulls seating page nor the Blackhawks seating chart names a dollar cheapest section. The Bulls page lists three levels. The Blackhawks chart tiers the 300 level without a price.