The Chicago Bulls arrived on the court in 1966 and promptly found their footing in Chicago’s sports scene. Their legacy includes back-to-back-to-back championships, epic playoff battles, and an unforgettable dynasty that reshaped the league and cemented the Bulls’ place in global sports history.

This iconic team is best known for its legendary run of six championship titles, as part of two separate “three-peats.”

The names that defined those years — including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen — still hang above the court, reminders of a once-in-a-lifetime era for Chicago sports fans that has set a bar few teams have touched since.

Today, the team still brings an electric energy to the court for each and every home game. Grab your gear and get ready — because when the Bulls hit the court, the whole city charges with them.

Chicago Bulls fast facts

  • Year founded: 1966
  • League: The Chicago Bulls are an iconic team in the National Basketball Association.
  • Arena: The Bulls play at the United Center, a legendary venue on Chicago’s near West Side.
  • Season: The Chicago Bulls follow the NBA regular season schedule, which runs from October to April. The playoffs can extend into June.
  • Tickets: Single-game tickets for the upcoming season typically go on sale in September.

Check out the Chicago Bulls schedule and make sure to get your tickets early.

Chicago Bulls game day experience

Explore the arena
As you make your way into United Center, it’s impossible not to stop and admire the towering Michael Jordan statue. The bronze figure captures MJ in full flight, soaring past defenders in one of his signature, gravity‑defying dunks.

Other points of interest in the arena include:

  • All six NBA championship trophies
  • A bronze bust of Scottie Pippen
  • The Madhouse Team Store filled with Bulls jerseys, memorabilia, and merch

Traditions and entertainment
When the game starts, the lights drop. The arena goes silent for a beat until suddenly the Bulls’ iconic theme song surges through the speakers. Red lasers slice through the darkness, the jumbotron erupts with stampeding bulls charging across Chicago, and the crowd rises as each starter’s name echoes through United Center.

Once the action tips off, the entertainment doesn’t stop. Benny the Bull pops up everywhere — dancing, goofing around, launching T‑shirts into the stands, and generally stealing the show. Between plays, the Luvabulls dance team brings the energy with their choreography, and the Bucket Boys keep the rhythm pounding through the arena with percussions.

Concessions and dining
Round out your Bulls 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.

Theme nights and rivalry matchups
Every season brings a slate of marquee games that fans circle on the calendar. Rivalries with teams like the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks often bring extra fire. Theme nights throughout the year add even more excitement, from heritage celebrations to fan appreciation events and special promotional giveaways.

History of the Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls joined the NBA in 1966, entering a crowded Chicago sports scene and swiftly proving they belonged in the mix.

The early years brought flashes of promise, tough playoff battles, and a fan base that grew steadily with each season. But the real turning point came in 1984, when the Bulls drafted a guard from North Carolina who would change the franchise — and the sport — forever.

The Jordan era
Michael Jordan redefined what a superstar athlete could be. His arrival kicked off a run of basketball that still feels larger than life. With Jordan leading the charge, and Scottie Pippen emerging as the ideal running mate, the Bulls built a style that combined unmatched skill and relentlessness.

Add in Phil Jackson’s leadership and the triangle offense, and Chicago became the team everyone else measured themselves against. The result: two separate three‑peats — championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, and again in 1996, 1997, 1998. Six titles in eight years. A dynasty that dominated the decade and left a mark on the league, and the city, that still hasn’t faded.

A global phenomenon
Jordan’s influence, the Bulls’ unmatched style, and the sheer spectacle of their success turned Chicago into the center of the basketball world.

The team became a pop‑culture force, appearing in commercials, movies, posters, and living rooms across the planet. Bulls jerseys were worn everywhere from Chicago to Shanghai. Plus, the Jumpman logo became a global symbol, and the Bulls’ red and black became one of the most recognizable color schemes in sports.

Beyond the dynasty
The Chicago Bulls remained a fixture in the NBA conversation, from the gritty early‑2000s rebuilds to the Derrick Rose era — which brought an MVP trophy back to Chicago — the franchise has continued to evolve while staying rooted in the identity forged during their golden years.

The Bulls carry more than six decades of history, a legacy of noteworthy moments, and a worldwide fan base that grew out of one of the most influential runs in sports. The dynasty may belong to the past, but its impact still echoes every time the United Center lights dim and the crowd rises, ready for whatever comes next.

United Center, aerial shot
The United Center from above

About the United Center

Debuting in 1994, United Center entered the spotlight as Chicago’s new sports and entertainment hub. Rising across from the old Chicago Stadium, the arena marked a major shift for the city while still channeling the unmistakable character that defined the original Madhouse on Madison.

Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Chicago Blackhawks owner William Wirtz set out to open an arena built for the future but rooted in Chicago tradition. Construction kicked off in 1992, and two years later the doors opened to a world-class arena.

The United Center Atrium, added in 2017, introduced a bright new entrance for guests and brought the iconic Michael Jordan statue indoors, where it now anchors the space and welcomes visitors year‑round.

Since opening its doors, the United Center has hosted millions of fans and an incredible range of events, from championship runs and victory parades to global concert tours and major national gatherings.

