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Home » NBA » United Center

United Center - Chicago Bulls Arena Guide

By Basketball Tripper Last Updated: April 10, 2021

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The United Center is located on the west side of Chicago, Illinois, United States, and is home to the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. It is named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines, a major American airline headquartered in Chicago’s Willis Tower.

Arena Guide by Basketball Tripper

The United Center was built as a replacement facility to the original Chicago Stadium; the arena didn’t officially break ground until April of 1992 and wasn’t finished until August of 1994. With a capacity of roughly 21,000, the United Center has the largest capacity in the NBA and the NHL.

Both the Bulls and Blackhawks own and operate United Center, with an even split in the partnership. The arena is the largest indoor arena in the United States by square footage. The capacity is 19,717 for hockey, 20,917 for basketball, and up to 23,500 for concerts. Attendance consistently exceeds the capacity for NBA and NHL games.

The building is 140 feet tall, built using concrete and 3,500 tons of steel, and cost $175 million to build. While both teams had planned for a new arena for quite some time before they finally built the United Center, the inflated real estate market and the early 1990s recession delayed the construction until financing was secured with funding by banks from Japan, Australia, and France.

Before the 2009–10 season, the arena underwent a renovation that improved the 300-Level concourse with 144 flat-screen televisions, new food and beverage options, and two new bars that open up to panoramic views of the arena. During the 2010 off-season, two other bars with panoramic views of the arena were added to make four total. Finally, in 2015 a new court was added that featured a 75% increase in size to the center logo, lines on the court changed from red and white to all black, and the four stars from the City of Chicago flag were added to the south apron of the court.

Interior view of United Center

Below is a seating plan of Chicago Bulls's United Center:

Matchday Experience

Best bars near ground.

Several popular bars are located within walking distance to the arena, with a few of the favorites being Billy Goat’s Tavern, The Ogden, Hawkeye’s Bar and Grill, and the official bar of the Blackhawks in the Park Tavern. Since the United Center sponsors them, the bar offers free rides to and from the arena, and they offer great specials like $2 Taco Tuesdays and Buckets & Sliders every Monday. The food is not something you would typically find in a city bar but is a great spot to hit up before tip-off.

Food - Places to Eat

While several of the bars and pubs in the area offer several food options, a few other food options are a favorite of the locals and are right around the arena that you can stop at before tip-off. Some of the local favorites include Queenie’s Supper Club, Palace Grill, Billy Goat Tavern, and The Ogden. Since Chicago is a very popular sports city, there are several spots near the united center that are sports-themed and will be great places to catch a bite to eat before the game or even watch the game while you eat.

Chicago Bulls Team Store

The United Center offers daily tours on select non-event dates. On the tour, you will be able to walk through the same halls of some of sports and entertainment’s most famous figures, visit the Blackhawks and Bulls locker rooms, the Blackhawks organ loft, the Michael Jordan statue, and more. You can pick up tickets online or at the box office. Pricing for the tour goes as follows: Standard Ticket $20.00, Seniors (60+) $18.00, Children (3-13) $15.00, and Military $18.00. You can read more stadium tours here .

Chicago Bulls Tickets

Typically, Bulls tickets vary on who they are playing on the given night, but tickets can be found for as low as $24, with an average price of $113

Courtside seats will cost around $1,500 to $2,200 but are scheduled to go up to $100 apiece per game. The arena added a VIP club that will feature all-inclusive food and beverages.

Suites for a Chicago Bulls game will typically cost from $3,000 – $10,000. The price will vary for each game depending on the opponent, size of the suite, and location in the arena.

Visiting the Arena - Travel

Stadium map.

Since the United Center is located on the west side of Chicago, there are several travel options you can choose from. The most popular transportation methods would include the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), which operates Chicago’s eight ‘L’ train lines and 129 bus routes, various forms of car services, and thousands of parking spots if you chose to bring your vehicle.

The address for United Center is as follows: • 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612

While traffic during game nights will drive larger crowds than usual down to Chicago, you should be prepared for heavy traffic as you are in a very populated city that sees heavy traffic daily. If you are coming from surrounding suburbs, you will most likely be coming into the city on a major highway then transitioning into city street driving.

While there are several public and paid parking options on any given game night, the lots that the United Center sponsors are lots H, C, and K. These lots will cost anywhere from $20-$40 depending on the proximity to the arena and if you order online beforehand you can receive a few dollars off.

Chicago offers the nation’s second-largest public transportation system with the CTA, which operates Chicago’s eight ‘L’ train lines and 129 bus routes. These railways connect the city through above-ground, street-level, and subway trains and serve 145 rail stations all over town. With two lines that operate 24/7 and several bus routes, finding reliable public transportation will be a breeze.

If you are coming from out of state and flying, you will most likely fly into O’Hare International Airport. The drive from the airport to the arena is17 miles and will roughly take 30-1.5 hours minutes to reach the arena, given the traffic. The most popular transportation methods to the United Center are by subway ($2-$5), bus, taxi ($40-$60), or car.

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United Center visitor guide: everything you need to know

Chicago has no shortage of iconic sports stadiums. Soldier Field is one of the most storied and historic stadiums in professional football, and Wrigley Field might be the most famous ballpark in the world. But none of these can claim to have been the place where Michael Jordan changed the sports world forever. Home of the Chicago Bulls , The United Center is the primary indoor sports facility in the city. Its iconic Michael Jordan statue and dozens of championship banners make it a premier sports arena. 

While it was built in the 1990s, the United Center’s amenities and facilities have been kept up and maintained nicely, as it’s still one of the best arenas in the country to see a show or game. In recent years, the United Center has become one of hockey’s temples. Deemed the “Madhouse on Madison,” Chicago Blackhawks fans were treated to a three-time Stanley Cup-winning dynasty that solidified the franchise as one of hockey’s most important organizations. 

