Unveiling the Mighty Allstate Arena: How Many People Can It Truly Hold?
Hey there, future event-goer! Are you planning to catch a concert, cheer on your favorite sports team, or experience an electrifying live show at the renowned Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois? If so, you're probably wondering, just how many people can this massive venue accommodate? It's a great question, and the answer isn't always a simple number, as the capacity can flex depending on the type of event. But don't worry, we're here to break it down for you, step-by-step!
Let's dive in and uncover the impressive capacity of the Allstate Arena, ensuring you're fully informed for your next visit.
Step 1: Understanding the "Multi-Purpose" Nature of Allstate Arena
Before we get to the exact numbers, it's crucial to understand that the Allstate Arena is a multi-purpose facility. This means it's not just built for one type of event but is designed to transform to host a wide range of spectacles. From high-energy concerts to thrilling hockey games and intense basketball matchups, the arena's seating configuration can be adjusted, which directly impacts its overall capacity.
Think of it like a giant, adaptable puzzle! Different events require different layouts, and the Allstate Arena is expertly designed to accommodate these changes.
Step 2: The Baseline: Reserved Seating Capacity
At its core, the Allstate Arena boasts a substantial reserved seating capacity. This figure represents the number of fixed seats available in the venue.
- Reserved Seating Capacity: The Allstate Arena has an impressive 18,500 reserved seating capacity. This number forms the foundation of its holding power for many events, particularly those where all attendees are expected to have a designated seat.
This figure also includes its forty-eight luxury suites, which offer a more exclusive and comfortable viewing experience.
Step 3: Event-Specific Capacities – Where the Numbers Shift
Now, this is where it gets interesting! While 18,500 is a great starting point, the arena's capacity can vary based on the specific type of event being held. This is because certain events might utilize floor space for standing room, stages, or different playing surfaces.
Sub-heading: Concert Capacity – The Loudest Crowds!
Concerts often aim to maximize attendance, and the Allstate Arena is no exception. For musical performances, the capacity can be even higher than the baseline.
- Concert Capacity: For concerts, the Allstate Arena can hold between 18,500 and 22,000 people. The higher end of this range is achieved by utilizing floor space for standing room or additional temporary seating, particularly for popular acts where every square inch counts. Imagine the roar of that many fans!
Sub-heading: Basketball Capacity – Slam Dunks and Full Stands
As a former long-time home for the DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team, the Allstate Arena is perfectly set up for basketball games.
- Basketball Capacity: For basketball games, the Allstate Arena has a seating capacity of 17,500 people. This ensures excellent sightlines for every fan to catch all the on-court action.
Sub-heading: Ice Hockey Capacity – Blades on Ice, Fans in Seats
The Allstate Arena is also the proud home of the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League (AHL), meaning it frequently hosts thrilling ice hockey matches.
- Ice Hockey Capacity: For ice hockey, the Allstate Arena accommodates 16,692 people. The slight reduction compared to basketball is due to the larger ice surface and the configuration of seating around the rink.
Sub-heading: Arena Football Capacity – Gridiron Action Indoors
While not as frequent as basketball or hockey, the Allstate Arena has also hosted arena football in the past.
- Arena Football Capacity: For arena football games, the capacity is typically around 16,143 people.
Step 4: Factors Influencing Capacity – More Than Just Seats
Beyond the general event types, several other factors can subtly influence the final capacity for any given event at the Allstate Arena:
- Stage Configuration: For concerts, the size and placement of the stage can significantly impact the number of seats available, especially in the lower bowl and floor areas. A larger stage might mean fewer floor seats, or vice-versa.
- Production Elements: Elaborate stage sets, sound equipment, and visual displays can also take up space that might otherwise be used for seating.
- Safety Regulations: Crowd control and emergency egress requirements always play a role in determining the maximum allowable capacity for any public event. The venue adheres strictly to these safety standards.
- Event-Specific Needs: Some unique events might require specialized layouts, such as monster truck rallies or circuses, which could have their own distinct capacity figures.
Step 5: Experiencing the Allstate Arena – Beyond the Numbers
While the numbers are important for understanding the sheer scale of the Allstate Arena, the experience of attending an event there goes far beyond just the seating capacity. The venue is known for:
- Excellent Sightlines: Regardless of where you're seated, the arena is designed to provide great views of the action.
- On-site Parking: There's ample parking available, making it convenient for those driving to events.
- Public Transportation Access: The arena is well-connected by public transport options, offering alternatives to driving.
- Fan-Friendly Environment: The Allstate Arena prides itself on being a "fan-first" venue, aiming to provide a positive experience for all attendees.
So, whether you're joining a crowd of 20,000 screaming fans for a rock concert or cheering on the Chicago Wolves with 16,000 fellow hockey enthusiasts, the Allstate Arena is set up to deliver an unforgettable experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the Allstate Arena's capacity and related aspects, with quick answers:
How to find the exact capacity for a specific event at Allstate Arena? The most accurate way is to check the official Allstate Arena website or the ticket vendor's website for the specific event you plan to attend, as capacities can vary slightly based on the unique setup.
How to know if an Allstate Arena concert has standing room on the floor? Concert tickets will typically specify "General Admission Floor" or "Standing Room Only" if floor access is permitted. Otherwise, all tickets will be for assigned seats.
How to determine the best seats for a concert at Allstate Arena based on capacity? For concerts, sections closer to the stage (lower bowl, floor) offer the most immersive experience, while higher sections provide a broader overview of the stage and crowd. Consider your preference for proximity vs. overall view.
How to compare Allstate Arena's capacity to other major arenas in the Chicago area? The Allstate Arena is one of the largest indoor entertainment facilities in the Chicago area, often compared to the United Center, which has a larger capacity (around 20,000 for basketball and over 23,000 for concerts).
How to get tickets for high-capacity events at Allstate Arena? Tickets for popular, high-capacity events often sell out quickly. It's recommended to purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale through official vendors to ensure availability.
How to find out if luxury suites are included in the stated capacity? Yes, the stated reserved seating capacity of 18,500 for the Allstate Arena includes the capacity of its forty-eight luxury suites.
How to understand why ice hockey capacity is less than basketball capacity? Ice hockey requires a larger playing surface than basketball, which necessitates a different seating configuration and typically results in a slightly lower overall capacity to accommodate the rink.
How to check the current seating chart for an Allstate Arena event? You can typically view the seating chart for any specific event on the official Allstate Arena website or through the ticket purchasing platform (e.g., Ticketmaster, Live Nation).
How to get the most out of a large-capacity event experience at Allstate Arena? Arrive early to avoid crowds, plan your transportation, familiarize yourself with the arena's policies (bag policy, prohibited items), and locate amenities like restrooms and concessions upon arrival.
How to learn more about the history of Allstate Arena and its capacity changes? For detailed historical information, including its original name (Rosemont Horizon) and any significant capacity modifications over the years, you can consult the official Allstate Arena website's "Arena Info" section or reliable encyclopedic sources like Wikipedia.