United Center FanDuel Lounge Opens, But Betting Still Needs Approval

Recently, the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks initiated their seasons. However, there is another group that will also consider the United Center as their home for the foreseeable future.

Recently, a new sports betting area, the FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge, opened in the United Center Atrium, situated on the arena’s south side in Illinois. The lounge is accessible to all guests during events held by the UC.

Only one other betting lounge is confirmed to be opening at a Chicago sports venue – a DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field (above).

The FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge, the first sports betting-affiliated lounge to be established at the United Center, is also the first of its kind at a professional sports venue in Chicago. However, sportsbooks are already present in other sports arenas around the country.

This is what Kevin O’Brien, the director of food and beverage services at the UC, said about the grand opening:

“We view it primarily as a top-notch destination for watching sports, especially due to the added amenities from FanDuel and the comfort provided by the facility.”

“We’ve already been open for approximately six nights, hosting preseason events and concerts. The atmosphere is buzzing with energy.”

The FanDuel Lounge is set to welcome a multitude of guests, given that the United Center, one of the biggest indoor sports arenas in the U.S., is its location. The venue can accommodate 20,917 fans for Bulls games, the highest capacity in the NBA. When it comes to Blackhawks games, it takes the third spot, with a capacity to hold 19,717 fans.

FanDuel Lounge offers everything but betting

FanDuel has submitted an application to permit sports betting at their United Center location, which is presently under review by the Illinois Gaming Board. However, there is no specific timeline as to when the wagering will be authorized.

The FanDuel Lounge is still a great place to be, even without betting options. Spanning 1,300-square-feet, the lounge is packed with LED screens showcasing all the major games every evening.

The FanDuel Lounge also provides a distinct food menu compared to what is available in the United Center’s concourse. Some of the popular items sold here include:

• Smoked gouda bacon dip
• Wagyu hot dogs
• Homemade pizza
• Spicy pork nachos

The drink options are enticing and varied, including spicy margaritas, espresso martinis, and craft cocktails. O’Brien explains that the upscale dining options are intended to be sports bar food that is both accessible and sophisticated.

What other Chicago stadiums are getting sportsbooks?

The DraftKings lounge, which spans 22,000 square feet, will be linked to Wrigley Field at the intersection of Addison St and Sheffield Ave. It aspires to meld a contemporary aesthetic with the traditional vibe of Wrigley Field. The sportsbook is slated to commence operations in 2023.

Yet, other sports venues in Chicago have not announced plans to open sportsbooks.

The White Sox have a partnership with Caesars Sportsbook, which could naturally lead to a future betting lounge.

The potential still exists for the Bears, also known as the Monsters of the Midway, to relocate to Arlington Heights. Currently, the Bears are in partnership with BetRivers Sportsbook. Consequently, it’s only a matter of time before a sportsbook is established either at Soldier Field or a prospective stadium in Arlington Heights.