Sports are hardly the only thing to see at the United Center. Concerts are held throughout the year, with everyone from Radiohead to Harry Styles performing. Comedy shows, the circus, and other events like Michelle Obama and Oprah’s famous panel have been held here. 

There are plenty of reasons to check out what’s on at the United Center when you’re visiting Chicago. If you happen to have your luggage on you before the show, you’ll want to find a secure place to store your belongings before heading in. Chicago’s most reliable luggage storage in Chicago is Bounce, which has dozens of convenient locations throughout the city, including the trendy neighborhoods surrounding the United Center. 

United Center bag policy 

The United Center bag policy is quite clear and allows small purses and clutches smaller than 10"x6"x2". Backpacks are strictly prohibited, but there are exceptions for diaper bags and baby carriers. All luggage and briefcases are prohibited as well. 

There is a bag check available at Parking Lot J, but limited capacity and crowd issues make it less than ideal. Bounce’s Near West Loop Storage Spot is within walking distance of the United Center and is situated in Chicago’s trendiest nightlife and dining hotspot. 

United Center food policy

All outside food and beverage are strictly prohibited according to the United Center bag policy. Exceptions can be made for medical reasons or for small children, but these will need to be approved by Guest Services officials. 

The United Center was an early adopter of bringing in local restaurants and companies to expand the concession offerings. Goose Island Brewery , Big Star Tacos , and Lillie’s Q Barbecue are all notable companies offering premium food and beverage at the stadium. There are also vegetarian, kosher, and vegan offerings throughout the stadium.

There is a strict United Center policy prohibiting tailgating throughout the parking lots, but there are amazing dining destinations in nearby neighborhoods like the West Loop, Wicker Park, and Taylor Street ( Little Italy ) that are worth exploring for a pre-game meal. 

United Center transportation

There’s no need to worry about how to get to the United Center. It’s located on the near west side of Chicago. It’s not far from The Loop and is near buzzy areas like the West Loop and the UIC Campus. It’s relatively easy to reach via public transit, driving, and rideshare. The official address is 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612.

Public transportation

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has a well-connected public transportation system consisting of buses and “L” trains. The arena is easily accessible by taking the #20 Madison bus as well as the #59 Damen bus. The nearest train station is Ashland Station, which serves the Green and Pink lines. This is about a 15-minute walk to the United Center. 

The CTA recently announced an expansion of the Green Line train that will run just outside the United Center, which will make it very convenient to get to the stadium from the rest of the city. 

If you are driving, the United Center is very conveniently located. Major highways, like I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway) and I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway), are all within a few minutes. Massive parking lots surround the venue, but they can get crowded during events, and traffic is an issue for getting in and out of the area. If you’re going to park, it’s advisable to bring cash. 

Taxi and rideshare

Services like Uber and Lyft are very convenient for getting to and from the United Center. They can drop you off just outside the arena, and there are designated ride-share pickup points, as well as taxi stands. These are convenient, but you may have to wait a while because of the crowds. 

Depending on your location, walking to the United Center may be an option, especially if you are staying in nearby neighborhoods. Just ensure you plan your route and consider the distance and weather conditions.

United Center camera policy 

Luckily, the United Center camera policy allows cameras and video recorders, as long as their lenses do not exceed 6” when extended. Cameras with detachable lenses, GoPros, drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted at all. 

United Center rules 

Permitted items .

Any air horn or noise-making item is strictly (and understandably) prohibited. Banners, signs, or flags aren’t officially allowed in the stadium, but there is evidence that exceptions have been made (still, it’s inadvisable to bring one). Electronics like iPads, laptops, laser pens, or laser products of any type are not permitted. While child-carrying packs are allowed, large strollers need to be checked in at the Guest Relations booths located at Gates 2 or 6. 

Entering the stadium

For games and concerts, the United Center policy specifies that gates will open 90 minutes prior to tip-off, face-off, or the start of the performance. You’ll want to check your ticket or the promotion’s website to confirm when the gates will open - just in case. 

The United Center has gone completely cashless, with the exception of walking vendors. Otherwise, concessions and merchandise will need to be purchased with a credit or debit card. Mobile pay options are also available. 

There are no longer any restrictions regarding vaccination status for entry to the United Center, and masks are no longer required.

The United Center has been the stage for some of the most legendary athletes of all time, so it’s a fitting bucket-list arena to visit. Before the game, make sure to explore the city’s superb culinary and nightlife scenes. There are plenty of rooftop bars and patios to hit up when the weather is nice, and there are so many Chicago foods to try that you’ll want to sample as much from the restaurant scene as you can.

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United Center

Top ways to experience United Center and nearby attractions

• Illinois Medical District • 8 min walk
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United Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Chicago Bulls Travel Packages

Chicago bulls ticket & hotel travel packages.

Visit Chicago for a basketball game. Elite Sports Tours has Chicago Bulls vacation packages including guaranteed tickets to the game for your group and hotel accommodations with one of our preferred hotel partners close to the basketball arena.

Call Us Now: 1-888-908-1042

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Our Sports Travel Experts are here to help you travel to see your team! Planning a trip in a city you aren't familiar with just got easier with Elite Sports Tours. We have a variety of  hotel partners close to the game and access to a wide range of tickets that will ensure you have a great time even if your team doesn't get the win!

Let our experts know what game(s) you want to attend, what city you want to visit, along with how many people will be joining you to cross another city off your bucket list!

Chicago Bulls Travel Packages FAQ

Where do the chicago bulls play basketball.

United Center is an indoor arena located in Chicago, Illinois and is the home of the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) and Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

What is the capacity of the  United Center ?

United Center  a capacity is 23,129 with standing room for basketball while 22,428 fans can fit in the building for hockey. 

Where to stay for a Chicago Bulls Game?

Elite Sports Tours has hotel packages with game tickets to see the Chicago Bulls at home or away. Chicago Bulls Travel Packages with hotel accommodations close to the arena.

