Madhouse on Madison

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

In 2010, the up-and-coming Bulls have been replaced by the already-arrived Blackhawks as the hot ticket at the United Center. It is, however, a good time to be a Bulls fan and to be at the United Center.

Opening in 1994, the United Center was fortunate to be born into the midst of the Bulls dynasty, and the return of Michael Jordan to the NBA. Two of the three NBA championships won since the United Center opened were clinched on the home floor (1996 vs. Seattle and 1997 vs. Utah). For such a young venue, it has seen its share of history.

Food & Beverage    5

The selection of food at the United Center seems never ending, but it comes at a price. On the first level concourse you will find the premium items including the Sweet Baby Ray's stand where you can go for the brisket sandwich ($13.50) or BBQ pork sandwich ($11.50). The steakhouse stand offers the rib eye steak sandwich ($13.25), Angus steak burger ($12.50), or shrimp po boy ($15). They are all very expensive, but of a much higher quality than you will find at most arenas. I especially like the brisket sandwich and the steak sandwich.

Mid-priced options can be found including the signature Madhouse burger ($9.75), grilled chicken sandwich ($8.50), and pulled pork sandwich ($8.50). Classics are only slightly overpriced and include a hot dog ($5.75), nachos ($6), Connie's deep dish pizza slice ($5.75), and brat ($6.25). The recommendation when selecting your food is to stay with a classic, like a slice of Connie's pizza, or go all the way with a tasty, but high-priced item (avoid the middle options).

Drink selections are plentiful, and there are several bars scattered across the upper concourse that provide for a great view of the game action below. You'll find numerous options for mixed drinks. Beers will cost you $7.50 for Budweiser products, and premium beers like Sam Adams, Heineken, and Red Hook will run you $8.50. Coke products are available for $5.50 for a large.

Atmosphere    4

As the first team to turn out the lights for player introductions, there is a special sense of drama and history to begin your experience inside the arena. I generally feel like they pump the music a little too loudly during the pre-game as the teams are warming up, but maybe I'm just getting old. The digital running of the Bulls through downtown Chicago, accompanied by the Alan Parsons Project song "Sirius," is worth a few goose bumps every time.

Sitting beneath 6 championship banners, and the retired #23 of perhaps the greatest player ever to play the game adds to the ambiance of the venue.

It's surprising that you don't see more fans sporting Bulls gear and jerseys in the crowd. There is the predictable smattering of Jordan jerseys, and Derrick Rose's #1, but overall there isn't an overwhelming showing of red and black in the house, and much less so than a Blackhawks game.

Neighborhood    3

In an area that is not known for being particularly interesting, or even completely safe, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found for entertainment options near the United Center. The key is to keep to the east side of the United Center, and bring a pair of shoes you don't mind walking in.

A half mile or so from the United Center is the Palace Grill, a greasy spoon joint that's been around since 1938. This is a great place to start your night, if you don't mind the walk. For one, you can park on the street for free (make sure you check signs). Second, they serve breakfast all day, and they were voted as having the best breakfast in the city by the Chicago Sun-Times in 2008. I went for a Palace Deluxe Burger, a half-pound beauty served on a French roll. You can skip the fries which are sub-par, but make sure you get some homemade pickle. They also serve alcohol, so if you want to make this your pre-game bar, it works for that as well, and isn't as crowded as other options.

If you're up really, really late, well they open at 5am. I also had to laugh at their "Sorry, we're open" sign. Also, I was told that they cook 35 pounds of bacon a day. That fact alone would have been enough to draw my business.

My final stop before the game was at the original Billy Goat Tavern. Established in 1934, the tavern became famous because of its owner's curse on the Cubs after denying entry to his goat, Murphy, during the 1945 World Series. It gained more fame as being the setting for a Saturday Night Live skit (Cheezborger, cheezborger, cheezborger) in 1978. I found the "cheezborgers" to be decent, not spectacular, but worth the price at this historic establishment.

