Ever wondered just how much space it takes to host a world-class concert, a thrilling hockey game, or a high-flying wrestling match? If you're curious about the true scale of one of the Chicago area's most iconic venues, the Allstate Arena, then you've come to the right place! Get ready to dive deep into the fascinating details of this colossal structure.
How Big is the Allstate Arena? A Comprehensive Guide
The Allstate Arena, located in Rosemont, Illinois, just northwest of Chicago, is a massive multi-purpose indoor arena known for its versatility and impressive capacity. It's not just a single number that defines its size, but rather a combination of seating arrangements, floor space, and overall infrastructure designed to accommodate a wide array of events.
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| How Big Is The Allstate Arena |
Step 1: Understanding Its Core Purpose and History
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the numbers, let's set the stage. The Allstate Arena isn't just a big building; it's a dynamic hub of entertainment and sports that has been a cornerstone of the Chicagoland area for decades.
Sub-heading: From Rosemont Horizon to Allstate Arena
Originally opened on May 11, 1980, under the name Rosemont Horizon, this venue quickly became a prominent fixture. In 1999, Allstate Insurance Company acquired the naming rights, leading to its current moniker, the Allstate Arena. This change marked a new era for the arena, solidifying its place as a major venue for national and international acts. It's a testament to its enduring legacy that it has continued to attract top-tier events for over 40 years!
Step 2: Delving into Seating Capacity - Where the Numbers Speak Volumes
This is often the first question people ask when considering how "big" an arena is. The Allstate Arena's seating capacity is remarkably flexible, adapting to the specific needs of each event.
Sub-heading: Concerts: A Resounding Roar of Thousands
For concerts, where the stage setup can vary, the Allstate Arena can accommodate a staggering number of fans. Its capacity for concerts ranges from 18,500 to potentially up to 22,000 people. This immense capacity makes it a prime destination for major musical acts and tours, ensuring that a vast audience can experience their favorite artists live.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
Sub-heading: Sports: Home to Fierce Competition
The arena is also a dedicated home for various sports, each with its own unique seating configuration.
- Basketball: For thrilling basketball matchups, the Allstate Arena typically seats around 17,500 fans. This provides an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere for every dribble and dunk.
- Ice Hockey: As the long-time home of the Chicago Wolves (AHL), ice hockey games see a capacity of approximately 16,692 spectators. The rink layout means a slightly reduced seating count compared to basketball, but the energy of a hockey crowd is undeniable.
- Arena Football: In the past, when arena football was a prominent feature, the venue could hold around 16,143 fans.
Sub-heading: Luxury Suites: A Premium Experience
Beyond the general seating, the Allstate Arena also boasts 48 luxury suites. These provide a premium viewing experience with enhanced amenities, catering to corporate events or those seeking a more exclusive atmosphere.
Step 3: Exploring the Physical Dimensions and Layout
Beyond just capacity, the physical size of the arena plays a crucial role in its functionality. While exact internal dimensions can be complex and vary depending on the setup, we can understand its overall footprint.
Sub-heading: Floor Space for Diverse Events
The main floor of the Allstate Arena offers a substantial amount of open space that can be transformed for various events. While a precise total square footage for the entire arena isn't readily available in a single, easy number (as it includes concourses, offices, etc.), the main event space itself is substantial. One source indicates the "Entire Space" for events as 12,500 square feet, which likely refers to the primary floor area used for concerts, sports, and other large gatherings. This open space allows for the installation of temporary stages, court layouts, ice rinks, and even dirt tracks for motor events.
Sub-heading: Modern Upgrades for an Enhanced Experience
The arena has continued to invest in its infrastructure. Recent upgrades include over 13,500 square feet of digital signage. This includes a massive four-sided center-hung display system (each of the four displays measuring 16.5 feet high by 21.5 feet wide), two underbelly displays, and a full 360-degree ribbon display circling the seating fascia. These modernizations contribute to a more immersive and engaging experience for attendees, making the "big" arena feel even more dynamic.
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
Step 4: What Makes It "Big" Beyond the Numbers?
The size of the Allstate Arena isn't just about the physical measurements; it's also about its impact and capability.
