Founded in 1926, the Chicago Blackhawks have seen eras shift, rosters turn over, and the skyline change, but the team’s place in Chicago’s sports culture stays firmly rooted. As one of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Original Six teams, the Blackhawks have logged more than 6,000 regular‑season games and built a dedicated community of fans. 

Over the decades, the Blackhawks have built a résumé that holds up in any era: six Stanley Cups, two Presidents’ Trophy season, and enough playoff runs to keep generations of fans invested. Their modern dynasty — the 2010, 2013, and 2015 championships — has turned United Center into one of the loudest buildings in the league.

In a high-energy city that runs on sports, the Blackhawks hold their own, boasting a century’s worth of history, personality, and a fan base that shows up ready to make noise.

Chicago Blackhawks fast facts

  • Year founded: 1926
  • League: The Chicago Blackhawks are an iconic team in the National Hockey League.
  • Arena: The Blackhawks play at the United Center, a legendary venue on Chicago’s near West Side.
  • Season: The Chicago Blackhawks follow the NHL regular season schedule, which runs from early October to April. The Stanley Cup playoffs can extend into June.
  • Tickets: Single-game tickets for the upcoming season typically go on sale in early September. Or check out group ticket options, premium seating and suites, or season ticket plans. 

Check the Chicago Blackhawks schedule to reserve tickets for the latest matchups. 

The Chicago Blackhawks game day experience

The Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center

A Chicago Blackhawks game day is a one-of-a-kind experience. The legendary United Center fills with noise, the goal horn shakes the building, and the crowd is locked in before the puck even drops. And beloved Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk brings the energy wherever he goes.

Blackhawks game-day traditions

Blackhawks games involve rituals that go back generations. The traditions born in Chicago Stadium — the cheers, the chants, the anthem, the organ — carried over when the team moved to United Center, preserving the spirit of the so-called Madhouse.

Cheering during the national anthem
Before every home game, opera‑trained tenor Jim Cornelison takes the ice to sing the national anthem, backed by an organist — and the roar of the crowd. In one of the NHL’s most unique traditions, the home crowd cheers and shouts as loudly as possible for the duration of the anthem.  

This tradition traces back to Chicago Stadium during a pivotal 1985 playoff game against the Edmonton Oilers, when Blackhawks fans started cheering to hype up the team and never really stopped. The tradition stuck, and continues to be an exhilarating start to every home game.

The first goal horn and “Chelsea Dagger”
The Blackhawks are credited with introducing the NHL’s first goal horn in 1973. That distinctive blast has marked thousands of home goals and remains one of the league’s most recognizable cues. In addition, “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis plays after every Blackhawks goal, and it doesn’t take long before the whole arena is singing along.

Special in-game experiences
Whether it’s for a birthday or special occasion, these in-game experiences will make for an unforgettable Blackhawks experience.

  • Zamboni rides: For a donation, fans can ride on the Zamboni during pre-game warmups or intermission.
  • Tommy Hawk visits: Request a special visit from Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk, including a gift bag to take home.
  • Birthday and welcome messages: Celebrate a special occasion by requesting a custom message on the scoreboard.

For a special souvenir, game‑used warmup pucks are available for purchase at the Madhouse Team Store. Each puck features team logos and the date of the game. They go on sale as soon as warmups end, and quantities are limited.

Concessions and dining
Round out your Blackhawks experience with great game-day eats. The United Center offers an abundance of concessions options:

  • Sit-down dining: Modern spots Rocky’s Bar and Queenie’s Supper Club make for a great pre-game meal.
  • Local options: Find food from Chicago favorites like Goose Island, Lillie’s Q, Mindy’s, Gibsons, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Giordano’s, and more.
  • Grab-and-go: Don’t miss a second of the action with mobile ordering and “just-walk-out” options.

The arena offers vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher options.

Entertainment and theme nights
Expect a full slate of entertainment from warmups to the final horn. The United Center hosts pre-game ceremonies, alumni appearances, and special presentations throughout the season.

Fans can also catch giveaways, bobbleheads, raffles, and themed games. Popular theme nights include Military Appreciation, Native American Heritage Night, Pride Night, St. Patrick’s Day, and more.

Watch heated rivalries
Certain matchups often stand out on the calendar. Rivalry games against Original Six opponents — especially the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens — bring a different level of intensity. 

Games against the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild also draw big crowds and playoff‑style energy. These matchups often sell out quickly and come with elevated in‑arena buzz.

History of the Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago entrepreneur Frederic McLaughlin founded the Chicago Blackhawks in 1926, establishing the franchise as a founding pillar of the NHL’s Original Six era. He formed the first roster by acquiring players from the Portland Rosebuds and swiftly rooted the team in Chicago’s identity. 

The team was named for Black Hawk, a highly revered leader of the Sauk tribe (present-day Sac & Fox). His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indigenous people, American veterans, and the Chicago Blackhawks community.

The Blackhawks made their mark by capturing their first Stanley Cup in 1934, then won another in 1938, becoming one of the league’s early powerhouses. They moved into Chicago Stadium in 1929, and other teams soon recognized the venue as one of the loudest, most intimidating arenas in sports.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Blackhawks surged again. Icons Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita transformed the team with their speed, scoring, and innovation. Their dominance powered Chicago to the 1961 Stanley Cup, the franchise’s third championship.

The Blackhawks rebuilt in the 2000s and created a new era of success, when the team delivered one of the NHL’s most impressive modern dynasties. They won three Stanley Cups in six seasons: 2010, 2013, and 2015. These championships cemented the Blackhawks as a top-tier NHL franchise. 

