United Center Seating Guide
Where to sit & the best seats
“The UC” · “The Madhouse on Madison” · “The House That Jordan Built”
Where to sit at United Center
100 Level center court (e.g. 103-104, 118-119)
Mid-court lower-bowl seats give the definitive Bulls sightline.
300 Level first few rows, center (e.g. 315-318)
Elevated center-court/ice angle covering the whole floor at a fraction of lower-bowl prices.
100 Level behind the benches / corners (e.g. 108-110, 122-124)
Close to the ice with the full force of the Blackhawks crowd and anthem.
300 Level back rows (e.g. rows above 15)
Extremely high and steep, with a long climb and distant view.
About United Center
The United Center holds about 20,917 for Bulls basketball and roughly 19,717 for Blackhawks hockey across a 100 (lower), 200 (suite) and 300 (upper) level layout. The huge 300 level is one of the steepest and largest upper decks in the NBA and NHL, so the building feels enormous, yet the crowd noise, especially for Hawks games, is ferocious. Lower-bowl 100-level seats and the first few 300-level rows offer the best balance of view and value. It is a workhorse venue for the Bulls, Blackhawks, concerts and family shows.
The United Center is a large, red-brick arena on Chicago's Near West Side, opened in 1994 to replace the old Chicago Stadium. Its cavernous three-level bowl seats more than 20,000 and is famous for the Michael Jordan statue outside and the thunderous crowd noise the Blackhawks generate during the anthem.
United Center in photos
4 outside · 3 inside the venue
Seating map
This is the map used for ticket sales at United Center. Exact configuration varies by event.
How the venue is set up
Basketball
Bulls games open the full bowl to about 20,917, with premium courtside and 100-level sideline seats the prime tickets and the 300 level the budget option.
Ice hockey
Blackhawks games seat roughly 19,717; the famously loud national anthem and organ tradition make lower-bowl and corner seats especially atmospheric.
End-stage concert
Concerts set a stage at one end, curtaining off seating behind it; the floor is added as GA or seated rows while 100- and 300-level sides keep good views.
In-the-round concert
Center-stage shows open the full 360-degree bowl for maximum capacity, though seats directly behind the stage lose the main video screens.
Seating levels explained
100 LevelSections 101-137
The lower ring circling the floor and ice.
Pros: Closest views, best detail and atmosphere.
Cons: Center-court and center-ice sections carry a premium price.
200 LevelSuites 201-334
A middle band made up mostly of private luxury suites and club seating.
Pros: Premium amenities, in-seat service, sheltered mid-height views.
Cons: Largely restricted to suite and club ticket holders.
300 LevelSections 301-337
The vast upper deck wrapping the entire arena.
Pros: Most affordable seats and full views of the whole surface.
Cons: Very steep and high; upper rows are a long way from the action.
Best seats at United Center
Premium basketball view
100 Level center court (e.g. 103-104, 118-119)
Mid-court lower-bowl seats give the definitive Bulls sightline.
Best hockey atmosphere
100 Level behind the benches / corners (e.g. 108-110, 122-124)
Close to the ice with the full force of the Blackhawks crowd and anthem.
Value with a full view
300 Level first few rows, center (e.g. 315-318)
Elevated center-court/ice angle covering the whole floor at a fraction of lower-bowl prices.
Loud, engaged crowd
300 Level corners over the benches
Among the most vocal budget sections in the house.
Concert with an end stage
100 Level sides or lower 300 Level sides
Angled toward the stage with a clean, elevated view away from behind-stage cutoffs.
| For | Sections | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Premium basketball view | 100 Level center court (e.g. 103-104, 118-119) | Mid-court lower-bowl seats give the definitive Bulls sightline. |
| Best hockey atmosphere | 100 Level behind the benches / corners (e.g. 108-110, 122-124) | Close to the ice with the full force of the Blackhawks crowd and anthem. |
| Value with a full view | 300 Level first few rows, center (e.g. 315-318) | Elevated center-court/ice angle covering the whole floor at a fraction of lower-bowl prices. |
| Loud, engaged crowd | 300 Level corners over the benches | Among the most vocal budget sections in the house. |
| Concert with an end stage | 100 Level sides or lower 300 Level sides | Angled toward the stage with a clean, elevated view away from behind-stage cutoffs. |
Seats to avoid & obstructed views
300 Level back rows (e.g. rows above 15): Extremely high and steep, with a long climb and distant view.
100- and 300-level sections directly behind an end stage (concerts): Curtained off or facing the back of the stage.
Behind-basket 100 Level front rows (basketball): Low angle flattens the far half of the court.
Corner seats beside broadcast/camera platforms: Occasional partial obstruction from equipment.
Accessibility & companion seating
The United Center offers wheelchair-accessible and companion seating on all levels, with elevators and ramps throughout and dedicated drop-off areas. Accessible seating is booked via the box office or Ticketmaster, and ADA parking is available in nearby lots with staff assistance.
Where: Accessible platforms and companion seats are located around the 100 and 300 levels, including several sightline-protected positions.
Upcoming events at United Center
Zayn-Chicago, IL, USA
Mon, 27 July 2026 · Concerts
Ariana Grande-Chicago, IL, USA
Mon, 3 Aug 2026 · Concerts
Ariana Grande-Chicago, IL, USA
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 · Concerts
Ariana Grande-Chicago, IL, USA
Thu, 6 Aug 2026 · Concerts
Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 · WNBA
Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild
Mon, 21 Sept 2026 · NHL Preseason
Chicago Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues
Sat, 26 Sept 2026 · NHL Preseason
Olivia Rodrigo-Chicago, IL, USA
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 · Concerts
Getting there
Transport
The CTA runs game-day shuttle buses and the 19 United Center Express from downtown, and the Illinois Medical District Blue Line and Ashland Green/Pink Line stops are a short ride or walk away. There is extensive surface and structured parking around the arena, though driving in and out on event nights is slow.
The area
The arena sits in the Near West Side, west of the Loop between the West Loop and Illinois Medical District. The trendy West Loop restaurant scene on Randolph Street is a short rideshare away, while the immediate area is dominated by parking lots.
United Center · Chicago, USA
Frequently asked questions
How big is the United Center?
It seats about 20,917 for Bulls basketball and roughly 19,717 for Blackhawks hockey, making it one of the largest arenas in the NBA and NHL.
Is the 300 level at the United Center steep?
Yes. The 300 level is a very large, steep upper deck. The views are complete but high, so the first few rows are the sweet spot for value seats.
Where is the Michael Jordan statue?
The Michael Jordan statue stands at the east entrance atrium of the United Center and is a popular pre-game photo spot for fans.
What are the best seats for a Blackhawks game?
Lower 100-level seats behind the benches or in the corners put you close to the ice for the famously loud anthem; the first rows of the center 300 level are the best value.
How do I get to the United Center without driving?
CTA game-day shuttle buses and the 19 United Center Express run from downtown, and the Illinois Medical District Blue Line and Ashland Green/Pink Line stations are nearby.
Does the United Center host concerts?
Yes, it is a major concert venue using both end-stage and in-the-round layouts, in addition to hosting the Bulls, Blackhawks and family shows.
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