United Center Unveils Plan For Banner Level Offering ‘Flexible, Social Spaces’

Chicago’s United Center announced it is reimagining one of its premium experiences. The 31-year-old building plans to create a Banner Level that offers a variety of premium options and social spaces.

The new concept replaces 74 penthouse suites, offering premium hospitality and dynamic social spaces that give fans a sense of community at United Center, home of the NBA’s Bulls and NHL’s Blackhawks. The Banner Level will be constructed during the NBA and NHL offseason and will be done in time for the 2025-26 season. The cost of the project was not disclosed.

“The Banner Level represents the next chapter in our commitment to prioritize and enhance the fan experience in the arena,” Joe Myhra, chief operating officer of United Center, said in a statement. “By blending modern design with flexible, social spaces and views unlike anywhere else in the arena, we’re creating a premium environment that’s as dynamic and diverse as the fans and events that fill the United Center year-round.”

RIOS is working with the United Center Joint Venture — owners of the arena comprising the Wirtz and Reinsdorf families, who own the Blackhawks and Bulls, respectively — on designing the level, which aims to provide an open and social viewing atmosphere while giving fans and groups flexibility. News of United Center’s Banner Level comes on the heels of the 1901 project announcement. The latter project is also being designed by RIOS and will redevelop the area surrounding the arena on Chicago’s West Side.

The new design includes Banner Lofts, which are six-person semi-private spaces, and Banner Seats, premium seating at center court and center ice with in-seat food delivery service. Fans in those spaces will also have access to the Banner Lounge, adjacent to the championship banners, before and after games and events.

United Center also plans on offering a variety of suites at the Banner Level, including oversized, modern spaces called Icon Suites, which accommodate 15-30 people. Banner Suites is a contemporary offering for 12-20 guests, and Super Suites are flexible spaces that can accommodate 40-80 fans and offer modern amenities, table and lounge seating and audio/video capabilities.