United Center

The United Center is a sports stadium in Chicago, Illinois, named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines, located at 1901 W. Madison Street, west of downtown, which is home to both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls. The plan to build the arena was created by Bill Wirtz and Jerry Reinsdorf, the owners of the two sports teams, respectively. The United Center's predecessor was Chicago Stadium, which was demolished after the United Center opened for business on August 18, 1994.

Related Topics:
Sports - Stadium - Chicago - Illinois - United Airlines - Downtown - Chicago Blackhawks - Chicago Bulls - Bill Wirtz - Jerry Reinsdorf - Chicago Stadium - August 18 - 1994

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The privately-owned arena contains 960,000 square feet and is located on a 46 acre parcel west of the Chicago Loop. The arena claims to be the largest in the United States (in physical size, not in capacity), and hosts over 200 events per year, drawing over 20 million visitors since its grand opening. In addition to approximately 100 Bulls/Blackhawks games each year, the United Center has hosted other sporting events such as University of Illinois basketball, the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament, the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, and the Great Eight Classic. Musical acts appearing at the United Center have included The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, U2, The Who, and The Three Tenors. The United Center has also provided a Chicago home for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice.

Related Topics:
Chicago Loop - University of Illinois basketball - Big Ten - Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament - The Rolling Stones - Eric Clapton - Bruce Springsteen - Paul McCartney - U2 - The Who - The Three Tenors - Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus - Disney on Ice

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The United Center was also the site of the 1996 Democratic National Convention.

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