Throughout their history, the Blackhawks have won:

  • 6 Stanley Cups (1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013, and 2015)
  • 4 conference championships (1992, 2010, 2013, and 2015)
  • 2 Presidents’ Trophies (1991 and 2013)
  • 16 division titles

The Blackhawks compete in the Central Division, one of the two divisions that make up the NHL’s Western Conference. The team continues to shape NHL history through their players, traditions, and passionate fan base. From the rumble of Chicago Stadium to the energy of United Center, the franchise carries a century’s worth of hockey heritage into every season.

About the United Center

United Center, aerial shot
The United Center from above

Since its inception, United Center has welcomed millions of fans and staged a diverse range of events, from Stanley Cup runs and championship celebrations to global concert tours and political conventions. 

Opened in 1994, United Center was built through a partnership between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls. The new arena replaced the legendary Chicago Stadium, which had earned the nickname “Madhouse on Madison” for its loud and raucous energy. 

Today, the United Center carries on that tradition with an unforgettable fan environment, retaining the noise, energy, and attitude that made the original location famous — while delivering the comfort, technology, and spectacle of a world‑class venue.

The United Center is also known as “the house that Jordan built,” in honor of the historic NBA championship run led by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during the arena’s early years. Today, the iconic Michael Jordan statue in the indoor atrium is a pilgrimage point for fans from around the world.

The Chicago Blackhawks have shared the United Center with the Chicago Bulls for decades, which requires the arena to house both a basketball court and ice rink. A hard-working staff of more than 50 people can transform the arena floor from ice to floorboards in less than three hours.

As for seating, the bowl’s design keeps every seat close to the action. Premium seating — including suites, club levels, and specialty hospitality areas — gives fans elevated views and upgraded amenities.

While United Center does not offer public tours, fans can still swing by on non‑event days to snap photos outside the arena or explore the United Center Atrium and its retail shop. Outside of those areas, the building opens only during scheduled events.

Around the United Center

Between local favorites and trendy dining spots, here’s where to eat, drink, and stay when you’re planning to watch a Blackhawks game at United Center.

Where to eat near the United Center

Near United Center, fans can easily find a place for a quick drink or full meal before or after a Blackhawks game. Check out a few standout restaurants.

  • Reggies: This popular South Loop bar and music venue offers diners a free round-trip shuttle to and from Blackhawks home games.
  • Goose Island Beer Company: Enjoy fresh craft beers alongside hearty pub favorites in a laid‑back Fulton Market taproom.
  • Gioia Ristorante: Enter this serene corner of the West Loop where contemporary Italian plates meet a warm, intimate atmosphere.
  • Expat: Wander into this stylish West Loop restaurant to enjoy globally inspired dishes, unmatched hospitality, and an easy, unhurried calm.
  • Gaijin: Turning out okonomiyaki and inventive Japanese‑inspired plates that lean casual, creative, and a little offbeat.
  • Chez Joel Bistro: Swing by this French eatery known for its comforting bistro dishes, leafy patio, and charming ambiance.
  • Bocaditos Chicago: This Mexican-inspired spot serves small plates with flavors from Oaxaca, Baja, and beyond.
  • Athena Restaurant: Settle into a sun‑filled dining room in Chicago’s historic Greektown with classic Mediterranean dishes.

Explore more restaurants near United Center.

Where to stay near the United Center

Within minutes of United Center, you’ll find a mix of hotels varying from low‑key and relaxed to trendy and buzzy.

Check out more accommodations and hotels near United Center.

Getting to the United Center

Whether you’re riding the CTA, rolling up on a bike, or driving in for the night, here’s how to make the trip to United Center.

By CTA: The Damen Green Line station is a short walk away, and the Ashland stop on the Green and Pink Lines is only a few blocks further. The Blue Line’sIllinois Medical District station is also within walking distance to the arena.

Several CTA buses drop you close to the doors, including the #9 Ashland, #20 Madison, #50 Damen, and #126 Jackson. After events, the CTA runs the #19 United Center Express, which heads straight toward Union Station, downtown, and Michigan Avenue.

By Metra train: Ride any Metra line into Union Station, then take the CTA bus #20 Madison bus or another CTA option for the final stretch to United Center. After the game, the #19 United Center Express can take you back to the station.

By bike: There’s a Divvy station across from United Center’s main entrance on Damen Avenue and Madison Street, making it easy to pick up or return a bike before or after a game. Bike racks are also available in front of the Madison Street entrance.

By rideshare: The designated area for Uber pickups and dropoffs is located in Lot E at the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street. Visitors can also use Uber Shuttle, which offers flat‑fare shared buses to set destinations after major events. 

Book the shuttle in the Uber app under Services → Shuttle, choose your route and time, then show your ticket at the Uber tent. 

By car: Purchase parking ahead of time through Ticketmaster at a lower rate than paying on‑site. You can also reserve nearby parking options through SpotHero. Free EV charging is available in Lot H and Lot K. Lots open 2.5 hours before event start times.

Find out more about how to get to United Center.

Schedule and tickets for the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks settle in for the long haul from early October through mid-April, with potential playoffs games through June. Single game tickets are the go-to for most fans, while group ticket options and premium seating and suites offer more options.

With full-season season tickets, you can access all 40+ home games and enjoy the most complete member experience. Perks include exclusive member events, discounts at the Madhouse Team Store and CBH Shop, savings on concessions, a flexible game‑swap program, priority access to every playoff game, and United Center presale access. 

There are also half-season and quarter-season passes, which both come with special membership perks. In addition, a Pick ‘Em plan lets you design your own mini‑plan with five or more games. Pick ’Em members receive concession discounts, priority presale access for playoff games and concerts, and entry to select member events. 

Fans can find the team’s full schedule and book official Chicago Blackhawks tickets directly through the NHL.