United Center Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Chicago.
Last updated: 3/3/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Guests are able to enter the arena with a small purse or personal bag up to 10" x 6" x 2". Backpacks and other large bags are not allowed, with exceptions for medical and diaper bags. Bag check locker rentals are available at the Uber Zone entrance near Madison Street and Wood Street. |
|---|---|
| Doors open | Gates generally open 90 minutes prior to the events and games. For specific gate opening times for family shows or other events, guests should visit the show's event page. |
| Cashless? | The United Center is a fully cashless arena, accepting Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and credit/debit cards for all food, beverage, and merchandise purchases. |
| Rideshare zone | The designated Uber Zone for drop-offs and pickups is located at the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street (Lot E). Drop-offs are instructed to pull into the Uber Zone from the Madison Street side, and pickups are also facilitated within this zone. |
| Re-entry | Re-entry into the arena is prohibited during all events. Once guests leave the building, they cannot re-enter. |
| Transit | The United Center is accessible via multiple CTA bus routes, including #9 Ashland, #20 Madison, #50 Damen, and #126 Jackson. After events, the #19 United Center Express bus offers service to Union Station, downtown, and Michigan Avenue. For rail, the arena is two blocks south and one block east of the Damen stop on the Green Line, and two blocks south and three blocks west of the Ashland/Lake stop on the Green and Pink Lines. The Illinois Medical District stop on the CTA Blue Line is also a few blocks north. |
Parking
Official United Center parking lots open 2.5 hours prior to event time. It is recommended to purchase parking in advance via Ticketmaster at a discounted rate, as payment on-site is at an increased rate. EV charging stations are available for free in Lots H and K. No in/out privileges are permitted.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Strollers must be checked in at any of the Guest Relations booths, which are located at Gates 2 or 6, on the Lexus Club Level at section 221, or on the 300 Level across from section 325.
- Family perks: Family restrooms are available on the 100 Level (across from Section 115/116) and on the 300 Level (at the top of Section 303/304). The United Center is certified as a sensory-inclusive venue and features a Sensory Room at Gate 2 1/2. Sensory bags (including noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools) are available for checkout at Guest Relations booths. A Nursing Room is located near Sections 112/113, Gate 7. Children under 36 inches in height typically do not need a ticket for sporting events.
Culture layer
- Signature food: The United Center offers a variety of local and premium dining options, including Chicago-themed dishes such as Giordano's signature pizza topped with meatballs and giardiniera, prime rib sandwiches, gourmet avocado dip with chili crunch, craft beer selections, specialty cocktails, and a 24-ounce hockey stick beer.
- Local tradition: A notable fan tradition at the United Center is 'The Roar,' referring to the intense crowd noise during sports events, particularly hockey games, which is an acoustic characteristic intentionally preserved from the original Chicago Stadium.
Verified places nearby
Nearby institutions are still being verified for this venue.
Plan a SportCation in Chicago
Sources
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