Sub-heading: A Magnet for Major Events
Its significant capacity and versatile design allow the Allstate Arena to attract a wide range of high-profile events. From legendary music artists like The Rolling Stones, U2, Madonna, and Taylor Swift, to major WWE pay-per-views (including multiple WrestleManias), and various championship sporting events, the arena consistently hosts events that draw massive crowds. This consistent demand is a strong indicator of its effective size and operational efficiency.
Sub-heading: Accessibility and Infrastructure
Being "big" also means being able to handle the logistics of large crowds. The Allstate Arena is known for its plenty of on-site parking and convenient public transportation options. This infrastructure is crucial for efficiently managing the arrival and departure of thousands of attendees, contributing to the overall positive experience of such a large venue.
Step 5: Visualizing the Scale
To truly grasp how big the Allstate Arena is, sometimes it helps to visualize it in comparison to other things.
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Sub-heading: Comparing to a Football Field (Hypothetically)
While it's an indoor arena and not a football stadium, if you were to lay out the main event floor, it would likely be larger than a standard American football field (which is 360 feet long by 160 feet wide, including end zones). The expansive floor space is designed to be adaptable for various setups that require considerable room.
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
Sub-heading: The Vertical Aspect: A Multi-Level Spectacle
Remember, arenas are not just wide; they are tall! The seating tiers rise high, offering different perspectives and creating a truly grand scale. The lower level (100 sections) often starts with rows like AA through FF, then A through R, while the upper level (200 sections) begins with row A. This multi-level design maximizes spectator views and adds to the overall feeling of spaciousness.
Conclusion: A True Giant of Entertainment
In essence, the Allstate Arena is very big. It's not merely a large building, but a meticulously designed and continuously updated facility capable of transforming to host an impressive array of events. With a concert capacity reaching up to 22,000, and robust seating for various sporting events, it firmly stands as one of Chicagoland's largest and most significant indoor venues. Its size, coupled with its long history and consistent schedule of major attractions, makes it a true powerhouse in the world of live entertainment and sports.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Find the Allstate Arena's Address?
The Allstate Arena is located at 6920 North Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018, United States.
How to: Check the Seating Capacity for a Specific Event?
While general capacities are provided, the exact seating chart and capacity can vary for specific events (e.g., concert stage setup vs. hockey rink). It's best to check the official Allstate Arena website or the ticket vendor's site for the event you're interested in.
How to: Get Tickets for an Event at Allstate Arena?
Tickets for events at the Allstate Arena can typically be purchased through official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, or via the Allstate Arena's official website, which usually links to authorized sellers.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
How to: Get to the Allstate Arena via Public Transportation?
The Allstate Arena is accessible via public transportation, with information usually available on the venue's website or local transit authority sites. It's located near major expressways for easy car access as well.
How to: Find Parking at Allstate Arena?
The Allstate Arena offers plenty of on-site parking. Information regarding parking lots, fees, and accessibility can usually be found on the official Allstate Arena website.
How to: Know What Events Are Coming Up at Allstate Arena?
You can find a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events on the official Allstate Arena website (allstatearena.com) or through various ticket sales platforms like JamBase, Fever, or TicketSmarter.
How to: Understand the Seating Sections (100s vs. 200s)?
Generally, the 100-level sections are closer to the event floor and offer a lower-level view, often starting with rows like AA, BB, etc., followed by A, B, etc. The 200-level sections are located in the upper bowl, providing a higher, more panoramic view, typically starting with row A.
How to: Determine if a Seat Has an Obstructed View?
Reputable ticket sellers are required to disclose if a seat has an obstructed or limited view. When purchasing tickets online, look for notes or warnings regarding seat views.
How to: Host a Private Event or Book a Suite at Allstate Arena?
For information on hosting private events, corporate benefits, or booking luxury suites, you would typically contact the Allstate Arena's administration or sales department directly through their official website.
How to: Learn More About the History of the Allstate Arena?
The Allstate Arena, formerly known as the Rosemont Horizon, has a rich history. You can learn more about its past, including notable events and its evolution, on its official website or through various historical archives and fan wikis.
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