Chicago Bulls Basketball Game at United Center

The main event here is not just the basketball. At United Center, you get an NBA game in the Bulls’ home arena, where the crowd, court-side action, and tributes to the 1990s championship team make the evening feel distinctly Chicago. You can also see the Michael Jordan statue at the venue.

I like two things in particular: the choice of seat categories, from upper-level seats at $74.45 to lower sideline seats from $374.19, and the in-arena entertainment, which can include performances between periods. Mobile tickets also make entry straightforward once you have the official ticket ready.

The key consideration is that you cannot choose an exact seat in advance. Your assigned location depends on availability and may not match the seat category description perfectly, so buy for the general view and price range, not a particular row.

At a glance

1 / 9

2 / 9

3 / 9

4 / 9

5 / 9

6 / 9

7 / 9

8 / 9

9 / 9

1 / 9

• A Bulls home game: Watch NBA action at United Center, with a passionate crowd and tributes to the team’s championship years.
• Upper Baseline starts at $74.45: These seats are in the upper tiers behind either basket. Upper Sideline, Lower Baseline, and Lower Sideline options cost more.
• Your seat is assigned: You cannot select a specific seat in advance, and seats for a group may not always be together.
• The game-night extras matter: Concessions, arena amenities, and matchday entertainment add to the event beyond the action on court.
• Tickets arrive separately: Your booking confirmation is not your entry ticket. The official mobile ticket may arrive as late as 72 hours before tip-off.
• Plan for arena rules: United Center is cashless, allows only small personal bags, and does not permit outside food or drinks.

👉 See our pick of the 3 Best Shopping Tours In Chicago

A Bulls game, not just a seat in an arena

A live basketball game gives you the sound and pace that a screen cannot quite reproduce: the crowd reacting to a shot, the movement of players across the court, and the shared suspense when the score is close. United Center is the Bulls’ home arena, so the evening also carries a sense of local pride. The venue’s Michael Jordan statue and tributes to the Bulls’ 1990s championship team add context before the game and during your time there.

I would treat this as a full evening out rather than a ticket to watch a game and leave. The arena has concessions and matchday activations, and entertainment can fill the breaks in play. One attendee described performances at each turn, though the exact program will vary. If you are visiting Chicago and want an experience rooted in the city’s sports culture, this is a lively way to spend a game night.

The event is also easy to understand if you do not follow basketball closely. You can enjoy the atmosphere and spectacle without knowing every player or rule. Still, the experience will mean more if you check the Bulls’ opponent and the game date before booking. Player lineups can change without notice, and an event’s start time may change as well.

Choosing the right view for your budget

The least expensive option is Upper Baseline, from $74.45. These seats sit in the upper tiers behind either basket. You will be higher above the court and farther from the players, but this is the most affordable way to be inside the arena and take in the whole event.

Upper Sideline tickets start at $106. The sideline position may suit you if you value a view along the length of the court rather than from behind a basket. Lower Baseline starts at $180.45, while Lower Sideline starts at $374.19. These prices are starting points, not fixed rates for every date. Prices may rise or fall with demand, and a popular opponent or game date can cost more.

A ticket holder has reported getting a third-row seat near the blue bottom, an unusually close result that shows how allocations can vary. Do not count on that outcome: the seat category is not a promise of a particular row, and final locations depend on availability. You cannot pick your exact seat in advance. If your party books several tickets, the final allocation may not place everyone together.

For most budget-minded visitors, I would compare the upper categories first. Paying more makes sense if a closer view is a priority, but there is no guarantee that a category will deliver a particular seat or angle. The best choice depends on whether you care most about price, a sideline perspective, or being nearer to the court.

Arriving at United Center

The meeting point is United Center at 1901 West Madison Street in Chicago. Transport is not included, so you will need to arrange your own way there and back. The event ticket also does not cover hotel pickup, meals, drinks, or personal expenses.

Give yourself time to get through the entry process and find your seat. Your booking confirmation or QR code is not the ticket you scan at the door. The official ticket and seating details are sent separately, and for fraud-prevention reasons they may arrive within 72 hours of the game. Check your email and accept the mobile ticket before you set off.

The ticket instructions specify downloading the MLB Ballpark app to access the event ticket. Since that app name may seem unexpected for a Bulls game, read the operator’s current instructions carefully and contact customer support if anything is unclear. The ticket should appear as a barcode or QR code on your phone. The supplied guidance recommends printing a backup, too, in case your phone has trouble.

Booking itself is described as easy, but do not mistake a quick confirmation for a complete ticket. Keep an eye on your inbox for the separate entry ticket, and make sure you have accepted it. If the ticket has not arrived within 72 hours of the event, the operator says it will send it manually.

