History
The United Center first opened in time for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks 1994-95 seasons. The arena hosted the NBA Finals when the Bulls won NBA titles in 1996, 1997 and 1998. The latest playoff rounds the Blackhawks have hosted were the Western Conference Finals in 1995 and 2009 – both versus the Detroit Red Wings.

A statue of Michael Jordan can be found on the east side of the arena near the main United Center box office.

Directions
From the North: Take I-90 East to the Madison St. exit and make a right onto Madison St. The arena will be on your left.
From the South: Take I-55 North to the Damen/Ashland exit and make a left, going northbound for approximately 7 minutes. The arena will be on your right.
From the East: Take Madison St. West from the Loop.
From the West: Take I-290 East to the Damen or Ashland exit. If taking Damen Ave., go northbound to Madison St. Make a right onto Madison and the arena will be on your right. If taking Ashland, go northbound to Madison St. Make a left onto Madison and the arena will be on your left.

Parking
The United Center Parking Lots are more expensive than the other parking lots in the area. For the 2009-10 season the official United Center lots range in cost from $20-$35. I would recommend parking in the independent lots around the United Center. They are just as safe and will save you a few dollars.

Public Transportation
From downtown Chicago, take either the #19 United Center Express bus or the #20 Madison St. bus. The buses wait on Madison St. after the game to go back downtown.

Location of Ticket Scalpers
Ticket scalpers can be found along Madison St. between Ashland Ave. and the United Center. They can also be found on the corner of Madison St. and Damen Ave.

Food in arena
The United Center upgraded all of their concession stands for the 2009-10 season. If you are interested in bar atmosphere within the United Center head to the Budweiser Select Brew Pub and Carvery across from section 108 before, during or after the game.

Last season the only bar on the 300 level was the Iron Works Bar and Grill located behind section 309. However, this season the United Center added three new bars with views of the court or ice. Madhouse Bars are located three rows up in section 312, 329 and above sections 301 and 334.