United Center
Chicago, IL · Arena
Good news for Chicago fans. United Center does not force you into a clear bag. Any small bag, purse, or clutch up to 10 by 6 by 2 inches gets in, clear or not, which makes packing for a Bulls game, a Blackhawks game, or a concert a lot easier than at the NFL stadiums down the road.
Backpacks are the line in the sand. They are not allowed at any size, and neither is anything bigger than the 10 by 6 by 2 inch limit. If you bring more than that, United Center is one of the rare arenas with a real backup, with Binbox lockers and a staffed bag check in Lot J.
Venue details
Need a concert bag for United Center?
Stadium-approved clear bags that meet the policy.
What you can bring
- Small bag, purse, or clutch no larger than 10" x 6" x 2", clear or not
- Medically necessary bags and diaper bags, subject to search
Not allowed inside
- Backpacks of any kind
- Bags, purses, or totes larger than 10" x 6" x 2"
- Umbrellas
- Cameras with detachable lenses, selfie sticks, and tripods
- Laptops
- Outside food and beverage
Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are allowed after a thorough security search, even if they exceed the standard size.
Upcoming events
Heading to a show at United Center? Here are the next events, with tickets on StubHub and SeatGeek so you can compare before you buy. The bag policy above applies to every one of them.
Browse all upcoming concerts →
No bag that fits? Plan ahead
United Center is one of the few arenas with a real fallback. Binbox lockers sit at the Uber Zone entrance near Madison and Wood, and a staffed bag check operates in Parking Lot J at Wood and Monroe. Both have limited space, so arrive early on busy nights.
Common questions
Does United Center require clear bags?
No. United Center does not have a clear bag rule. Any bag up to 10 by 6 by 2 inches is fine whether it is clear or not, but backpacks and anything larger are turned away.
What size bag can I bring to United Center?
Up to 10 inches by 6 inches by 2 inches. Larger purses, totes, and all backpacks are prohibited.
Is there bag storage at the United Center?
Yes. Binbox lockers are at the Uber Zone entrance near Madison and Wood, and a bag check runs in Lot J at Wood and Monroe. Space is limited, so come early.
What is the bag policy for Bulls and Blackhawks games?
The same 10 by 6 by 2 inch limit applies to Bulls games, Blackhawks games, and concerts. No backpacks at any of them.
Getting there
Gates open
Doors typically open 90 minutes before Bulls and Blackhawks games and 60 to 90 minutes before concerts.
Parking
Twelve official lots ring the arena and open about two hours before the event, running roughly $15 to $40. Lot G holds the accessible parking. Booking ahead through SpotHero usually beats the gate price.
Public transit
CTA bus route 20 on Madison stops right at the arena, and the route 19 United Center Express runs on event days. The Green and Pink lines stop within walking distance at Ashland.
Rideshare
The official rideshare pickup and drop-off is the Uber Zone near Madison and Wood Street.
Seating chart
Verified June 2026 against the United Center official policy. Rules can change for one-off events, so check your event page too.