Chicago’s United Center is one of the most iconic sports venues in Chicago, and for good reason. It draws millions of visitors every year for everything from heart-pounding playoff games to sold-out concerts. Whether you’re coming to watch the Bulls chase a championship, catch the Blackhawks tear up the ice, or see your favorite artist perform live, where you stay matters. For those looking for hotels near the United Center in Chicago, the right hotel puts you close to the action without the stress of a long commute.
There’s really only one choice that fulfills those requirements. Here’s why Arlo Chicago is the only hotel worth booking, and what’s waiting for you at the United Center once you arrive.
Arlo Chicago: The Only Choice for United Center Visitors
When it comes to hotels near the United Center in Chicago, Arlo Chicago isn’t just the best option; it’s the obvious one. Located in downtown Chicago near Millennium Park, Arlo Chicago is approximately three miles from the United Center. A short rideshare can get you to the arena in about 10 minutes, while the CTA Green Line provides an easy public transportation option for getting to and from events.
The hotel itself earns its reputation at every turn. Arlo Chicago offers sleek, thoughtfully designed rooms, an American bistro, About Last Knife, that serves up classic dishes with a global flair, and a communal energy that feels right at home in one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods. The West Loop buzzes with acclaimed restaurants, late-night bars, and a creative scene that adds real depth to your trip beyond the arena. You’re not just sleeping near the United Center; you’re staying in a neighborhood that’s genuinely worth exploring before and after the event.
Price, location, walkability, transit access, and genuine style: Arlo Chicago checks every box. Other hotels in the area ask you to compromise on at least one of those things. Arlo Chicago doesn’t. The restaurant alone is worth the booking; there’s no better place to eat and wind down after a Bulls overtime win or a Blackhawks playoff victory. For anyone planning a trip built around a United Center event, Arlo Chicago is the only call worth making.
Chicago Bulls Games: Championship Energy on the West Side
The Chicago Bulls arena atmosphere is unlike anything else in the NBA. United Center, nicknamed “The House That Michael Jordan Built”, carries decades of championship legacy within its walls, and the current era of Bulls basketball keeps that energy alive and growing. On game nights, the arena fills with more than 20,000 fans, the iconic pre-game introductions light up the building in red and white, and the roar of the crowd shakes the rafters from tip-off to the final buzzer.
Whether the Bulls are fighting for a playoff spot or hosting a marquee matchup against a longtime rival, attending a game here connects you directly to one of the most storied franchises in professional sports history. Pair it with a pre-game dinner in the West Loop, and you have an unbeatable Chicago night.
Chicago Blackhawks Games: Hockey at Its Loudest
Watching Chicago Blackhawks games at the United Center ranks among the most electric experiences in all of professional hockey. The Blackhawks faithful are famously passionate, and the tradition of fans singing along to “Chelsea Dagger” after every home goal never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve experienced it. The arena’s acoustics amplify every bone-crunching hit, every power play surge, and every overtime moment into something that feels genuinely larger than life.
The United Center has hosted Stanley Cup championship celebrations for the Blackhawks, and the banners hanging from the rafters remind every visitor of what this franchise has meant to the city of Chicago. A Blackhawks game here isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a full civic experience that connects you to the soul of the city.
Concerts at United Center: World-Class Performances
Beyond sports, concerts at the United Center draw some of the biggest names in music to Chicago’s West Side year after year. The arena’s size and production capabilities make it a premier stop on major national and international tours. Artists across every genre, from global pop superstars to legacy rock acts to hip-hop icons, regularly sell out the venue for multiple nights in a row.
The stage configuration adapts depending on the show, allowing for everything from massive festival-style productions with elaborate lighting rigs to more intimate in-the-round setups that place the performer at the heart of the crowd. If a major artist is on tour, there’s a very strong chance the United Center is on the itinerary.
Other Events: More Than Just Sports and Music
The United Center hosts far more than Bulls and Blackhawks games and concerts. The arena regularly welcomes college basketball showcase events, bringing top programs and tournament-level atmospheres to the city. Professional wrestling events, including major WWE pay-per-view nights, pack the building with passionate fans and wall-to-wall spectacle.
Ice skating productions, large-scale award ceremonies, motorsport exhibitions, and family shows have all found a home at the United Center over the years. The arena’s remarkable versatility makes it one of the busiest and most active venues in the entire country; there is almost always something worth making the trip for.
Make the Most of Your United Center Experience
Chicago’s United Center rewards visitors who plan ahead. Events sell out fast, the surrounding West Loop neighborhood demands time of its own, and the difference between a stressful game-night scramble and a seamless, memorable experience often comes down to where you’re staying.
Arlo Chicago, as the most obvious choice among hotels near the United Center in Chicago, removes every logistical headache from the equation. Walk, grab a cab, or catch the train; you’re always close, always comfortable, and always planted in the middle of one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods.
Book your stay at Arlo, pick your event, and let United Center handle the rest.