The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, is one of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues in the world. With a seating capacity of over 20,000, it hosts a wide range of events, from concerts and basketball games to hockey matches and mixed martial arts events. However, to ensure the safety and security of all attendees, the United Center has a strict bag policy and prohibits certain items from being brought into the venue. In this article, we will explore what you can’t bring to the United Center, helping you prepare for your next visit.
United Center Bag Policy
The United Center has a clear bag policy in place, which is designed to enhance security and speed up the entry process for all attendees. The policy is as follows:
- Clear bags are allowed, but they must be made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and be no larger than 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches.
- Small clutch bags are also permitted, but they must be no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches.
- Diaper bags are allowed, but they must be accompanied by a child and be subject to search.
- Medically necessary bags are permitted, but they must be accompanied by a doctor’s note and be subject to search.
It’s essential to note that all bags, regardless of size or type, are subject to search upon entry. If you’re unsure about the size or type of bag you plan to bring, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave it at home.
Prohibited Items
In addition to the bag policy, the United Center prohibits a wide range of items from being brought into the venue. These items include:
Food and Drink
- Outside food and drink are not allowed, with the exception of bottled water and empty refillable containers.
- Alcohol is not permitted, except for what is purchased from authorized vendors within the venue.
Electronic Devices
- Professional cameras with lenses longer than 3 inches are not allowed, except for authorized media personnel.
- Video cameras are not permitted, except for small, handheld devices.
- Drones are strictly prohibited.
Other Prohibited Items
- Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, and pepper spray, are not allowed.
- Fireworks and explosives are strictly prohibited.
- Signs and banners are not permitted, except for small, handheld signs that do not obstruct the view of other attendees.
- Sticks and poles are not allowed, except for authorized signs and banners.
- Chairs and stools are not permitted, except for authorized seating areas.
- Animals are not allowed, except for service animals.
Additional Security Measures
In addition to the bag policy and prohibited items, the United Center has implemented several additional security measures to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. These measures include:
Walk-Through Metal Detectors
- All attendees will be required to pass through walk-through metal detectors before entering the venue.
- Prohibited items will be confiscated, and attendees may be subject to further screening.
Bag Checks
- All bags, regardless of size or type, are subject to search upon entry.
- Prohibited items will be confiscated, and attendees may be subject to further screening.
Increased Security Personnel
- The United Center has increased the number of security personnel on site to ensure the safety and security of all attendees.
- Security personnel will be stationed throughout the venue, including at entrances, concourses, and seating areas.
Consequences of Bringing Prohibited Items
If you’re found to be in possession of a prohibited item, you may be subject to the following consequences:
- Confiscation of the item
- Ejection from the venue
- Arrest and prosecution, in extreme cases
It’s essential to note that the United Center reserves the right to modify its bag policy and prohibited items list at any time. It’s always best to check the official United Center website or contact the venue directly for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
The United Center is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all attendees. By understanding the bag policy and prohibited items list, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for yourself and others. Remember to always check the official United Center website or contact the venue directly for the most up-to-date information on what you can’t bring to the venue.
| Item | Allowed | Prohibited |
|---|---|---|
| Clear bags | Yes | No |
| Small clutch bags | Yes | No |
| Diaper bags | Yes | No |
| Medically necessary bags | Yes | No |
| Outside food and drink | No | Yes |
| Professional cameras | No | Yes |
| Video cameras | No | Yes |
| Drones | No | Yes |
| Weapons | No | Yes |
| Fireworks and explosives | No | Yes |
| Signs and banners | No | Yes |
| Sticks and poles | No | Yes |
| Chairs and stools | No | Yes |
| Animals | No | Yes |
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and others at the United Center.
What is the United Center’s bag policy?
The United Center has a clear bag policy in place to ensure the safety and security of all guests. The policy allows guests to bring in clear bags that are 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or smaller. This includes clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags, as well as small clutch bags that are 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or smaller. Guests are also allowed to bring in one-gallon clear zip-top bags. The policy is designed to make it easier for security personnel to inspect bags and prevent prohibited items from entering the venue.
It’s worth noting that the United Center’s bag policy is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the venue’s website or social media accounts for the most up-to-date information before attending an event. Guests who arrive at the venue with a non-compliant bag may be asked to return it to their vehicle or dispose of it before entering the venue.
What types of bags are prohibited at the United Center?
The United Center prohibits a variety of bags, including backpacks, duffel bags, tote bags, and any bag that is not clear or is larger than the allowed size. This includes bags with metal frames, bags with multiple compartments, and bags with non-clear material. Guests who attempt to bring in a prohibited bag may be turned away or asked to return the bag to their vehicle.
In addition to specific types of bags, the United Center also prohibits any bag that is deemed suspicious or poses a security risk. This includes bags with unusual shapes or sizes, bags with hidden compartments, and bags that are made of non-clear material. Guests are encouraged to use their best judgment when choosing a bag to bring to the venue and to err on the side of caution if they are unsure whether a bag is allowed.
What items are prohibited at the United Center?
The United Center has a list of prohibited items that are not allowed inside the venue. This includes items such as outside food and drink, cameras with detachable lenses, and any item that can be used as a projectile. Guests are also prohibited from bringing in signs or banners that are larger than 11 inches by 17 inches or that have poles or sticks attached.
In addition to these items, the United Center also prohibits any item that is deemed a security risk or that could be used to disrupt an event. This includes items such as fireworks, laser pointers, and any type of weapon. Guests who attempt to bring in a prohibited item may be turned away or asked to dispose of the item before entering the venue.
Can I bring a water bottle to the United Center?
Guests are not allowed to bring outside food and drink into the United Center, including water bottles. However, the venue does offer water fountains throughout the concourse where guests can refill their water bottles. Guests are also allowed to purchase water and other beverages from concession stands throughout the venue.
It’s worth noting that the United Center does make exceptions for guests who have specific medical needs or requirements. Guests who need to bring in a water bottle or other outside food and drink for medical reasons should contact the venue in advance to make arrangements.
Can I bring a sign or banner to the United Center?
Guests are allowed to bring signs and banners into the United Center, but they must meet certain size and content requirements. Signs and banners must be no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches and must not have poles or sticks attached. Guests are also prohibited from bringing in signs or banners that contain obscene language or that could be considered distracting or disruptive.
Guests who bring in signs or banners that do not meet these requirements may be asked to dispose of them before entering the venue. Guests are also prohibited from hanging signs or banners from the rafters or other structures within the venue. Guests who have questions about the venue’s sign and banner policy should contact the United Center in advance.
What happens if I bring a prohibited item to the United Center?
If a guest attempts to bring a prohibited item into the United Center, they may be turned away or asked to dispose of the item before entering the venue. Guests who refuse to comply with the venue’s security policies may be subject to further action, including ejection from the venue.
In some cases, guests may be able to check prohibited items at the venue’s security checkpoint. However, this is not always available and is subject to the discretion of security personnel. Guests who have questions about the venue’s security policies or who need to check a prohibited item should contact the United Center in advance.
How do I report a prohibited item or suspicious activity at the United Center?
Guests who see a prohibited item or suspicious activity at the United Center should report it to security personnel immediately. The venue has a number of security checkpoints and personnel throughout the concourse who are trained to respond to security incidents.
Guests can also report prohibited items or suspicious activity by contacting the United Center’s security hotline or by using the venue’s mobile app. The venue takes all reports of prohibited items or suspicious activity seriously and will take prompt action to ensure the safety and security of all guests.