When did the  United Center   Open?

The United Center's predecessor, the  Chicago Stadium , was demolished after the new arena opened in 1994. The first ever event at the  United Center  was the  WWF SummerSlam . Due to the  NHL 's lockout, the Blackhawks did not move into the building until the 1994-95 season.

When did the Chicago Bulls join the NBA?

The Chicago Bulls joined NBA in 1966.

Elite Sports Tours has Chicago Bulls Travel Packages including tickets and hotel accommodations to see them at home or on the road. See the Chicago Bulls in any destination this basketball season. Planning a travel package to see the Chicago Bulls play basketball is easier than ever with Elite Sports Tours travel packages. We provide you with hotel accommodations close to the arena and a few different basketball ticket options for you to decide on. Take a look at the Chicago Bulls schedule, find the event you are looking for and we will help you build your fully custom Chicago Bulls travel package. Elite Sports Tours is able to provide Chicago Bulls hotel accommodations and basketball tickets packages to any game.

No matter the size of your group, we can customize your Chicago Bulls trip with hotels close to the venue or in downtown and game tickets to the Chicago Bulls event! We work with the best hotel partners to ensure you get the best in your Chicago Bulls Travel Packages.

See the Chicago Bulls road games and cross every arena off your bucket list. Customize a basketball travel package including hotel accommodations and event tickets for your entire group. See multiple games or visit multiple cities! Our travel agents can help arrange the perfect Chicago Bulls travel trip!

Custom basketball travel packages to see any team has never been easier. We have experience helping basketball fans travel to see their team in cities they are unfamiliar with. Our experts will provide you with the best rates for hotels near the venue and in great locations to explore everything else the city has to offer.

When traveling to see a live sporting event we also highly recommend visiting local attractions and restaurants along your journey. We have resources for our client to see what recommendations for Where to Eat in Arizona or other cities when traveling to see the Chicago Bulls during basketball season. We also have a list of things to do in Arizona.

Elite Sports Tours makes booking your Chicago Bulls travel packages easy. Our experienced staff takes all the guesswork out of planning your trip. With experience sending basketball fans to cheer on their team in every city, we have you covered! We make sure your Chicago Bulls trip is a memory that lasts a lifetime!

Travel to see the Chicago Bulls in other cities:

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, Georgia Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics in Boston, Massachusetts Chicago Bulls vs Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis, Tennessee Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat in Miami, Florida Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis, Minnesota Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Louisiana Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks in New York City, New York Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic in Orlando, Florida Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Ohio Chicago Bulls vs Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Texas Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets in Denver, Colorado Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons in Detroit, Michigan Chicago Bulls vs Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, California Chicago Bulls vs Houston  Rockets in Houston, Texas Chicago Bulls vs Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn, New York Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, North Carolina Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Indiana Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, California Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, California Chicago Bulls vs Phoenix Suns in Phoenix, Arizona Chicago Bulls vs Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Oregon Chicago Bulls vs Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, California Chicago Bulls vs San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio, Texas Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors in Toronto, Ontario Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, Utah Chicago Bulls vs Washington Wizards in Washington, D.C. NBA All-Star Game NBA Slam Dunk Contest NBA Finals NBA Playoffs

We can plan a multi-city Chicago Bulls travel package for your group as well. Work directly with an Elite Sports Tours representative to plan the perfect bucket list road trip. 

Step Inside: United Center – Home of the Bulls & Blackhawks

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Stadium History | Parking & Admission | Seating & Capacity | Food & Concessions

Hosting more than 40 million guest since its opening, the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the greatest venues in Chicago , and also the country. Home to the legendary Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks ®, the United Center is located in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago, roughly three miles west of the loop/downtown area. This cultural hotspot hosts a wide array of events, including sports games, concerts and specialty shows.

What events are coming up at United Center?

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United Center History

Since it was built in 1994, the United Center has been the epicenter of sports in Chicago . Home to the Blackhawks and the Bulls, the United Center was created when the owner of the Blackhawks, William Wirtz, and majority owner and Team Chairman of the Chicago Bulls, Jerry Reinsdorf, partnered together in 1988 to build one of the top arenas in the world. Being the largest arena in the United States at more than 950,000 square feet, the United Center is known to many as “The Madhouse on Madison,” the “UC” and “The House that Jordan Built.” It became the replacement for the legendary Chicago Stadium, which was across the street from the United Center and was the previous home to the Chicago Blackhawks® and the Chicago Bulls. This venue has hosted more than 200 events a year since its creation and has been the home for a number of non-sports related events, including the 1996 Democratic National Convention, The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and Disney on Ice, plus concerts by iconic artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Paul McCartney, and many more.

Included with the United Center is its beautiful 190,000 square foot Atrium, built in 2017. The Atrium features the Madhouse Team Store, which is a 10,000-square-foot retail store where guests can buy a number of sports memorabilia and customized attire; the 1800 Market, which is a high-tech market powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology that allows guests to scan a credit card, grab what they want, and simply walk out of the store; and Queenie’s Supper Club & Cocktails, a modern take on the Midwestern supper clubs. The United Center also features statues of legendary sports figures including NBA legend Michael Jordan, one of the greatest hockey players of all time Bobby Hull and legendary Blackhawks center Stan Mikita, along with a bronze bust of two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Scottie Pippen and Bulls’ Broadcaster Johnny “Red” Kerr. The United Center was the home for the Chicago Bulls’ Championships in ’96, ’97 and ’98, as well as the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup® Championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015 .

The United Center has perfected the transition from a hockey-ready ice rink to basketball hardwood, with the process taking a crew of 45 people only two hours to achieve.

Parking and Admission at United Center

Parking is easy at the United Center, with multiple parking lots surrounding the venue. Parking is open to the general public 2.5 hours before the game or show, with prices varying anywhere from $10 to $100. Guests can either pay online before the event or with a credit card in the parking lots.

