Have you ever wondered just how many people can pack into the iconic Allstate Arena for a thrilling concert, a nail-biting hockey game, or a high-flying basketball match? It's a question many fans ask when planning their next outing to this premier Chicago-area venue. Understanding the capacity isn't just about a number; it's about appreciating the scale of the events held there and the energy that fills the space!
This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Allstate Arena's capacity, from its general seating to how it adapts for different events. Get ready to become an Allstate Arena capacity expert!
Step 1: Discovering the General Seating Capacity
Let's start with the big picture. The Allstate Arena, located in Rosemont, Illinois, is a major entertainment hub. It's designed to accommodate a vast number of spectators, and its general reserved seating capacity is impressive.
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The Baseline: The Allstate Arena officially boasts an 18,500 reserved seating capacity. This figure represents its standard configuration for many events, particularly concerts. It also includes the forty-eight luxury suites that offer a premium viewing experience.
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What this means for you: When you're looking at tickets for a concert or a general entertainment show, you can expect the venue to be able to hold around 18,500 people, providing a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
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| How Many People Can Allstate Arena Hold |
Step 2: Unpacking Capacity by Event Type
While 18,500 is the general reserved seating capacity, the Allstate Arena is a multi-purpose venue, meaning its setup can flex depending on the event. This flexibility allows it to optimize the viewing experience for everything from ice hockey to basketball to concerts.
Sub-heading: Sports Spectacles
For sports, the seating arrangements are slightly different to accommodate the playing surface and sightlines.
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
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Basketball Games: For basketball games, such as those that once hosted the DePaul Blue Demons, the Allstate Arena can hold approximately 17,500 people. The court takes up more space, and certain sections might be reconfigured or unavailable to ensure clear views of the action.
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Ice Hockey Matches: When the Chicago Wolves hit the ice, the Allstate Arena transforms into an ice hockey haven. For these thrilling games, the capacity is around 16,692 spectators. The ice rink and its surrounding boards naturally alter the seating arrangement.
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Arena Football: For the intense world of arena football, the capacity is typically around 16,143. This demonstrates the slight variations based on field size and perimeter requirements.
Sub-heading: Concert Configurations
Concerts often have the most dynamic capacity, depending on the stage setup.
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Concerts (Standard): As mentioned, the standard concert setup typically accommodates around 18,500 people. This is often for end-stage setups where the stage is at one end of the arena, and seating extends around it.
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Concerts (Expanded): For some particularly popular artists or events, the Allstate Arena can expand its capacity for concerts, sometimes reaching up to 22,000. This often involves a 360-degree stage configuration or floor seating that maximizes the available space. This is where you truly feel the energy of a massive crowd!
Step 3: Understanding Factors that Influence Capacity
It's not just about the type of event; several other factors can subtly influence the exact number of people the Allstate Arena can hold for a given event.
Sub-heading: Stage Configuration for Concerts
- End-Stage vs. Center-Stage: An end-stage setup (where the stage is at one end) generally utilizes more of the fixed seating, while a center-stage setup (where the stage is in the middle) can open up additional seating behind where the end-stage would typically be, thus increasing capacity. Always check the specific event's seating chart!
Sub-heading: Production Elements
- Elaborate Set Designs: Sometimes, a concert or show might have an extremely elaborate stage design, including large video screens, extensive lighting rigs, or special effects. These elements can sometimes necessitate the removal of a small number of seats to accommodate the production.
Sub-heading: Fire and Safety Regulations
- Occupancy Limits: Like all venues, the Allstate Arena adheres strictly to fire and safety regulations. These regulations dictate maximum occupancy limits for public safety, which can sometimes be slightly below the theoretical maximum seating capacity, especially if there are significant standing areas or unique event layouts.
Step 4: A Glimpse into the Past – Record Attendance
The Allstate Arena has seen some truly massive crowds over its history, formerly known as the Rosemont Horizon.
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Notable Attendance Figures:
- One of the highest recorded attendances for an Arena Football League game was 16,391 on June 23, 2007, for a Chicago Rush game against the Kansas City Brigade.
- Country superstar Eric Church set a concert attendance record of 18,626 at the Allstate Arena in 2015, showcasing the arena's ability to host enormous musical events. This highlights how certain concert configurations can push the upper limits.
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It's fascinating to see how a venue can adapt to accommodate so many people while maintaining excellent sightlines and an immersive experience.
Step 5: How to Find the Exact Capacity for Your Event
While this guide provides general numbers, the most accurate way to determine the capacity for a specific event is to check the official sources.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
- Official Arena Website: The Allstate Arena's official website (
rosemont.com/allstate/arena-info/ - Ticketing Platforms: When purchasing tickets through official vendors like Ticketmaster or the venue's direct ticketing links, the seating charts and available tickets will reflect the actual capacity for that particular event configuration.
- Don't rely solely on general figures if you need precise numbers for planning purposes!
Conclusion: A Venue Built for Big Crowds
The Allstate Arena is unequivocally a venue built for large gatherings. With its general reserved seating for 18,500, its adaptable configurations for various sports (17,500 for basketball, 16,692 for ice hockey, 16,143 for arena football), and its ability to expand for certain concerts to 22,000, it consistently delivers a grand experience for thousands of fans. Its design ensures that, no matter where you're seated, you're part of a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find seating charts for Allstate Arena events?
You can typically find detailed seating charts on the official Allstate Arena website (
How to determine if a concert will have expanded seating at Allstate Arena?
Information about expanded seating (like 360-degree stage setups) is usually provided in the event description on the official arena website or by the ticketing vendor, often indicated by the availability of seats behind the typical end-stage area.
How to know the best seats for a specific event at Allstate Arena?
"Best" is subjective and depends on your preference! For concerts, many prefer front-of-stage or lower bowl seats. For sports, mid-court or mid-ice sections offer great views. Online seating charts often include virtual views from specific sections to help you decide.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
How to check the number of luxury suites at Allstate Arena?
The Allstate Arena has 48 luxury suites, which are part of its overall reserved seating capacity.
How to understand the difference between general capacity and event-specific capacity?
General capacity (e.g., 18,500 reserved seats) refers to the standard maximum. Event-specific capacity varies based on the stage/field setup, production elements, and whether floor seating is added or certain sections are blocked off.
How to tell if an event is nearing a sell-out based on capacity?
Check the availability of tickets on official ticketing sites. If only a few scattered seats remain, or if only resale tickets are available, the event is likely close to a sell-out.
How to learn about past record attendance at Allstate Arena?
Historical attendance figures for specific events are often mentioned in news articles, official arena archives, or on the Wikipedia page for Allstate Arena.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
How to find out if there will be floor seating for a concert at Allstate Arena?
Ticketing websites will clearly indicate if floor seating (often standing room or general admission) is an option for a concert, as these tickets are sold separately from reserved seating.
How to access accessible seating options at Allstate Arena?
Accessible seating options are available for all events and can be purchased through official ticketing channels. It's recommended to contact the Allstate Arena box office or accessibility services directly for specific needs and availability.
How to get updates on upcoming events and their expected capacities at Allstate Arena?
Sign up for the Allstate Arena's newsletter on their official website, follow their social media channels, or regularly check their event calendar for announcements and ticket sales.
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