United Center Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food and Cameras

Outside food or beverages are not permitted inside the arena, and that includes alcohol. Bottles and cans are on the prohibited list too, so an empty bottle is not described as an exception.

The arena says it offers gluten-free, kosher, vegetarian and vegan items inside, and it points guests to its dining page or mobile app for the locations. The FAQ page does not describe a process for medical or baby food, so ask Guest Relations before the event if you need one.

At sporting events, non-flash still cameras of any type are allowed as long as they do not interfere with other guests' view. Tripods and other photography equipment cannot be used or placed anywhere in the building without building-issued media credentials. Video recorders, audio recorders and cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed.

At concerts and other events, professional cameras, video recording devices and audio recorders are not allowed. The arena asks guests to call Guest Relations for specific event information.

Selfie sticks, drones, GoPros, iPads, laptops and AI or smart glasses are on the prohibited list. The page does not mention power banks.

Strollers must be checked at a Guest Relations booth. Booths are at Gates 2 and 6, on the Lexus Club Level at section 221, and on the 300 Level across from section 325.

The arena has a private nursing room near section 112 and 113 by Gate 7. Ask at the Guest Relations booth at Gate 6 to use it.

Umbrellas of any size are not allowed, and the arena will not store them. You will have to leave one outside.

The FAQ page does not mention blankets or seat cushions. Anything you carry in has to fit inside your 10 by 6 by 2 inch bag or pass inspection in your hands.

Flags, banners and signs up to 8.5 by 11 inches are allowed. They cannot be attached to poles or sticks, and they cannot be hung anywhere. They also cannot carry offensive or vulgar language.

Security can remove any flag or sign that is not related to the event, that contains indecent or derogatory content, or that it judges inappropriate. The arena says this policy can change based on specific requests from the event or promoter.

Air horns and other artificial noise makers are on the prohibited list, along with laser pens, masks other than medical masks, and poles or sticks.

Guests with required medical equipment, such as breast pumps, insulin, epi-pens, oxygen, incontinence supplies and other medical devices, may be allowed to carry those items in. They are searched, and a medical bag over the bag limit must be at least two thirds full of medical supplies.

Service animals are allowed. Other animals are not. Wheelchair escorts are available from any team member or any Guest Relations booth.

All guests are subject to visual inspection, a bag check and metal detection by United Center security. Gates generally open 90 minutes before Bulls and Blackhawks games, and times vary for concerts, family shows and other events.

Re-entry is prohibited during all events. Guests in obscene or indecent clothing, or who seem intoxicated, are not let in. Smoking of any type is not permitted inside the arena or anywhere on the campus.

Binbox provides locker rentals and bag check at the Uber Zone entrance, near the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street. The arena says Binbox lockers are the only approved storage option for bags, both inside and outside the United Center.

The arena also says it will not store the prohibited items on its list. Plan to leave those at home.

The camera rules differ between sporting events and concerts, as described above. The arena says its general camera policy can change based on a specific request from the attraction or promoter.

The page also says additional restrictions may be required on certain event days. Check the event page for your date, and call Guest Relations at 312-455-4500 with questions.