Non-flash, non-detachable lens still cameras are allowed in the United Center during sporting events with no other professional equipment allowed. During concerts and other events, professional cameras and equipment are not allowed. Personal bags, smaller than 10″ x 6″ x 2″ are allowed in the arena; however, backpacks of any kind are not allowed, with limited exceptions for medical and diaper bags. Strollers have to be checked in at guest relations locations. Other prohibited items include selfie sticks, banners, signs, flags, laptops, laser pointers, weapons, projectiles, and outside food or beverages.

United Center Capacity & Seating Options

The United Center has a varying capacity, with a maximum capacity of 23,500 and approximately 23,000 for concerts, 21,000 for Bulls games, and 20,500 for Blackhawks games. Along with thousands of general seating options, the United Center offers a number of premium seating and VIP locations, including lower-level suites, club-level suites, penthouse-level suites, the BMO Club, and the Budweiser Champions Club. The suites all include VIP Parking passes, full-service catering and luxury seating both in and outside the suite. The BMO Club features VIP Parking, an all-inclusive chef’s table and top-shelf bar in a lounge atmosphere. The Budweiser Champions Club includes VIP Parking, reserved dining table, in-seat wait service, and top-shelf bar. All of the premium seating options have fantastic views of the event.

What are the best seats at the United Center?

The best seats at the United Center vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out United Center seating charts and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at United Center

With Chicago being one of the top food hubs in the country, it is no surprise the United Center has an unbelievable amount of excellent food and drink options. Along with bars throughout the venue, the United Center’s concessions list includes Lillie’s Q, Gibsons Steakhouse, The Little Goat Taqueria, Chicago Dish, Madison Street Eats, Giordano’s, and many more. For specialty drinks, the United Center features Mindy’s, Goose Island Pub, Crown Royal Whiskey Bar, and the Corona Beach Bar.

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United Center

By Edward de la Fuente

Our guide to the United Center in Chicago includes information on events, tickets, parking, public transportation, nearby hotels and restaurants, seating and more. Read on to find out how to get the most out of your gameday experience.

Even for only being around since the 1990s, the United Center — home of the Bulls and Blackhawks — has seen quite a bit of history within its walls.

The current “Madhouse on Madison,” which replaced venerable old Chicago Stadium in 1994, hosted the second run of three straight NBA championships by the Michael Jordan-led Bulls from 1996 to ’98, and more recently saw the Blackhawks emerge to win three Stanley Cups over a six-season span (2010-15).

If your first assumption about the United Center is that there must be a lot of banners hanging from its rafters, you’d be right. But there’s much more to see at the modern Madhouse, both for new visitors and returnees alike — as much has changed over the years .

While the United Center is worth visiting for the history, it’s also worth staying for the atmosphere. Both the Blackhawks and Bulls go out of their way to ratchet up the fan experience.

And don’t forget the countless other events that take place at the United Center over the course of a typical year, from college basketball events such as the Big Ten tourney to the WWE and UFC, to major concerts and family shows.

Looking for United Center event tickets? Search events on Ticketmaster .

Getting to the arena

The United Center lies just outside the core of Chicago’s Loop area, in a neighborhood known as the Near West Side. For visitors to the city, this presents a bit of a challenge in getting to the arena, but options do exist if you are trying to get there without driving.

The Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) runs express buses for United Center events. Line #19 originates at Michigan and Randolph streets in the Loop and runs westward to the arena, with limited stops. There are also several local lines that run by the United Center.

It is possible to get to games via the CTA subway, known locally as “the L,” but doing so requires more walking — a less-than-desirable option in the dead of Chicago’s winters. The Illinois Medical District stop on the Blue Line lies four blocks south via Damen Avenue, but offers a direct connection to the Loop, Near North and O’Hare Airport.

About seven blocks to the northeast is the Ashland station on the Green and Pink lines, both of which can also be used to reach the central city. Click here for a CTA subway map.

Rideshare services Uber and Lyft will both do dropoffs at the arena, and riders can specify which side — north (Madison Street) or south (Monroe Street) — they can be taken to.

Parking at United Center

Drivers will find a number of surface parking lots surrounding the United Center, though the closest ones are reserved for premium permit holders. There is also a structure at neighboring Malcolm X College that is used on game nights.

Drive-up parking rates for United Center, as of 2023, began at $27 for outer lots and can cost as much as $43. Follow the link for more information on parking and directions at United Center.

Chicago hotels near United Center

If you’re visiting Chicago and staying in a hotel, you’ll still want to employ one of the above methods to get to the arena. Coming from the Loop, public transportation is an easy and painless way of getting to the United Center, but if you’re coming from the suburbs, driving and parking might be your best bet.

• Hotel Chicago West Loop – 0.4 miles away • Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District – 0.5 miles away • Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC – 0.6 miles away Search for more Chicago hotels on Booking.com .

Map of the surrounding area

Things to do around the arena.

For many years the area around United Center was just a quiet neighborhood, meaning fans coming to games had to look elsewhere to entertain themselves beforehand. But that has slowly been changing in recent years, with a few more options springing up.

The most prominent is attached to the arena itself — a new atrium opened up on the facility’s east side in 2017, featuring a larger team store for both the Bulls and Blackhawks, a bar and a sit-down restaurant. The Michael Jordan statue that once stood outside the arena has been moved inside the atrium, as well.

A few blocks to the east, along Ogden Avenue, you’ll find several other establishments, including a branch of the famed Billy Goat Tavern .

A little farther away is the up-and-coming West Loop neighborhood, which has become part of Chicago’s elite restaurant scene thanks to its popular “ Restaurant Row ,” which starts along Randolph Street at the intersection of Ogden Avenue.

Restaurant Row is a little less than a mile from United Center and features not only trendy and fine dining establishments but also gastropubs and outlets of Chicago’s well-known restaurant chains such as Lou Malnati’s — in other words, plenty of places that sports fans would be comfortable visiting prior to an event at the United Center.

