It doesn’t matter how often you’ve seen the Blackhawks at the United Center – you’ve probably always been shocked at how much some companies are prepared to pay for their parking spots. If you’re not staying nearby and always struggle to find an affordable spot, it’ll feel like winning the lottery when you do. Most people who visit United Center waste money on parking because they don’t know the best spots – the ones that will save them money without forcing them to walk for miles. This guide breaks down the best United Center parking spots that prioritize security, convenience, and affordability. Let’s get into it.
Lot C – Closest to the Stadium
Lot C is arguably the best parking spot for Blackhawks fans who are on the lookout for convenience. It’s officially regarded as the closest spot and has multiple access points along Damen Ave., Madison St., Adams St., Wood St., Monroe St., and Washington St. It opens 2.5 hours before the game, allowing ample time to get dinner and drinks so you don’t have to rush. Lot C’s pricing follows a tiered structure, with advanced purchasing online costing $27. On-site payment is $29.
Malcolm X College Garage
If you’re tight on your parking budget but don’t want to compromise on convenience, Malcolm X College Garage is a great choice. It’s located just east of United Center, and is excellent if you’re trying to avoid the congestion of official arena spots. It has 1250 parking spots, and is easy to locate even if it’s your first time. During regular college hours, parking is free, and while official pricing isn’t listed online, it’s cheaper than official United Center lots.
Lot K – Easy Exit After the Game
Lot K is an excellent choice for a swift exit once the game’s done. Located at the south entrance of United Center, Lot K is an ideal solution if you want a quick getaway to avoid traffic and the crowds. Its placement means you don’t have to worry about crossing any streets when heading to the venue. Other lots often have people waiting upwards of 30 minutes to exit – Lot K helps drivers get out in just a few minutes. Pre-purchased parking tickets online cost $27, while paying the day of is going to cost $29.
Street Parking Washington & Wolcott
The great news is that if you haven’t budgeted for parking for your next Blackhawks game, there are a few free options if you know where to look. Washington and Wolcott streets have free parking and are within walking distance of the stadium. Of course, timing is everything when looking for a free parking spot. It’s recommended that you arrive at least three hours before the game, find your free park, then make the most of your spare time by finding somewhere to eat and relax.
SpotHero Reserved Lots
Perhaps you’re a fan of finding parking deals through apps. SpotHero is an innovative solution that can help you get ahead of the crowd. It’s a parking reservation platform that partners with the stadium directly so that you can ensure a convenient and budget-friendly spot. All you have to do is download the app, select the event you’re attending, browse the parking options available, and complete your reservation with payment. This way, you don’t have to pay on arrival or hope there’s still a spot if you’re running late. Rates begin at $22. Make sure to book well in advance to secure your spot.
Lot E – Accessible Parking and Uber Drop-off Zone
Lot E is officially known as the Uber Zone, meaning that if you’re planning on taking an Uber to the event, this is where you’ll need to tell your driver to drop you. Parking for people with disabilities is available in Lot G. Lot E is accessible for Ubers and Rideshares, which drop attendees off up to one hour before the game, so make sure you book your Uber well in advance. To drop off at Lot E, drivers must enter via Madison St.
Lot F – Best for Concert Goers
Lot F is excellent not only for those attending a sports game, but also for concert goers. Multiple routes lead to Lot F, through Madison St., Adams St., Damen Ave., and others. Lot F follows the standard opening time for concerts – two hours in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time to find a park, then make the most of the concession food inside the stadium. The starting rate for Lot F is $22, while special events cost $24. Pricing can fluctuate depending on demand.
Lot J – Hidden Gem for Quick Entry and Exit
Lot J is a hidden gem if you’re trying to get in and out quickly. It’s one of the lesser-known parking lots of United Center, making it a great choice if you are time poor and have to make a quick exit. Located at the intersection of Monroe and Wood streets, it’s a great choice whether you’re headed to a hockey or basketball game. It helps you avoid the typical congestion associated with other parking lots, and with more than one exit, you can take advantage of the quieter streets when heading home. Pricing starts from $15 and goes up to $40 depending on the event and the time of day.
Conclusion
You might have had trouble finding an ideal parking solution for United Center, but thankfully that is in the past. Each option we’ve discussed above has unique advantages, depending on whether you want to prioritize affordability, convenience or security. Some cover all three, and with these, we recommend getting there early enough before they’re all snapped up. Regardless of which parking option you choose, it’s essential to be prepared, familiarise yourself with the location, and know precisely how long it will take to get to the venue. Once you’ve figured this out, you can choose the ideal parking solution to suit your needs, so parking on the night can be completely hassle-free.