Fans    3

I found the Bulls fans to be predictable and about as average as fans can be. They turned out in decent numbers, but if they weren't prompted by the scoreboard, I'm not sure that half the fans would ever know when to cheer.

I also need to put part of the blame on the people running the United Center. For a facility built in the mid-90's not to have cup holders is inexcusable. Plus, it's a lot harder to applaud with a beer in your hand.

Access    4

There are plenty of bathrooms, but they tend to be small, so expect a solid 15 minute wait during halftime to get from your seat and back.

Parking will cost you a bundle if you want to be close to the United Center, but if you're willing to walk a few blocks, there are bargains to be found. For $35 you can park right next to the arena. Move across the street and the price drops to $20. A half block further you move into "unofficial" parking and the cost goes to $18. Another block further east and you're 3/8 of a mile away and parking for $17 (half the price for less than half a mile).

I've had real good luck going just a little bit further and parking on the street for free. About a block past the Billy Goat Tavern, you should be able to find a spot on the street about two hours before the game. Another option is to take the train. The nearest Green Line stop is at the corner of Lake & Ashland and is about 5/8 mile walk to the United Center.

Return on Investment    3

You can get in the United Center for a Bulls game for as little as $10, which is certainly a good value by NBA standards. The seats will be as high as you can go, behind the baskets, but it's not a terrible perspective, and certainly a different view than you'll get sitting home on the couch. 200 Level seats will cost you over $100 per seat, and you'll pay at least $130 to sit in the lower 100 Level seats.

The parking price tag is high unless you're willing to take my advice and walk a bit. Figure in the cost of the pricey food, and a night at the Bulls game can cost you as little as $25, or as much as you may want to pay, but most experiences will probably come close to $100 per person, all in.

Extras    2

Make sure you stop by the east side of the United Center and get your obligatory photo of the famous statue of Michael Jordan.

The history that has been seen in this building in its relatively short history is worth an extra bonus point, with 3 NBA championships and one Stanley Cup won by its tenants since 1994.

I have to respectfully disagree on this one. I grew up pretty much hating Jordan and the Bulls (odd

I have to respectfully disagree on this one. I grew up pretty much hating Jordan and the Bulls (odd, i know), but I love the United Center experience.

The neighborhood is awful, especially considering Wrigley is so darn awesome. A recent study called it the unsafest (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Study-finds-area-around-Bulls-arena-unsafest-in-?urn=nba-274955).

The atmosphere is just phenomenal. Their play stoppage promotions are the best in the NBA. The intro, and the energy of the United Center is one of the best I've experienced.

The fans? My hats off to them. Despite being an EIGHT seed, they were in the top 3 of attendance the past two years in a row. Kudos to them.

The extras! Just awesome! Jordan statue, the banners, and the interactive exhibits they have on the upper and lower levels are lots of fun.

by DrewCieszynski | Nov 13, 2010 06:05 PM

I\'m with you on the atmosphere, but even though the paid attendance has been good, I think the fans

I'm with you on the atmosphere, but even though the paid attendance has been good, I think the fans are really average for the most part, and completely predictable. I would also say that the neighborhood is better than awful. You're right that it's not Wrigley, but it's not quite as bad as most people think.

by paul | Nov 14, 2010 10:29 AM

Nice Arena Better Fans

I've taken in games at United Center during the Jordan/Jackson era, the lean years immediately following, and since Derrick Rose has emerged as one of basketball's best. Each time I was impressed with the amenities and concessions as well as the surrounding neighborhood. More impressive, though - on my first and third occasions at least - was the passion and commitment shown by the Chicago fans. They're a rabid but respectful bunch, the type all NBA fan bases should strive to be.

Take in a game at United Center (if you can get a ticket, that is). It's one of the best pro basketball experiences out there.

by JackWinter | Dec 20, 2011 01:50 PM

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