November 24, 2014
The United Center first opened to the public in 1994 and has been the home for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. Besides hosting Bulls and Blackhawks games, the United Center has been the host venue to many special events, such as the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Built Ford Tough Series for professional bull riders, pro wrestling events like Summerslam, UFC bouts, and the 1996 Democratic Convention.
The United Center features statues of Michael Jordan, Bobby Hull, and Stan Mikita on the East side of the stadium. The venue was the home arena of the Bulls during their second run of three consecutive NBA Championships from 1996-1998, hosting three NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup Final twice in 2010 and 2013, respectively, when the Chicago Blackhawks won it all in those seasons.
The Chicago Bulls come into this season are expected to make some noise in the Eastern Conference after acquiring two-time NBA Champion Pau Gasol and a returning Derrick Rose after two injury plagued seasons. The Bulls are now 8-3 through 11 games but Derrick Rose has had to sit out a few games as injuries continue to hamper his career. Still, the Bulls continue to find ways to win without their star player.
The Chicago Blackhawks have found newfound success since the 2009-2010 season when they won their first division title in 17 seasons and their first Stanley Cup since 1961. After early playoff exits the following two seasons, the Blackhawks return to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013, defeating the Boston Bruins in six games to win their second Stanley Cup in four seasons. The Blackhawks made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2014, the third time in five seasons, but would lose in devastating fashion to the Los Angeles Kings in seven games.
| Season | Avg. Price |
| 2010-2011 | $149.03 |
| 2011-2012 | $181.83 |
| 2012-2013 | $229.50 |
| 2013-2014 | $225.15 |
| 2014-2015 | $283.92 |
| Season | Avg. Price |
| 2010-2011 | $119.39 |
| 2011-2012 | $169.39 |
| 2012-2013 | $156.60 |
| 2013-2014 | $141.91 |
| 2014-2015 | $250.91 |
This season the Chicago Bulls have one of the highest asking average prices in the NBA as Bulls tickets have a current average of $250.91 on the secondary market, a 110.1% increase compared to the last year’s ticket average which was $141.91 for the 2013-14 season. Bulls tickets are now the third priciest in the NBA as Bulls tickets have not seen a significant increase in average price since the 2011-12 season. That year, Bulls tickets averaged $169.39 on the secondary market, a 41.8% increase compared to their previous season of $119.39 in 2010-11. After Derrick Rose injury in the 2012 postseason which sidelined him for all of the 2012-13 season, Bulls tickets plummeted to $156.60 on the secondary market, a 7.5% decrease from the previous season. Bulls tickets in average price continued to decrease the following season as injuries again put a hold on Derrick Rose’ career as Bull tickets in the 2013-14 season had a secondary average price of $141.91, a 9.3% decrease compared to the 2012-13 season for Bull tickets.
The Chicago Blackhawks have seen a steady rise in average asking price for Blackhawks tickets the past five seasons. After winning their first Stanley Cup since 1961, Blackhawks tickets coming into the 2010-11 season had an average price of $149.03 on the secondary market. The Blackhawks made the playoffs as an eight seed but were eliminated by the Canucks, pushing the series to seven games after falling behind 0-3. Despite a first round exit the playoffs, Blackhawks tickets saw a 22% increase compared to last season with an average price of $181.83 on the secondary market.
Following the 2012 playoffs, the Blackhawks were once again eliminated in the first round but that didn’t hurt Blackhawks tickets on the secondary market averaging $229.50 in the 2012-13 season, a 26.2% increase in price compared to the previous season. Blackhawks tickets actually saw a slight decrease in average price this past season but still in line what they were averaging the previous season.
Coming into the 2014-15 season, Blackhawks tickets have a current average price of $283.92 on the secondary market, which is a 23.7% increase from last season.
The United Center provides a great in game experience for patrons as they are a world premiere entertainment center. The United Center provides great food service, presentation, and quality with seven restaurants to choose from and 35 concession stands located throughout the stadium.
As for restaurants, there are many options for patrons to choose whether that’s getting a bite to eat a the DiGiorno Pizzeria located at Section 120, the Grill Spot for tasty burgers and hot dogs located in section 108, 222, 313, 322, along with numerous bars guests can go to while watching a game.
All concession stands in the arena are wheelchair accessible. There are also wheelchair accessible seats on all levels, with tickets based on availability. Other disability aids, such as listening devices and electric wheelchairs can be provided by contacting Guest Relations at (312) 836-7000.
