The 2024 United Center Food Preview For Bulls and Blackhawks Fans

The United Center opened on August 18, 1994, with WWF Summer Slam (not yet WWE). Three decades later, the Near West Side arena has hosted hundreds of concerts, a pair of Democratic National Conventions, and highs and lows from 30 years of the Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls.

The Blackhawks have already played four games on the road and the team’s home opener is on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. The Bulls remain in preseason mode, kicking off the regular season on the road on October 23 in New Orleans. The team’s home opener is on October 26 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Excitement for both squads has been tepid with a mix of low fan expectations and a sluggish rollout for the teams’ new TV home. Even Blackhawks’ chairman Danny Wirtz is disappointed.

That backdrop explains why this week’s media food preview lacked electricity. There was no Campfire Milkshake — at least not yet, fans know surprises can emerge during the season. This was a different feeling compared to the atmosphere at Solider Field where the Bears, thanks to exciting new players, have fans — and chefs excited. Levy, which handles concessions for Soldier Field and United Center, unveiled bigger changes along the lakefront, trying to make a good impression in its first year working with the Bears.

Bulls fans know the franchise loves its ‘90s history, and with the arena’s 30th birthday, nostalgia once again was the primary attraction. Fans in the 300 level, the arena’s upper level, are usually afterthoughts with few new offerings. It’s the same story this year with a double Chicago dog the only new item. Find the double dog in Sections 104 and 222 — and yes, in 305 and 322.

Away from the nosebleeds, there are a few new noteworthy items.

The prime rib sandwich was an invention of Levy executive chef Scott Perez. Served on an onion roll with fried onion strings, Perez says he wanted an item that would draw more people to MadWest, the concession stand near Section 105 near the Michael Jordan statue. The space debuted in 2018 with a focus on Dark Matter Coffee and beer.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken has been a staple at the United Center, as the Avondale restaurant — which earlier this year opened a location in suburban Glencoe — arrived as an arena vendor in 2018. Co-owner and chef Christine Cikowski says they’ve altered their UC recipe, switching from chicken thigh to all-white breast. They’ve also altered the breading hoping that the tenders stay crispier. Find them in Section 115.

While Levy and Boka Restaurant Group have talked about expanding their footprint into Chicago’s stadiums, there’s no news about the United Center. In August, they debuted GG’s Chicken Shop inside Soldier Field — a satellite location of chef Lee Wolen’s Lakeview restaurant — and Tavern Burger from chef Chris Pandel. Longtime Boka partner Stephanie Izard’s That Little Goat Taqueria is independent of the group and has locations inside the United Center in Sections 114 and 230.

Queenies Supper Club, the restaurant accessible via Gate 4, is only open during event days. They’re leaning into prime rib, king ora salmon, and big burgers.

There’s also the case of the beer sticks, something popularized earlier this year by the Carolina Hurricanes at the Lenova Center (which isn’t a Levy venue). Eventually — perhaps around midseason — Blackhawk fans will be able to purchase a clear 24-ounce souvenir receptacle shaped like a hockey stick that can be filled with beer. Levy is still figuring out the logistics — pricing, what beers to fill, and where it will be available. Last season, beer sticks cost $10 in Carolina. Judging by the cost of living difference in Chicago, the novelty will cost Hawks fans a little more.