For more on visiting Chicago, check out our Chicago sports travel guide .

Chicago restaurants near United Center

• Sinha Elegant Cuisine – Brazilian, 0.2 miles away • Park Tavern – gastropub, 0.4 miles away • The Ogden – pub, 0.4 miles away Search for more Chicago restaurants on Tripadvisor .

Watching a game at the United Center

The atrium makes for a logical starting point for exploring the United Center, but before you go through the turnstiles, make sure you take a quick walk along Madison Street, where you’ll see statues of Blackhawks legends Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita (still outdoors) as well as a Blackhawks tribute on the other side of the street. Inside, check out the Bulls’ display of their six Larry O’Brien trophies on the main concourse.

By capacity, the United Center is the largest arena in the U.S., and there are places within the seating bowl where it certainly feels that way. In general, the higher up you sit, the farther removed from the action you will feel — an obvious statement, for sure, but here you will definitely get a sense of how big the place is and how many people they’ve crammed into the building if you’re at the very top.

And at the United Center, there are sizable standing-room only sections at the top of the upper seating bowl where the view of the game is questionable at best, but they’re worth considering if you’re on a budget.

The moral when it comes to seating at the United Center is, if you’re more there for the game than for the experience itself, don’t cheap out on tickets. The good news is, as long as you’re not in the last 10 rows of the upper deck, your view should be pretty good.

Get to your seats on time to soak in the atmosphere, especially at the start of Blackhawks games — the team has perhaps the most well-known pregame routine in the NHL, with Jim Cornelison singing the national anthem while accompanied by one of the most powerful organs you’ve ever heard and the fans cheering throughout .

For any event, if it seems loud in the seating bowl, you’d be right, as the United Center’s designers made it a point to try to replicate the acoustics of the old Chicago Stadium, the original “Madhouse on Madison.”

Interested in a suite at United Center? Buy suite tickets on SuiteHop .

Food and drink at United Center

Like many arenas around the country, United Center has also improved its concessions offerings in recent years.

Chicago’s unique food scene is reflected in the presence of local establishments such as Giordano’s (for deep dish pizza) and Gibson’s Steakhouse (made famous nationally for its appearances in the TV series “The League” ), as well as the Chicago Dish stands that offer items such as Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and Italian and Polish sausages.

Beers from Goose Island Brewery, a local establishment that recently went national, are prevalent throughout the building. For more on concessions, click here .

Original publish date:  February 4, 2016 Most recent update: November 3, 2023

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The particulars.

Home Teams Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Bulls

Address 1901 W. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60612

Year Opened 1994

Capacity 20,500 (hockey) 21,711 (basketball)

Upcoming Events All times local NBA Play-in Tournament: Hawks At Bulls: East Gm 1 Wednesday, April 17, 2024 8:30 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster » Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour Wednesday, April 24, 2024 8:00 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster » Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour Thursday, April 25, 2024 8:00 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster » Frankie Beverly: Farewell To Frankie Saturday, April 27, 2024 8:00 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster » Megan Thee Stallion - Hot Girl Summer Tour Friday, May 17, 2024 7:00 pm Get tickets at Ticketmaster »

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Home » Arenas » USA » Illinois » Chicago » United Center

United Center

In 1988, William Wirtz, owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Jerry Reinsdorf, majority owner and Team Chairman of the Chicago Bulls, formed a new partnership to create an arena that would take sports and entertainment into the 21st century.

The United Center, home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, is the largest arena in the United States. Construction was begun in April of 1992, with the ribbon cutting ceremony being held on August 18, 1994.

Since opening, the United Center has hosted over 200 events each year. Some of the events the United Center has been proud to host include the 1996 Democratic National Convention, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Paul McCartney, U2, The Who, The 3 Tenors, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Great Eight Classic, Illinois College Basketball, and Champions on Ice.

The United Center has hosted over forty million guests since its opening in 1994.

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Event Schedule

Play In - Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls

Wednesday, April 17 at 8:30 PM

TBD at Chicago Bulls

Saturday, April 20 at Time TBA

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Nicki Minaj

Wednesday, April 24 at 8:00 PM

Thursday, April 25 at 8:00 PM

Frankie Beverly

Saturday, April 27 at 8:00 PM

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Megan Thee Stallion

Friday, May 17 at 7:00 PM

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Sunday, May 19 at 7:00 PM

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Thursday, May 30 at 8:00 PM

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Chi City Fest - Polo G, 42 Dugg, JT, G Herbo

Saturday, June 1 at 7:00 PM

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Chris Brown

Friday, June 7 at 7:30 PM

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Hans Zimmer

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Cigarettes After Sex

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The National and The War On Drugs

Tuesday, September 24 at 6:45 PM

Jeff Lynne's ELO

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Gold Over America Tour

Sunday, September 29 at 7:00 PM

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Tuesday, October 1 at 8:00 PM

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The Black Keys

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Shakira announces Chicago show on upcoming world tour

Global superstar Shakira will be coming to Chicago this December as part of her upcoming "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour."

CHICAGO - Global superstar Shakira will be coming to Chicago this December as part of her upcoming "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour."

The Grammy-winning artist is scheduled to perform at the United Center on Dec. 14, one of her 14 stops across North America.

Presale tickets are available to U.S. Citi cardholders on Wednesday starting at 10 a.m. General on-sale tickets will open to the public at 10 a.m. on Monday on Shakira's website.

The tour is named after Shakira's new album, which went certified 7x platinum on its release day.

Shakira performs with Bizarrap at the Sahara Tent during the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 12, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)

Shakira last went on tour in 2018.

Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

• Sat Nov 02 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena
• Thu Nov 07 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
• Sat Nov 09 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
• Sat Nov 16 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
• Sun Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
• Wed Nov 20 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
• Sat Nov 23 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
• Mon Nov 25 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
• Sat Nov 30 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
• Thu Dec 05 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
• Sun Dec 08 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
• Tue Dec 10 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
• Sat Dec 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center
• Sun Dec 15 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

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Chicago bulls at detroit pistons odds, picks and predictions, share this article.

The Detroit Pistons (13-66) welcome the Chicago Bulls (37-42) to Little Caesars Arena Thursday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s  lines around the Bulls vs. Pistons odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions .

Season series: Pistons lead 2-1

The Bulls have clinched a play-in tournament spot but aren’t locked into the 9th seed yet and can potentially drop to 10th. They have lost 3 of their last 4 games, most recently dropping one at home to the New York Knicks 128-117 Tuesday, closing as 5-point underdogs. Chicago is just 3-7 against the spread (ATS) in its last 10 games and 38-40-1 ATS on the season. It is led by G DeMar DeRozan , who is averaging 23.7 points per game.

The Pistons have been eliminated from the playoffs and have lost 13 of their last 14, covering in 6 of those. They are coming off a 120-102 road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, failing to cover as 15-point underdogs. Detroit has been a double-digit underdog in 3 of its last 4 games and is 2-1 ATS in those. It is 40-39 ATS on the season. The Pistons are led by G Cade Cunningham , who is averaging 22.7 points per game and is questionable for Thursday with a knee injury.

Bulls at Pistons odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook ; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:55 p.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML) : Bulls -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Pistons +350 (bet $100 to win $350)
• Against the spread (ATS) : Bulls -9.5 (-110) | Pistons +9.5 (-110)
• Over/Under (O/U) : 217 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Bulls at Pistons key injuries

• G Alex Caruso (ankle) probable
• G  Ayo Dosunmu  (quadricep) questionable
• C  Andre Drummond  (ankle) doubtful
• G Zach LaVine (midfoot) out
• G Cade Cunningham (knee) questionable
• C Isaiah Stewart (hamstring) out
• F Ausar Thompson (illness) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report .

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now !

Bulls at Pistons picks and predictions

Bulls 111, Pistons 104

The Pistons have lost 13 of their last 14 and aren’t worth any play, despite having beaten Chicago (-450) in 2 of 3 so far this year. Similarly, the Bulls are far too expensive to play to win outright.

Against the spread

BET PISTONS +9.5 ( -110 ).

The Pistons have won 2 of their 3 games this season against the Bulls, and they have covered in 3 of their last 4 games as underdogs of 9 or more points. In their last 5 games as double-digit underdogs, the Pistons have only not covered against the 76ers and Knicks, 2 teams both soundly in title contention.

Detroit hasn’t won often, but it has covered consistently over the past few weeks. Chicago hasn’t and has been struggling to even win. It has failed to cover in its last 2 games and is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 as a favorite, having lost outright in 3 of those. It closed as a 13-point favorite in one as well, dropping that game at home to the Washington Wizards March 25.

Considering those trends, take PISTONS +9.5 ( -110 ).

LEAN UNDER 217 ( -108 ).

The Bulls have gone Under in 4 of their last 5 games and 6 of their last 8, scoring 101 or fewer in 2 of their last 3 as well.

For the Pistons, the unknown regarding Cunningham’s status will loom, and they have failed to score more than 103 points in 3 straight games, going 1-1-1 O/U in those.

Neither team sits in the top 18 in offensive rating, so there won’t be much offensive efficiency Thursday. With that in mind, back UNDER 217 ( -108 ).

For more sports betting picks and tips , check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW .

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The United Center Atrium is located directly adjacent and attached to the iconic arena on Chicago's Near West Side. The Atrium is open daily and houses the world-famous Michael Jordan Statue, the Madhouse Team Store for fans to gear up with Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, The United Center Box Office for all your ticketing needs, Pepsi Grab N Go powered by Amazon's Just Walk Out technology and more!

Adjusted Hours of Operation:

March 20  - CLOSED

Madhouse Team Store  

MADHOUSE TEAM STORE

This 10,000 square foot retail space is co-branded with both Bulls and Blackhawks gear. Equipped with interactive technology, guests can design their own jersey or hat!

For more details, please visit www.MadhouseTeamStore.com .

January 6 - CLOSED

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Queenie's supper club  .

Queenie's Supper Club

Queenie's Supper Club is an ideal pre-concert or game dinner choice. Queenie's draws inspiration from our Wisconsin neighbors and features a modern interpretation of a classic Midwestern supper club. Historically recognized as a place for friends and families to gather for supper and entertainment, the concept is a natural fit for the United Center, which hosts all generations of fans.

For full menu, hours of operation and reservations, please visit QueeniesSupperClub.com .

The dashery, 4 star market & pepsi grab n go  .

PEPSI GRAB N GO & THE DASHERY MARKETS

Stop into the Pepsi Grab N Go (Atrium/Sec 106) or The Dashery Markets (Sec 213 or Sec 230), powered by Amazon's Just Walk Out technology, where you can grab what you need quickly before returning to the action. After guests enter the markets with their credit card, the technology detects what they take from or return to the shelves in the store. When guests have completed their shopping experience, they will be able to simply leave the store and their credit card will be charged for the items they left with.

MICHAEL JORDAN STATUE

Located in the southeast corner of the Atrium, the United Center Box Office serves as a one-stop location for any ticketing needs fans may have. Stop by to purchase tickets for any United Center events, including concerts and Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games.

Box Office Hours can be found on our website here .

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Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls: Predictions, picks and odds for NBA Play-in Tournament

The NBA Play-In Tournament is underway. While there are two spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs still up for grabs, the No. 9 seed Chicago Bulls and No. 10 seed Atlanta Hawks are fighting for an opportunity to claim the final spot. Only one of these teams can move forward, so each team must put their best foot forward if they want any chance of hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

The Hawks walk into this play-in game with a lowly 36-46 record. Outside of the 2022 New Orleans Pelicans , who reached the playoffs with the same record, that is the fewest wins of any postseason team in a full season since the 2004 Boston Celtics . And neither those Pelicans nor Celtics teams made it out of the first round. The deck seems to be stacked against the Atlanta Hawks, but that doesn't mean they should just roll over and give up.

