United Center
United Center is a hockey rink in Chicago, Illinois, home of the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL, Central Division). It opened in 1994, making it 32 years old in 2026 and seats 19,717 for hockey. That makes it the 2nd-largest rink in NHL.
Its record crowd is 22,819 hockey (vs. New York Rangers, February 15, 1997).
Rink facts
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Home of
- Chicago Blackhawks
- League
- NHL · Central Division
- Opened
- 1994
- Capacity
- 19,717
- Record crowd
- 22,819 hockey (vs. New York Rangers, February 15, 1997)
- Also home to
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Size rank in NHL
- 2nd of 32
Famous moments at United Center
- WWF SummerSlam, first major event (1994)
- 1996 Democratic National Convention (1996)
- Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in Game 6 at home vs. Lightning (2015)
- Hosted Stanley Cup Final games as the Blackhawks won the Cup (2010)
- Hosted Stanley Cup Final games as the Blackhawks won the Cup (2013)
- Record crowd of 22,819 for a Blackhawks game against the Rangers (1997)
- Hosted the NCAA Frozen Four, the first held in Illinois (2017)
Game night
Getting there. CTA 'L': Green Line at Damen, Pink Line at Ashland, Blue Line at Illinois Medical District
Seating & views at United Center
Hockey capacity is 19,717, or 22,428 with standing room. Suites are spread across three levels. Angled steel panels on the top level reflect noise back into the bowl to recreate the loud atmosphere of Chicago Stadium.
Parking & tailgating
Parking costs $30 to $45 and is sold on arrival or in advance through Ticketmaster. Nearby CTA 'L' stations are Damen (Green Line), Ashland (Pink Line) and Illinois Medical District (Blue Line).
A 190,000 sq ft atrium, home to the Michael Jordan statue, is open to fans before, during and after events.
Plan your trip to United Center
Rinks near United Center10
- 1USHL/NAHLUSG Arena at Blackhawks Ice Center — Chicago Steel same city
- 2AHLAllstate Arena — Chicago Wolves 16 mi
- 3NCAACompton Family Ice Arena — Notre Dame Fighting Irish 75 mi
- 4AHLBMO Center — Rockford IceHogs 78 mi
- 5AHLUW–Milwaukee Panther Arena — Milwaukee Admirals 84 mi
- 6USHL/NAHLThe Ponds of Brookfield — Wisconsin Windigo 87 mi
- 7USHL/NAHLWoodman's Sports & Convention Center — Janesville Jets 92 mi
- 8ECHLWings Event Center — Kalamazoo Wings 112 mi
- 9NCAALawson Arena — Western Michigan Broncos 112 mi
- 10ECHLGrossinger Motors Arena — Bloomington Bison 116 mi
Questions about United Center
Where do the Chicago Blackhawks play home games?
The Chicago Blackhawks play at United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
How many people does United Center hold?
United Center seats 19,717 for hockey.
When did United Center open?
United Center opened in 1994.
What is the attendance record at United Center?
The record crowd at United Center is 22,819 hockey (vs. New York Rangers, February 15, 1997).
What other rinks are near United Center?
USG Arena at Blackhawks Ice Center is also in Chicago. See the full list of nearby rinks on this page.
Where do you park at United Center?
Parking costs $30 to $45 and is sold on arrival or in advance through Ticketmaster. Nearby CTA 'L' stations are Damen (Green Line), Ashland (Pink Line) and Illinois Medical District (Blue Line).
What is the seating like at United Center?
Hockey capacity is 19,717, or 22,428 with standing room. Suites are spread across three levels. Angled steel panels on the top level reflect noise back into the bowl to recreate the loud atmosphere of Chicago Stadium.
Facts are for the 2026–27 season. Distances are straight-line miles between city centers. Capacity figures vary by source. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your rink? Get the “Listed on RinkGuide.com” badge for your website.