What's the surrounding area like?

The surrounding area is parking lots and more parking lots! There are one or two bars that you might consider going to but in reality, if you want some life outside of the venue, you'll want to head downtown.

How can I spend a day in Chicago before heading to the game?

As you'd expect from the country's third largest city, there is plenty to see and do in the Windy City.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is situated in the Streeterville area of Chicago. Check out the wide range of shops and restaurants. See a film at the IMAX theater or take a boat tour on Lake Michigan. You can try your hand at the mini golf course on the pier or take a ride on the new Ferris wheel that will be ready to go in 2016. Access to the pier is of course free and you can buy tickets for attractions and boat via the links from the Navy Pier website.

Willis Tower Skydeck

Any self-respecting visitor to Chicago has to head for the Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the United States. Step out onto the glass box for exhilaration and spectacular views of the city from 1,353 feet. Adult tickets start from around $20 for basic access.

Brookfield Zoo

If you love animals, Brookfield Zoo is the place for you. Admission is around $16 for adults and with over 450 different species of animal, you will certainly get your money's worth. Meet polar and grizzly bears in the Great Bear Wilderness and get up close to African Lions in the big cat section.

Where are the best places to eat and drink near the United Center?

Coalfire Pizza

For some of the best super thin crust pizza in Chicago, located not too far from the United Center, head to Coalfire Pizza. They prepare their pizza dough fresh. One of the favorites is the nduja pizza which has spreadable Calabrian salami on it.

Hawkeye's Bar & Grill

The perfect venue for people heading to a game at the United Center. Hawkeye's is located inside Chicago's little Italy and has a range of comfort foods such as mac & cheese and chicken pot pie. This bar is great pre-match and post-match with its 20 HD TV's and shuttle bus service to United Center for games.

Billy Goat Tavern

If you don't care about the frills, then the Billy Goat Tavern on W Madison St is the perfect place to grab a cheeseburger before the game. What may surprise some guests is that they don't serve fries or Coke or Pepsi? this really is a no frills establishment.

Is there anything else visitors to Chicago should know?

Be prepared for the weather - and we're not just talk about the wind! The Windy City gets both very warm and bitterly cold, sometimes in the same day, so make sure you layer up. If visiting in summer, pack some sunscreen. In winter, take footwear that can deal with the cold and the likelihood of ice.

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What's the best way to get to United Center?

You can get to the United Center using CTA trains. The best way is to head for the Illinois Medical District Stop on the Blue Line. United Center is just a couple of blocks north of there. If traveling from the west of Chicago, take a blue line train towards O'Hare and if traveling from downtown, east, north or northwest, take a blue line train towards Forest Park. Alternatively, you can take a green or pink line train to Ashland/Lake. The United Center is just a few blocks south and west from there.

You can take the #19 United Center Express bus from Michigan and Randolph, which operates every 16 minutes starting 90 minutes before Bulls and Blackhawks games and every few minutes for up to an hour after games.

Of course driving is an option too, with the United Center's many parking lots but you will almost certainly get stuck in traffic so public transport is the best option. If you're staying at one of the hotels near United Center, you may just want to take a stroll to the arena.

How much are drinks/food in United Center?

As you would expect of any sports venue, there is a wide range of drinks, snacks and specialties available throughout the stadium. Large pretzels start at $4.50, French fries are around $5 and you can get a smoked beef brisket sandwich from around $15.

The full range of soft drinks is available, as well as cans of Bud and draft beers, which will set you back upwards of $8.

Does the venue have WiFi?

Yes, there is free WiFi which can be accessed under the network name "unitedcenter".

Is there any parking?

There are several official United Center parking lots with around 6,000 spaces in total.

How much does parking cost?

Parking is priced from $22 for most lots if you buy the parking in advance through Ticketmaster. You'll have to add another $2 if you decide to pay in cash when you arrive.

What time do the doors normally open?

Gates generally open 90 minutes prior to games and events.

Any other important information I should know?

The United Center has its own app for iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry. You can actually order your food from the concessions in advance with it. If you happen to be coming for a Bulls game and the Bulls score 100 points, everybody in the stadium gets a coupon for a free Big Mac!

If you're here for a special occasion or you're thinking of popping that question, you can do it in style with special messages on the scoreboard for $100, but only during games, not during other events.