United Center Bag Policy

Last updated on November 14th, 2023 at 10:27 am

United Center is home to the Chicago Bulls NBA team and Chicago Blackhawks NHL team at 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, Illinois 60612. The United Center Bag Policy allows fans to bring bags that don’t exceed 10″ x 6″ x 2″ in size. That means small purses and personal bags can enter the venue. However, traditional backpacks can’t come into the arena with fans.

 

Here is the complete United Center Bag Policy guide for your next sporting event or concert. I also share my bag recommendation on what to bring to the game. Finally, there is an affiliate link to Amazon on this page.

 

Approved Bags

While United Center does not have a clear bag-only policy in 2023, more and more venues are adopting that policy. Therefore, getting a clear bag is in your best interest if the rules change in the future. Below are the approved United Center bag policy bags that can enter the venue for a game or concert.

 

• A single-compartment bag that does not exceed 10″ x 6″ x 2″
• A clear fanny pack
• Traditional fanny pack
• Any ADA-specific bag
• Medical bags and Diaper bags
• Small clutches and similar types of bags

 

My Clear Bag Recommendation + Experience

From my experience, I’ve never seen a stadium bring out a tape measurer to see if my clear fanny pack is 11″ in size. While United Center only permits bags up to 10″ in size, I’ve been to venues that had a similar size limit and was able to get my clear fanny pack that is 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″ through the bag check without any problems. Basically, venues just want to make sure your bag is small and does not contain any prohibited items. I go the extra step by bringing a clear fanny pack with me to make it easy for the security team to review.

 

Below is a video of me going into more detail as to why I recommend this type of bag.

 

 

Buy a clear single-compartment bag for your next event at United Center!
 

How Does the United Center Security Staff Review Bags?

Fans coming to United Center for a game or concert will undergo a metal detector screening before entering the facility. Fans with a bag will have the United Center staff inspect it. The bag inspection includes reviewing the size of the bag and the content inside of it. Assuming there are no issues with your bag, you will get it back to enter the stadium for your event.

 

What are the Prohibited Items that Fans Can’t Bring into United Center?

Fans heading to United Center for a Blackhawks game or another event should know that certain things can’t enter the venue. Below are some items the stadium security staff won’t allow fans to bring into the arena. Visit the FAQ section of unitedcenter.com for the complete list of prohibited items.

 

• Bags larger than 10″ x 6″ x 2″. However, there are exceptions to this bag size rule. For example, fans can bring medical, diaper, or ADA-specific bags into the arena if they exceed that size. Although, the stadium security staff encourages you to bring bags that are within that size limit.
• Air horns
• Animals not for ADA purposes
• Backpacks
• Briefcases
• Fireworks
• iPads
• Laptops
• Outside food and drinks
• Selfie sticks
• Weapons of any kind

 

Is There a Bag Check or Locker Storage Area at United Center?

There is a bag check area to store bags if they can’t enter the arena. The bag check is at the United Center Parking Lot J between Wood St and Monroe St. Bag check rentals come on a first come and first served basis, so plan to arrive 1-2 hours before your event to check your bag in before spaces fill up.

 

If you drive to the game and realize your bag can’t enter the arena, you can always leave them in your car before heading to the stadium. Traditional backpacks can’t come into the stadium with fans, so plan to leave that in your car so you don’t have to pay to check your bag at Lot J.

 

Finally, if you are taking public transportation to the arena, see if a nearby hotel or bar can watch your bag (or laptop) if you know it can’t come into the stadium. Most places charge a small fee to hold onto bags while fans are at the stadium for their event. Most likely, the bag check area won’t be sold out, but you can find a cheaper one at a hotel or bar if you want to save some money.

 

Additional Helpful Links

Visit the United Center Parking guide for more information.

 

Visit the United Center Food Guide to see the concession stands at the venue.