Walk into the Madhouse on Madison and the first thing you’ll notice isn't the ice. It’s the noise. But if you’re staring at a seating chart united center blackhawks screen trying to figure out where to drop your hard-earned cash, that noise can feel a lot like confusion.
I’ve spent enough nights in this building to know that a "good seat" on paper can sometimes be a nightmare in reality. You might think being "on the glass" is the peak of existence. Honestly? It's often a gimmick. You’ll see the sweat on Connor Bedard’s forehead, but you won't see the play developing at the other end of the rink because the curved glass distorts everything like a funhouse mirror.
🔗 Read more: Why One Shot at Forever Still Hits Hard: The Real Story of the 1971 Macon Ironmen
Breaking Down the Levels (The Honest Version)
The United Center is basically a giant concrete Oreo. You’ve got three main layers, and they couldn’t be more different if they tried.
The 100 Level: For the High Rollers and "Once-a-Year" Crowd
The lower bowl (Sections 101–122) is where the big money lives. It’s intense. You hear the thud of a body check against the boards and it vibrates in your teeth.
- The Bench Situation: The Blackhawks bench is right in front of Section 101. The visitors? They’re tucked in front of 122. If you want to shout encouragement (or whatever else) at the bench, those are your spots.
- The "Dead Zone": Here is a tip most ticket sites won't tell you. Avoid Rows 3 through 10 in the 100 level. You’re paying a massive premium, but you’re at an awkward height where the dasher boards and the glass support beams cut off your view of the near-side puck action.
- The Sweet Spot: Row 15 and up. At this height, you finally clear the glass. You get that perfect "TV angle" but with the roar of the crowd right in your ears.
The 200 Level: The "Pinky Up" Experience
This is the Lexus Club level. It’s exclusive. You can’t even walk the concourse here unless your ticket starts with a "2." Sections 201–234 are the business class of the United Center.
It’s only 8 rows deep. That’s it. You’re never more than a few steps from a bathroom or a beer that—let’s be real—is probably better than what they’re serving upstairs. If you’re trying to impress a date or close a deal, this is it. But if you want the "rowdy" Blackhawks experience? You might find it a little too quiet.
The 300 Level: Where the Real Fans Are
If you want to understand Chicago hockey, go to the 300s. It’s steep. Like, "don't look down if you have vertigo" steep. But the sightlines are arguably the best in the building for actually watching the game of hockey.
Sections 316–318 and 301–334 put you right over center ice. You see the whole play develop—every cross-ice pass, every defensive breakdown. Plus, the tickets are actually affordable, often hovering between $60 and $120 depending on the opponent.
Where Do the Blackhawks Shoot Twice?
This is the question that trips people up every single time.
The Blackhawks shoot twice at the goal in front of Sections 116–118. On the upper levels, that corresponds to the 300-level sections on the East side of the building. If you want to see the goals being scored by the home team, that’s your target zone.
The visiting team shoots twice toward Sections 105–107. If you’re a fan of the opposing team (we won't judge too hard), that’s where you want to be.
Premium Spots and "Secret" Rooms
The United Center has undergone some massive renovations recently. The BMO Club on the West end is basically a suite experience without needing to own the whole suite. You get three bars, a lounge with pool tables, and all-inclusive food. It’s a buffet situation.
💡 You might also like: Premiership Football Scores Today: Why the Form Table Is Telling a Different Story
Then there are the Theater Boxes. These are semi-private four-person booths. You get a reserved table in a lounge and then you walk out to your "box" which is about 28 rows from the ice. It’s a weird hybrid of a suite and a regular seat, but for a group of four, it’s arguably the most comfortable way to see a game.
Accessibility and Special Needs
The UC is actually pretty great about this.
- ADA Seating: Available on all levels. You usually have to call the box office directly (312-455-4657) to get these sorted properly rather than fighting with a map online.
- Sensory Needs: They are a KultureCity certified venue. If the sirens and the "Chelsea Dagger" goal song get to be too much, there’s a dedicated Sensory Room located at Gate 2 1/2. You can also grab sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones at the Guest Relations booths (Sections 100, 221, and 325).
The "Pro" Strategy for Buying Tickets
Don't buy early unless it's a huge rivalry game against the Red Wings or a jersey retirement night.
I’ve seen prices on resale apps like Gametime or Ticketmaster slash by 40% roughly 90 minutes before puck drop. If you’re already in the West Loop grabbing a burger at Au Cheval, just keep refreshing your phone. People get desperate to offload seats they can't use.
Also, look for Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets. They’re usually the cheapest entry point, but honestly, it’s a grind. You’re standing behind the last row of the 300 level. If you’re short, you’re going to be watching the jumbotron half the night. Only do SRO if you literally just want to be in the building for the "vibe."
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Row, Not Just the Price: In the 100 level, Row 15+ is better than Row 5. In the 300 level, anything under Row 8 is gold; anything above Row 12 feels like you’re sitting on the moon.
- Aim for the "Shoot Twice" Side: Target sections 113–121 or 313–320 to see the Hawks on the attack for 40 out of 60 minutes.
- Use Gate 4 for Shopping: The main team store at Gate 2 is a mosh pit. The Atrium store at Gate 4 is usually a bit more breathable for pre-game shopping.
- Aisle Seats Matter: United Center seats aren't the widest. If you're a bigger person, Seat 1 or the highest seat number in a section will give you that sweet, sweet aisle breathing room. Seat 1 is always closer to the lower-numbered section next to it.
- Park in Lot C or K: If you aren't taking the CTA (the #19 Express bus from downtown is great), Lot C and K are usually the easiest for a quick exit toward the expressway after the game.
The Blackhawks are in a rebuild, which means the arena is transitionary. You’ll find die-hard old-timers in the 300s and corporate folks in the 100s. Pick your level based on how much you actually want to see versus how much you want to feel. Either way, once that anthem starts, there isn't a bad seat in the house for the atmosphere alone.