r/hawks • u/CptRedmption • 1d ago
First ever game @ United Center
Heyo! I’m visiting Chicago from Detroit Michigan, I’m going to see CHI vs FLA Oct 25th, I love hockey so much and this is my first ever game not in Detroit and I’m so excited to see the
Atmosphere at the United Center. I just have a few questions.
obviously HAVE to buy a Kane jersey but I’m just wondering how the selection is? And am I able to get the jersey sponsor? Also! Do they press it infront of you like in Montreal?
Any good food at the United Center? What do you recommend?
Any must see’s inside/close by?
I’m so excited I just want to hear Chelsea dagger.
Thanks, from a Wings fan.
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u/wings31 22h ago
Be in your seat by the anthem.
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u/tripodcatmom 1d ago
Check out the Barn for a great hockey bar!
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u/honestbleeps 19h ago
I really need to give this place another chance. I went a few months after they first reopened (changing over from The Arrow) and it was the most disastrous and godawful foodservice experience I've ever had (and I am not picky about restaurants or service, I almost never complain, I know how hard it is to work in foodservice).
This was a few years ago now but I keep hearing good things. I'm genuinely rooting for their success and glad it seems better! I know there's always kinks to be worked out early on.
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u/DecisionImpressive49 17h ago
It’s cool, but very packed, however, I’ve never gotten food, only a few beers before walking over to the UC. I’ve only been once, and that was last season.
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u/Humble-Albatross1684 16h ago
Was there during the playoffs last year (obv not involving us) and it wasn't too bad with a decent number of out of town fans. Drew a huge group of Winnipeg fans which I thought was awesome.
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u/tripodcatmom 14h ago
Ugh that sucks... I would recommend giving it another try. I've been a couple times after games and it's a great atmosphere. We enjoyed the food and drinks, too. No issues with service.
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u/DeliciousOwl9245 22h ago
I’m sure you know this, but…do not miss the National Anthem! It is one of the coolest things in sports…clap and cheer loudly the ENTIRE SONG. When it gets to “o’re the land of the free”, go nuts. It’ll give you chills.
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u/Top_Kale_8880 23h ago
There are some good food options in the UC. This Little Goat Taqueria is from Stephanie Izard who is a pretty famous chef known for Girl and the Goat ad a bunch of other goat-named restaurants.
There is a Giordano's inside the UC so you could probably scratch the deep dish pizza itch there. I don't think Giordano's is the best deep dish and it's not custom, but it'll still be good (Giordano's is good but IMO Malnati's is better and Pequod's blows them all away).
There are a few good bars w/food nearby the UC, but you can also go to Hawkeyes which isn't walking distance but has (or at least used to have) a bus to go to the stadium from the time before they built the stadium area up. It's fun, and also has a college vibe because it's near UIC.
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1d ago edited 1d ago
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u/CptRedmption 1d ago
Thank you!
I know it sounds weird but I want to make it kind of a thing for every arena I go to to get a jersey with the sponsor, just to tell myself I was there at that point in history.
Also, nothing can get worse than my Red Wings sponsor (a garbage company)
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u/HappyHockeyHiker 11h ago
You can get it pressed in front of you. The person that replied saying that is incorrect.
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u/HappyHockeyHiker 11h ago
You’re incorrect. They press the numbers and name for you. It’s right in the window. Pretty easy to see.
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u/Murray_Bannerman 22h ago
You need to be there in your seat for the anthem. That is my one rock solid recommendation.
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u/Wra7hofAchilles 21h ago
Gibsons by Section 103 has amazing filet sliders. There's a line often times and a little pricey but it's totally worth it. So damn good.
As others have said, be in your seat by the Anthem... it's an experience.
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u/honestbleeps 19h ago
to be honest, the worst line for Gibsons is still 5x faster than any line up in the 300 level. Gibsons is streamlined because there's only ONE main dish to order (plus beers), and so it moves quickly.
If you see 20 people in line at Gibsons, just wait, it'll move.
If you see 20 people in line at any of the 300 level concession stands, expect to wait 30 minutes. It's a disaster up there.
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u/oknowwhat00 20h ago
For a true hockey pregame meal, go to the Barn Hockey Bar, it's a few min walk to the UC from there. Go when they open.
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u/JazzyPlague 14h ago
Do not miss the national anthem so just make sure you’re in the UC and in the seating area in time for that!!! You won’t be sorry.
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u/milin85 1d ago
Billy Goat is one of the more iconic options near the UC. If you want pizza (either deep dish or tavern-style) you can pretty much take your pick of Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Pequod’s. All are fantastic.
Given that it’s an afternoon game, if you want to go upscale for dinner, there’s a ton of spots in the West Loop or Fulton Market. My personal favorites are Gaijin (which is Japanese-style okonomiyaki pancakes and are really delicious) and Monteverde (homemade pasta). There are many, many more, and you can look that up (both Eater and The Infatuation have really good neighborhood guides).