While the Bulls have a 2-1 record over the Hawks this season, Atlanta won the most recent meeting 113-101 at the start of April. The Bulls were also a sub-.500 team at home this season. Unfortunately for Atlanta though, the Bulls are still one of the deeper sub-.500 teams in the league this year. They have four players averaging at least 18 points per game, and four more averaging at least ten.

Trae Young may be the best player on either side in this game, but the Bulls definitely have the advantage in terms of depth. Here's everything you need to know about this play-in matchup.

2024 NBA mock draft roundup: Where are Jared McCain, other top prospects predicted to go?

Predictions for No. 10 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 9 Chicago Bulls:

CBS Sports : Hawks (+3)

Jasmyn Wimbish writes, "I'm betting on Young to come alive against the Bulls. I think he's going to walk into this game wanting to prove something, and even with Alex Caruso likely draped all over him, I still think he will lead Atlanta to a win."

Sporting News : Bulls win

Stephen Noh writes, "Missing Jalen Johnson is going to hurt the Hawks a lot. He's been a candidate for Most Improved Player. (Chicago's Coby White should win the award). Johnson's versatility unlocks a lot of the unique things that Atlanta does on offense. The Bulls will also likely extend the minutes of their secret weapon, Alex Caruso. They are a completely different team when he's on the floor but can only throw him out there for under 29 minutes per game during the regular season because of the punishment he puts his body through. The Bulls are the slightly healthier team and can scale up for this game. These teams are even on paper, but I'll give the edge to the Bulls."

New York Post : Hawks team total OVER 108.5

Michael Arinze writes, "Chicago struggles to defend the perimeter, ranking 29th in opponent 3-point field goals, while Atlanta is sixth in 3-pointers made. Those numbers should work in the Hawks’ favor to surpass their team total of 108.5."

Bulls vs. Hawks: odds, lines for play-in matchup

The Chicago Bulls are favorites to defeat the Atlanta Hawks in Wednesday's play-in matchup, according to the  BetMGM NBA odds . Looking to wager? Check out the  best mobile sports betting apps  offering  sports betting promos in 2024 .

Odds as of Tuesday afternoon.

Spread:  Bulls (-3.5)

Moneylines:  Bulls (-155); Hawks (+125)

Over/under:  221.5

How to watch Play-In Tournament Hawks vs. Bulls:

Date:  Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Time:  9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT

Where: United Center in Chicago, Illinois

TV:  ESPN

Stream:  ESPN+

Watch the game: Stream the NBA Play-In Tournament with an ESPN+ subscription

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Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hawks vs. Bulls: Predictions and odds for NBA Play-In tournament game

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Nba play-in tournament livestream: how to watch the post-season basketball games online.

The NBA post-season starts with a Western Conference doubleheader tonight.

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With the 2023-2024 season in the books , the NBA moves into the post-season play-in tournament to determine which four teams will make it into the NBA Playoffs — which start on April 20.

The play-in features superstars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Zion Williamson, De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid, Trae Young and DeMar DeRozan battling each other for the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds in the NBA Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively.

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• When : April 16, April 17
• TV channel: TNT, ESPN
• Stream online: DirecTV , Hulu + Live TV , Sling — along with Max , Fubo

How to Watch 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament: Date, Time

On April 16, the first game of an NBA Western Conference doubleheader sees the LA Lakers facing off against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana starting at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET.

On April 17, there’s a doubleheader of NBA Eastern Conference games. The first one has the Miami Heat battling the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania starting at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET.

The second game features the Atlanta Hawks going up against the Chicago Bulls at United Center in Chicago, Illinois with a start time of 6:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. ET. Both games air on ESPN.

You can watch these games through any live TV streaming service that carries TNT and ESPN, including DirecTV Stream , Hulu + Live TV , Sling and others. You can also sign up for a five-day free trial from DirecTV Stream to watch it for free. All web-based services are accessible on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or smart TV.

Keep reading to find out how to watch the NBA Play-In Tournament games with and without a cable subscription, including more details on how to watch games for free. In addition, you can find where to buy last-minute tickets if you want to attend.

How to Stream 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament Without Cable: Stream Online Free

While the NBA Play-In Tournament games are broadcasting on TV on TNT and ESPN, games can also be streamed on web-based streaming cable services, some of which even offer free trials. If you act fast and sign up now, you can watch all of these games online for free. Learn more about how to stream the games below.

DirecTV Stream

Watch the NBA Play-In Tournament games on TNT and ESPN with DirecTV Stream . Both networks are offered on all of the cable alternative’s packages, and the service includes more than 75 other channels — such as NBC, Fox, AMC, Bravo, CNBC and Disney Channel. Pricing starts at $69.99 for the entry-level Entertainment package. In addition, other plans offer between 105 and 150 channels with prices ranging from $84.99 to $159.99 per month. New subscribers can receive a Visa rewards card worth up to $100 for a limited time.  Learn more about the offer here .

Hulu + Live TV

You can also livestream the NBA Play-In Tournament games online without cable with a Hulu + Live TV subscription. It includes access to more than 95 live channels — like TNT and ESPN — starting at $76.99 monthly with ads. The service also comes with Hulu’s entire streaming library, Disney+ and ESPN+ at no additional cost. With a subscription, Hulu + Live TV users can watch originals from Hulu, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm ( Star Wars , Indiana Jones ), The Muppets Studio and Pixar. Subscribers can also watch ESPN+ for original sports programming and live sports from Formula One, NHL, MLB and other sports leagues. It includes unlimited cloud DVR, too.

