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United Center, Chicago, IL

Photo: Alacoolwiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicFamily Favorite

United Center

1901 W Madison St · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

The United Center opened in 1994 on Chicago's Near West Side as the home of the NBA's Chicago Bulls and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, and it hosts concerts too. For Bulls games, the hardwood court is laid over the Blackhawks' ice. In the atrium added in 2017 stands The Spirit, a 12-foot bronze of Michael Jordan in midflight on a black granite base. The atrium is open daily, so you can see the statue without an event ticket.

  • #chicago bulls
  • #chicago blackhawks
  • #arena
  • #michael jordan statue
  • #concert venue

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to United Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Museum of Broadcast Communications

    Free

    A Chicago museum devoted to the history of American radio and television broadcasting.

    1.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Skydeck Chicago

    $25–$50

    Observation deck atop Willis Tower with glass Ledge boxes and panoramic views over four states.

    2.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

    $25–$50

    Step onto The Ledge, a glass box 1,353 feet up, for knee-wobbling views over four states.

    2.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Chicago

    Free

    Illinois' lakefront metropolis, home to world-class museums, architecture, and neighborhoods along Lake Michigan.

    2.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Chicago Riverwalk

    Free

    A 1.25-mile waterfront promenade of patios, wine bars, and skyline views along the Chicago River.

    2.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Free

    Chicago Cultural Center

    Free

    You look up at a Tiffany stained-glass dome and catch free art shows, concerts and tours in the Loop's 1897 People's Palace.

    2.5 mi awayMore like this