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. Ironically, the UC opened in 1994 without the player most responsible for its construction--Bulls star and Chicago icon Michael Jordan, who retired (for the first time) before the season began. Today No. 23 is immortalized in bronze outside the east entrance.

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The United Center is Chicago's sports and entertainment arena. It also serves as a venue for large concerts and events. 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, DePaul College Basketball, and Champions on Ice. The 1,000,000-square-foot arena is massive and comfortable, yet generic in its construction and decoration. It was built in 1992 at a cost of $175 million to replace the old arena that was demolished shortly after. Outside you can pose for a picture in front of the huge 12-foot bronze statue of Michael Jordan leaping through the air to make a dunk. Now a popular tourist attraction, this statue was made to commemorate M.J., whose basketball fame made it possible to finance the new arena. One luxury of the new center is ease of parking, which is plentiful. The United Center has hosted over twenty million guests since its opening in 1994.

The United Center features the ultimate in fan entertainment and comfort. Some of the new amenities include: an eight sided video replay scoreboard, theatre-style seats, 210 luxurious suites, over 3,000 Club seats, 46 permanent concession stands and 194 points of sale, a cocktail lounge, private banquet facilities, interactive concourse displays, TV monitors throughout the building, Fandemonium (a Blackhawks and Bulls souvenir store) and four other merchandise stands.

Fan convenience and accessibility are key features at the United Center. There are eight escalators and extra wide concourses for better mobility. Cash stations, along with coat and parcel check areas, are available on every level. There are 48 restrooms and an increased capacity for women's restrooms. Seating is unobstructed throughout the arena.

The United Center holds 20,500 for hockey, 21,500 for basketball, and up to 23,500 for concerts and other entertainment. The United Center is one of the best venues around for sporting and musical events.