Sling is one of the cheapest options for new live TV streaming subscribers who want to watch the NBA games online with TNT and ESPN. Sling Orange ($20 for the first month, $40 monthly after) also features Bravo, The Disney Channel, ESPN2, ESPN3, FreeForm, FX, AMC, BBC America, USA Network and much more. Meanwhile, the Sling Blue plan is $22.50 for the first month ($45 monthly after) and includes over 40 local and national broadcast channels, such as ABC, Fox, NBC, Bravo and FS1. The Sling Orange + Blue plan is only $30 for the first month ($60 per month afterward) and includes TNT and ESPN as part of its offerings.

Max (formerly known as HBO Max) has the B/R Sports hub as part of its streaming service for a limited time. The hub has access to NBA Play-In Tournament games with TNT starting at $9.99 per month. In addition to the NBA, Max’s B/R Sports includes NHL on TNT , U.S. Soccer, MotoGP and other sports leagues. The service also has hit movies like Barbie , Blue Beetle , Avatar: The Way of Water , and others, as well as award-winning series, such as Succession , Barry , The White Lotus and more. Max is also available as an add-on channel on Prime Video .

If you want to watch the NBA Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament games live free on ESPN, go with a subscription to  Fubo . Unfortunately, Fubo doesn’t offer TNT for the Western Conference games. The streaming service starts at $79.99 per month and includes more 170 news, entertainment and sports channels. You can record more than 1,000 hours of programming, while you can also watch on your smartphone, tablet or smart TV, too. Other Fubo plans include the Elite package with more than 250 channels for $89.99 per month. If you want to watch NBA games for free, the online TV streaming service offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers .

How to Watch 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament on TV

Where to buy 2024 nba play-in tournament tickets online.

Want to watch games in person? Last-minute tickets are available for the NBA Play-In Tournament at StubHub , Ticket Liquidator ,  Ticket Network  and  Ticketmaster , prices depend on the city and seat location. For more info, visit NBATickets.com .

Some of the best deals on tickets are at Vivid Seats , where you can save $20 with code THR2024; or at SeatGeek where you can use promo code HOLLYWOOD10 to save $10 on eligible purchases of $250 and up. Click here for last-minute tickets to NBA Play-In Tournament games .

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Democratic Party leaders meet in Chicago this week for pre-convention talks

In chicago, the democratic national committee leaders will pick the members of the party’s platform, rules and credentials committees at the last party meeting before the august convention to renominate president joe biden..

The logo for the 2024 Democratic National Convention is displayed on the scoreboard during the DNC Winter Media Walkthrough at the United Center in January.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file

WASHINGTON — About 400 Democratic Party officials will meet in Chicago this week, beginning Tuesday, to learn more about the convention in August at the United Center and to name the members of the platform, rules and credentials committees.

No major floor fights are anticipated inside the arena during the convention, where President Joe Biden will be nominated for a second term.

Outside the United Center, though, will be another story. Protesters are already gearing up to demonstrate against Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war , with some saying they will attempt to shut down the convention.

The gathering, the last major party meeting before the Aug. 19-22 convention, consists of two groups: The roughly 65 members of the Democratic National Committee’s executive committee; and hundreds of representatives from the Association of State Democratic Chairs who lead 57 parties in U.S. states and territories.

The attendees will hear from Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison and Minyon Moore, the Chicago native who is the chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

There will be a news conference featuring state party leaders from the Midwest battleground states, where officials from Michigan will likely be asked about the impact of the large “uncommitted” vote in their primary, a protest against how Biden is handling the war.

Mayor Brandon Johnson will address the gathering, a mayoral spokesman said. Johnson is on a high-wire when it comes to the convention. Pro-Palestinian protesters upset with Biden are part of Johnson’s political base. At least three Jewish lawmakers rebuffed Johnson’s invitation for a Monday roundtable to discuss antisemitism, a reaction to Johnson’s tie-breaking vote in January in support of a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the war in Gaza.

Though the state Legislature remains in session in Springfield, Gov. J.B. Pritzker hopes to meet with Democratic leaders convening in Chicago this week, a spokesman said.

When Chicago was announced as the 2024 host city a year ago, Harrison promised that all 77 Chicago neighborhoods would have a stake in the convention.

The Chicago 2024 host committee, which aims to raise between $90 million and $100 million for the convention, has been working to award contracts and throw business to local, minority-owned event space and hospitality industry and service vendors. Toward that end, association members will visit Mi Tierra, a Mexican restaurant in Little Village to, a convention planner said, “connect with local Latino small business owners” at an evening reception.

Last September, state Democratic chairs toured the United Center and McCormick Place, where daytime activities such as briefings and regional state party meetings will be held. Through the week, association members will get their own tour of the United Center and McCormick Place and visit the eight downtown hotels where their delegations will be housed. The Illinois delegation is staying at the Royal Sonesta.

The meeting comes as Democrats prepare for their first live convention in eight years, with 2020 a virtual gathering because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The standing committees

The main business of the Democratic Party executive committee is to select members of the three convention standing committees. Each state and territory is represented on the rules, platform and credential committees, but their votes are weighted, based on the state’s Democratic and electoral votes for the 2012, 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

Biden and his team, for all practical purposes, control the party platform, which will be written in the White House.

Since Biden has almost all of the delegates, there will be no replay of 2016, when presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton’s backers, faced with the strength of her chief rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, gave him seats he controlled on the Platform Committee.

With the Israel-Hamas war a divisive issue, Biden will not be immune from outside pressure to include a plank dealing with the Palestinian situation or some other issue. However, the platform committee will be comprised of his delegates.

The credentials committee has, at present, only one issue — whether to reconsider punishing New Hampshire Democrats by taking away their delegates after the state kept it’s first-in-the-nation primary, even after the DNC said South Carolina should go first. It is likely, a source close to the situation said, that this will be resolved before the convention.