Although United Center does not offer public tours, visitors can still stop by on non‑event days to take photos outside or explore the Atrium and its retail shop. Full access to the arena is available only during scheduled events.

The Chicago Bulls share the arena with the Chicago Blackhawks, and often play on consecutive days. An experienced crew of more than 50 works meticulously to switch the arena floor from an ice rink to a basketball court in less than three hours.

When the lights dim and the crowd surges, the arena proves once again why the Madhouse on Madison remains one of the most iconic environments in sports.

Around United Center

From quick bites to comfortable overnight stays, the Near West Side of Chicago offers visitors unbeatable convenience within a short walk or drive.

Where to eat

On the hunt for a bite near United Center? You’re spoiled for choice, whether you’re dining before or after a Bulls game. Here are a few favorites.

  • Formento’s: Drift into a softly lit room where Italian American comfort food — from hearty pastas to classic meatballs — arrives with the kind of hospitality that never goes out of style.
  • Greek Islands Restaurant: Follow the scent of oregano and olive oil into a dining room buzzing with energy, where generous portions make every table feel like a party.
  • City Winery Chicago: Savor local wines alongside pasta, flatbreads, truffle‑infused comfort plates in a warm, barrel‑lined room that hums with live music and easy energy.
  • Duck Duck Goat: Twirl chewy noodles, tear into flaky scallion pancakes, and chase down bold, wok‑fired dishes in a modern Chinese American restaurant that mixes whimsy with serious flavor.
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: Locals stay loyal to this beloved chain known for its buttery crust that borders on addictive, bright tomato sauce, and a pizza that eats more like a celebration than a meal.
  • Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ: Fire up your own grill at this lively West Loop spot, where the sizzle, smoke, and share‑as‑you‑go rhythm turn dinner into a full‑on hangout.
  • Macello Cucina di Puglia: Enjoy handmade pastas, coastal flavors, and a touch of Southern Italian nostalgia at this warm, brick‑lined space.

Check out more restaurants near United Center.

Where to stay

No matter if you’re in the mood for boutique charm, modern efficiency, or all-out luxury, the hotels near United Center make it easy to turn a night out into a full‑on getaway.

Explore more accommodations and hotels near the United Center.

Getting to the United Center

Ready to join the roar of the crowd at a Bulls game? Fortunately, United Center is well‑connected — take transit, pedal over, or pull into one of the lots. Here are your travel options.

By CTA: The arena is a short walk from several train stops: Damen Green Line station, the Illinois Medical District stop on the Blue Line, and Ashland on the Green and Pink Lines. Multiple CTA buses also serve the area, including the #9 Ashland, #20 Madison, #50 Damen, and #126 Jackson. After events, the #19 United Center Express offers a direct ride back toward downtown, Union Station, and Michigan Avenue.

By Metra train: Take any Metra line into Union Station, then connect with the #20 Madison bus or another CTA option for the short trip to the arena. After the event, the #19 Express provides an efficient return downtown.

By bike: Nestled across from the arena at Damen Avenue and Madison Street is a Divvy station, making bike share an easy option. Standard bike racks are also available near the Madison Street entrance.

By rideshare: Uber pickups and dropoffs use the designated zone at Madison and Wood (Lot E). Fans can also choose Uber Shuttle, a flat‑fare shared bus service after major events. Book it in the Uber app under Services → Shuttle, select your route and time, then show your ticket at the Uber tent. Staff will direct you to Lane 7 for boarding.

By car: Fans can pay for parking in advance through Ticketmaster at a lower rate compared to on-site parking fees. SpotHero provides another option for booking parking in advance. EV charging is available at Lot H and Lot K at no cost, with posted time limits. Parking lots open 2.5 hours before event start times.

Learn more about how to get to United Center.

Schedule and tickets for the Chicago Bulls

When the NBA season is here, the energy at United Center hits full roar. From October through April, United Center transforms into basketball country, with every Bulls home game bringing buzzer‑beaters, big‑time matchups, and Benny-fueled chaos.

Whether you’re planning a single night out or gearing up for a season‑long ride, there’s a ticket option with your name on it.

  • Single game tickets: Pick your moment. Grab seats for the matchups you don’t want to miss and feel the crowd erupt around you.
  • Season tickets: Go all‑in. Season tickets unlock the best value, exclusive member benefits, and a guaranteed spot in the action all season long.
  • Group tickets: Bring the whole squad. Ideal for celebrations, team outings, or any group that wants to experience the Bulls together.
  • Premium seating: Upgrade your night with club seating or suites featuring top‑tier amenities and white‑glove service.
  • Special ticket offers: Score unique themed items and limited‑time perks with select ticket packages throughout the season.
  • Student pass: Students can get access to special discounted offers for Bulls home games through the Student Pass.
  • Benny’s Splash Zone: Sit where Benny’s legendary popcorn spill became Bulls lore. It’s high‑energy, high‑fun, and absolutely unforgettable.
  • Family ticket packs: Make it a family night at United Center. These packs bundle great seats with added value for select games.

To keep entry fast and secure, United Center no longer accepts printed tickets or screenshots for Bulls games. Be sure to access your mobile tickets directly in the Chicago Bulls App when you arrive at the gates.

Check out the Bulls schedule and reserve your game-day tickets today.