Have you ever wondered just how many people can pack into the iconic Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois? It's a question that sparks curiosity, whether you're planning to attend a massive concert, cheer on a sports team, or simply want to grasp the sheer scale of this impressive venue. Well, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will not only answer that burning question but also delve into the fascinating factors that influence its capacity, giving you a complete understanding of this beloved Chicago-area landmark.
Unveiling the Allstate Arena's Capacity: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Allstate Arena, originally known as the Rosemont Horizon, is a multi-purpose arena that has hosted a staggering array of events since its opening in 1980. Its capacity isn't a single fixed number but rather a flexible figure that adapts to the type of event taking place. Let's break it down!
Step 1: Understanding the Dynamics of Arena Seating
Before we dive into the specific numbers, let's consider why an arena's capacity can change. It's not just about fitting as many people as possible; it's about optimizing the space for different experiences.
- What kind of event are you thinking of attending? Is it a high-energy rock concert with a mosh pit, a thrilling basketball game where every seat offers a clear view of the court, or a precise ice hockey match with a rink at its center? Each of these scenarios requires a different configuration of the arena's floor and seating areas.
This dynamic nature means that while the core seating bowl remains, the floor level and certain sections might be utilized differently, impacting the final attendee count.
Step 2: Concerts - The Max Crowd Experience
When it comes to concerts, the Allstate Arena transforms into a massive music venue, designed to accommodate the largest possible audience to witness their favorite artists.
- The Big Number: For concerts, the Allstate Arena can hold an impressive 18,500 to 22,000 people.
- How They Do It: This higher capacity is achieved by utilizing the entire floor space for standing general admission or additional seating, often extending onto what would typically be a sports playing surface. The stage setup is typically at one end of the arena, maximizing the view from all seated sections and the floor. This configuration truly allows for a massive gathering of fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Step 3: Basketball - Precision and Clear Sightlines
Basketball games require a specific court layout, and optimal viewing angles are paramount.
- The Hoop-Hoop Capacity: For basketball games, the Allstate Arena seats approximately 17,500 people.
- The Layout: This capacity reflects the configuration where the basketball court occupies the center, and seating surrounds it. The absence of floor seating beyond the baseline allows for clear views of the entire court, essential for following the fast-paced action. Luxury suites also contribute to the overall capacity but are factored into these specific event numbers.
Step 4: Ice Hockey - The Frozen Battleground
Hockey has its unique requirements, with the ice rink dominating the arena floor.
- On the Ice: For ice hockey games, the Allstate Arena accommodates around 16,692 people.
- The Rink Factor: The ice rink, being a defined playing area, naturally limits the amount of floor space that can be used for seating compared to concerts. The seating is arranged around the rink, providing excellent sightlines for puck-watching and hard-hitting action.
Step 5: Arena Football - The Gridiron in the Round
While less frequent now, the Allstate Arena has also hosted arena football, which has its own capacity nuances.
- Indoor Gridiron: For arena football, the capacity is typically around 16,143 people.
- Field of Play: Similar to hockey, the defined playing field for arena football dictates the seating arrangement, leading to a slightly lower capacity compared to basketball or concerts where the floor can be more extensively utilized for attendees.
Step 6: Understanding the "Why" Behind the Numbers
It's not just arbitrary figures. The design of the Allstate Arena, even from its inception as the Rosemont Horizon, was intended to be versatile.
- Multipurpose Design: The arena was built as a multi-purpose facility, meaning its infrastructure allows for quick transformations between different event types. This includes retractable seating sections, easily changeable floor surfaces (ice to court to open floor), and adaptable stage setups.
- Safety Regulations: Capacity numbers are also heavily influenced by fire codes and safety regulations. The arena must ensure clear egress paths and sufficient space per person for safety. These regulations are strictly adhered to, ensuring a safe experience for all attendees.
Step 7: Beyond Seating - Luxury Suites and Accessibility
It's worth noting that the Allstate Arena also features forty-eight luxury suites, which contribute to its overall capacity while offering a premium viewing experience. Additionally, the arena is committed to accessibility, with designated seating areas and accommodations for guests with disabilities, which are factored into the overall capacity planning.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the Allstate Arena's capacity, with quick and concise answers:
How to determine the exact capacity for a specific event at Allstate Arena?
- The exact capacity for a specific event is best found on the official Allstate Arena website or the ticket vendor's page for that event, as it can vary slightly based on the specific production setup.
How to find out if an event will have standing room only (SRO) on the floor?
- Event details on the official website or ticket sale platforms will typically indicate if floor areas are designated for standing room only (general admission) or if they will have temporary seating.
How to know the best section for viewing a concert at Allstate Arena?
- For concerts, many find seats in the lower bowl sections facing the stage, or even standing on the floor, offer the best experience, but excellent sightlines are a hallmark of the arena's design.
How to ascertain the capacity of Allstate Arena for events other than sports or concerts?
- For events like professional wrestling or family shows, the capacity will generally fall within the range of 16,000 to 18,500, depending on the specific setup required for the event.
How to understand the difference between "reserved seating capacity" and maximum capacity?
- "Reserved seating capacity" refers to the number of fixed seats, while "maximum capacity" includes additional floor seating or standing room that can be added for certain events, pushing the total higher.
How to know if all luxury suites are included in the stated capacity?
- Yes, the capacity figures typically include the luxury suites, as they are part of the total available spectator spaces within the arena.
How to check for sold-out events and their capacity impact?
- When an event is sold out, it means tickets have been issued up to the maximum permitted capacity for that specific event configuration.
How to find seating charts for Allstate Arena?
- Official seating charts for various event types are available on the Allstate Arena website and often on ticket vendor sites when purchasing tickets.
How to know if sightlines are good from all seats, regardless of capacity?
- The Allstate Arena is known for its "excellent sight lines from all seat locations," a key feature of its design since its inception.
How to determine if a full house for a hockey game feels different from a full concert?
- A full house for a hockey game might feel more compact due to the rink's central placement, whereas a full concert with floor access can feel more expansive with a larger, more spread-out audience.