Inside the arena: basketball, food, and between-play entertainment

Once inside, your admission includes access to stadium amenities, concessions, and matchday activations. Food and drinks are available to buy, but they are not included in the ticket. Outside food and beverages are prohibited, so plan to purchase what you want in the arena or eat beforehand.

United Center is cashless. Bring a bank card or another accepted cashless payment method for concessions and any extra purchases. The ticket price covers admission and your assigned seat, not the full cost of a night out.

The game itself is the main draw, but the breaks help shape the evening. There may be performances and other entertainment between periods, so expect more than uninterrupted basketball. The exact schedule and performers are not specified, which means you should see these as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed lineup.

The crowd is part of the appeal. Bulls games are known for an energetic home atmosphere, and that can make even a close game feel charged. It also means the arena can be loud and crowded. Pyrotechnics and lighting displays may be part of the event, so consider that if you or someone in your party is sensitive to noise, bright lights, or sudden effects.

A practical note on bags, access, and seat needs

United Center allows a small purse or personal bag up to 10 by 6 by 2 inches. Backpacks and other bags are not allowed, so travel light and check the venue’s current policies before you go. Weapons, flammable items, and sharp objects are prohibited, as is outside food and drink.

The activity is wheelchair-accessible, but the seat allocated to you may not suit every accessibility need. If you require a specific arrangement, check with the venue before booking to confirm that it can be accommodated. The same applies to sensory concerns: ask the venue in advance about available facilities or arrangements.

There is no age limit, and the same ticket price applies to all ages. Infants must sit on an adult’s lap. That makes the game available to families, but think carefully about the length and noise of a live sporting event before bringing a very young child.

What the ticket price really buys

At $74.45, Upper Baseline is a relatively accessible entry point for a live NBA game, especially if your priority is being in the arena rather than sitting close to the floor. You get an assigned seat and access to the event atmosphere, but you should budget separately for transport, food, and drinks.

The higher categories require a more deliberate decision. Upper Sideline begins at $106, Lower Baseline at $180.45, and Lower Sideline at $374.19. Those jumps can be substantial, and the final allocation still depends on availability. I would pay more only if the closer or sideline position matters enough to justify the added cost, not because you expect to select a particular seat.

Ticket prices can be above or below face value, depending on the date and demand. Compare the options for your chosen game before buying. If you are flexible on dates, you may find a better price, but the information provided does not guarantee that any particular date will be cheaper.

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using local destination time. The voucher is valid only for the specified date and time, so check those details before confirming your plans.

Who will enjoy this game most

I would recommend this for basketball fans who want to see the Bulls at home, and for visitors who want a big Chicago sports experience without committing to a full tour. It also works for friends or families who enjoy a lively event with food, entertainment, and a clear main attraction.

It is a less certain choice if you need a very specific seat, are working with a tight schedule, or find loud crowds and lighting effects uncomfortable. The same applies if you expect the ticket price to cover transport or food. Those are separate costs, and the exact game start time can change.

If the Bulls are playing an opponent you especially want to see, check the date and lineup information as the game approaches. Player lineups can change without notice. The event start time is also subject to change, so verify it closer to game day.

Should you book?

Book this if you want the energy of an NBA game in the Bulls’ home arena and are comfortable with an assigned seat rather than choosing a specific location. The upper-level options offer the clearest value for a lower-cost night out; the lower sections make sense if proximity to the court is worth the extra spend to you.

Before paying, check the opponent, date, current ticket price, bag rules, and your party’s seating needs. Then keep watch for the separate mobile ticket, since the booking confirmation alone will not get you through the door.

FAQ

Can I choose my own seat?

No. Seats are assigned when you book, and you cannot select a specific seat in advance. Final locations depend on availability.

Will my group be seated together?

Not necessarily. Seat allocations may not place everyone in a booking together, and they may not exactly match the selected seat category description.

Is my booking confirmation the ticket I use to enter?

No. The booking confirmation and QR code are for reference. Your official ticket and seating details are sent separately.

When should I receive my official ticket?

For fraud-prevention reasons, your ticket may arrive within 72 hours of the game. If it does not arrive by then, the operator says it will send it manually.

How do I access the mobile ticket?

The ticket instructions say to download the MLB Ballpark app and access the ticket on your smartphone. Check the operator’s current instructions if you are unsure, as the app name may seem unexpected for a Bulls game.

Can I bring a bag into United Center?

You may bring a small purse or personal bag up to 10 by 6 by 2 inches. Backpacks and other bags are not allowed.

Is food included, and can I bring my own?

Food and drinks are not included, and outside food and beverages are prohibited. Concessions are available inside the arena. United Center is cashless.

Is the event wheelchair-accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair-accessible, but your allocated seat may not meet every accessibility need. Contact the venue in advance if you require a specific arrangement.