How much is parking at the United Center?
Parking at the United Center in Chicago costs about $22 to $27 per vehicle for a typical Bulls or Blackhawks game in the official lots, with prices climbing to $45-$50 for the closest lot and for high-demand playoff games or major concerts. Off-site and street parking near the arena often runs $15 to $20.
The United Center also hosts concerts and events like the Windy City Smokeout festival, and pricing works the same way for all of them: rates are set per event and tend to rise with demand. Most lots open two hours before the event, and buying a pass online ahead of time is usually cheaper than paying at the gate.
Use our interactive United Center Parking Calculator below to quickly estimate your total parking cost. Whether you are heading to a single Bulls or Blackhawks game, a concert, or planning several events this season, comparing your expected fees in advance can help you budget effectively and find the best option for your night out.
United Center Parking Calculator
What is the cheapest parking at the United Center?
The cheapest way to reach the United Center is usually to park a short walk away rather than in the closest official lot. Street parking and off-site lots on the Near West Side often start around $15, and the CTA runs close to the arena for a fraction of that. Among official lots, the ones farther from the arena bowl (Lots J and L) are typically the lowest-priced option when the closer lots fill up.
Ways to Pay Less for United Center Parking
Because prices jump 2-3x on high-demand nights and some lots sell out, buying your pass online in advance is the single best way to avoid paying the highest walk-up rate, whether you are going to a game or a concert.
If you are willing to walk a few extra minutes, parking farther from the arena is usually the most cost-effective choice. Match your lot to your entrance when you can, and note that some lots are still cash-only at the gate.
Fans heading to the United Center can also look into off-site lots and driveways near the Near West Side, such as those listed in the Pay To Park App, which are frequently cheaper than the official lots and can save you a slow crawl out after the event.
Finally, it may be best to skip parking altogether. The CTA Blue Line stops near the Illinois Medical District, about a mile from the arena, and CTA buses run closer to the venue along Madison Street. Weigh the parking price against transit or a round-trip rideshare, especially if you are traveling solo or in a small group.
Not sure if you should drive, ride the CTA or request a ride? Use our United Center Parking vs. Rideshare Cost Calculator below to compare your expected parking fee against a round-trip Uber or Lyft and CTA fares for your group. Keep in mind that rideshare prices can surge after the event lets out, so the estimate you enter for your ride home matters.
Enter your group size and estimated one-way ride cost to instantly see which option is the most budget-friendly for your trip to the United Center.
United Center Parking vs. Rideshare Calculator
Disclaimer: All parking, transit and rideshare rates are estimated and subject to change without notice; prices vary by event. We strive to keep our pricing data as accurate as possible. If you spot an updated price we missed, please contact us to let us know.