Have you ever found yourself planning to attend a fantastic concert, a thrilling hockey game, or an electrifying basketball match at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, and wondered: "Exactly how many people can this place hold?" It's a common question, and understanding the seating capacity of such a large, multi-purpose venue is key to appreciating its scale and the diverse events it hosts.
This comprehensive guide will not only answer your burning question about Allstate Arena's seating capacity but also delve into the nuances of how that capacity changes based on the event, explore its rich history, and provide you with all the essential information you need for a smooth and enjoyable visit. Let's dive in!
Understanding Allstate Arena's Seating Capacity: A Deep Dive
The Allstate Arena, a prominent landmark in the Chicago metropolitan area, is renowned for its versatility. It's not just a single-sport arena; it transforms to accommodate a wide array of events, from professional sports to mega-concerts and family shows. This adaptability means its "seating capacity" isn't a static number but rather a flexible figure that shifts depending on the configuration.
Step 1: The General Capacity – A Solid Starting Point
Let's begin with the overall or reserved seating capacity, which is the most commonly cited figure for the Allstate Arena.
- The Big Number: The Allstate Arena boasts an impressive reserved seating capacity of 18,500. This figure represents the maximum number of people who can typically be seated for large-scale events where most or all sections are available for seating.
- Why is this important? This 18,500 figure gives you a general idea of the arena's immense size and its capability to host significant events. When you see a major artist or a huge sporting event advertised, this is the capacity they are often aiming to fill.
Step 2: Event-Specific Capacities – When Numbers Shift
While 18,500 is a great general number, it's crucial to understand that the arena's capacity changes based on the specific type of event. This is due to the different layouts required for various sports and performances.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
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Sub-heading: Concert Capacity
- For concerts, the capacity of the Allstate Arena can range from 18,500 to 22,000.
- How does this happen? Concerts often utilize the floor space (where the stage is set up) for standing general admission or additional seating, which significantly increases the overall capacity beyond just the fixed stadium seats. The exact number depends on the stage configuration, whether there's a catwalk, and if the general admission area is standing-room-only or seated.
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Sub-heading: Basketball Capacity
- When the Allstate Arena hosts basketball games, such as those for the DePaul Blue Demons (who historically played there), the seating capacity is set at 17,500.
- Why the difference? For basketball, the court is positioned in the center, and seating typically surrounds it. The removal of some lower-bowl seats to accommodate the court and team benches reduces the overall capacity slightly compared to a full-arena concert setup.
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Sub-heading: Ice Hockey Capacity
- For ice hockey games, home to the Chicago Wolves (AHL), the capacity is 16,692.
- The Reason for the Reduction: Hockey rinks require specific dimensions, and the ice surface itself, along with penalty boxes and player benches, takes up a significant amount of floor space. This means some of the prime lower-bowl seating, particularly behind the goals, is often removed or obstructed, leading to a slightly lower capacity than basketball.
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Sub-heading: Arena Football Capacity
- In the past, when the Allstate Arena hosted arena football, the capacity was around 16,143.
- Similar to Hockey: Arena football, like hockey, has a field that takes up a considerable amount of the floor, necessitating the removal or obstruction of certain seats.
Step 3: Beyond the Seats – Luxury Suites and Accessibility
It's not just about the standard seats! The Allstate Arena also offers premium viewing experiences.
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Sub-heading: Luxury Suites
- The arena features forty-eight luxury suites. These private, upscale areas offer an exclusive way to enjoy events, complete with premium amenities and often catering options. While not "seats" in the traditional sense, they contribute to the overall premium capacity and experience of the venue.
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Sub-heading: Accessibility Seating
- The Allstate Arena is committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests. This includes designated seating areas for individuals with disabilities and their companions. While these seats are part of the overall capacity, their placement and features are designed to ensure comfort and ease of access. For specific information on accessible seating, it's always best to check the official Allstate Arena website or contact their guest services directly.
Step 4: The Allstate Arena Experience – More Than Just Numbers
Beyond the raw numbers, the Allstate Arena is designed with the fan experience in mind.
- Excellent Sight Lines: One of the arena's key features is its reputation for excellent sight lines from virtually all seat locations. This means that whether you're in the upper deck or close to the action, you're likely to have a good view of the event.
- Convenient Location: Its location in Rosemont, Illinois, just northwest of Chicago and near O'Hare International Airport, makes it highly accessible for both local and out-of-town visitors.
- On-Site Parking: The availability of plenty of on-site parking further enhances the convenience for attendees.
- Public Transportation: For those opting out of driving, convenient public transportation options are also available, making it easy to get to and from events.
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| How Many Seats Are In The Allstate Arena |
A Brief History of the Allstate Arena
Opened on May 11, 1980, the Allstate Arena was originally known as the Rosemont Horizon. It quickly established itself as a premier entertainment venue in the Midwest. Over the decades, it has hosted an incredible array of events, including:
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- Sports: Home to numerous professional and collegiate sports teams, including the Chicago Wolves (AHL), and previously the DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team, Chicago Sting (MISL), and Chicago Rush (AFL). It has also hosted major wrestling events like WrestleMania multiple times.
- Concerts: A regular stop for some of the world's biggest musical acts, from rock legends to pop superstars.
- Family Shows: Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, and various other family-friendly entertainment spectaculars.
The arena was renamed the Allstate Arena in 1999 after Allstate Insurance Company acquired the naming rights. It continues to be a vibrant hub for entertainment in the Chicago area, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the Allstate Arena's seating and capacity, with quick answers:
How to find the best seats for a concert at Allstate Arena? The best seats for a concert depend on your preference. For an up-close experience, consider floor seats or lower-level seats near the stage. For a broader view of the entire production, upper-level center seats are often recommended. Check seating charts when purchasing tickets.
How to check the seating chart for a specific event at Allstate Arena? Most ticket vendor websites (like Ticketmaster) and the official Allstate Arena website will display a detailed seating chart specific to your chosen event before you make a purchase.
How to know if my seats at Allstate Arena have an obstructed view? While Allstate Arena is known for good sightlines, some seats, especially in lower corners or behind stage setups for concerts, might have partial obstructions. Ticket descriptions usually indicate "limited view" or "obstructed view" if applicable. Always read the ticket details carefully.
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
How to purchase tickets for accessible seating at Allstate Arena? Accessible seating can typically be purchased through the official ticketing channels (e.g., Ticketmaster) online or by calling the arena's box office or accessibility services directly. It's advisable to purchase these tickets in advance due to limited availability.
How to determine the best section for hockey games at Allstate Arena? For hockey, many fans prefer seats along the blue lines for a good view of the entire rink, or behind the nets in the attacking zone for a close-up of goal-scoring action. Lower bowl seats offer the best overall experience.
How to know if a concert will have standing room only on the floor at Allstate Arena? This information is usually specified in the event details or ticket description. "General Admission (GA) Floor" typically implies standing room only, while "Reserved Floor" means seated.
How to find out if there are luxury suites available for an event at Allstate Arena? Information on luxury suite rentals can usually be found on the official Allstate Arena website under "Suites" or "Premium Seating," or by contacting their sales department directly.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
How to understand the different levels of seating at Allstate Arena? Generally, arenas have a lower bowl (closest to the action), a club or suite level (mid-level with premium amenities), and an upper bowl (higher, more affordable seats). Each level offers a different perspective.
How to get to Allstate Arena using public transportation? The Allstate Arena is accessible via various public transportation options, including Metra and Pace bus routes. Specific routes and schedules can be found on the CTA, Metra, or Pace websites, or by using a trip planner app.
How to know the exact capacity for a specific non-sporting event like a convention or trade show at Allstate Arena? For non-standard events like conventions or trade shows, the capacity can vary significantly based on the layout (e.g., exhibition space vs. auditorium setup). It's best to consult the event organizer or the Allstate Arena's "Technical Specifications" section on their website for detailed layouts and capacities.
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