Discovering Allstate Arena: Your Ultimate Guide to Seating Capacity
Ever wondered how many people can pack into the Allstate Arena for a pulsating concert or a thrilling hockey game? You're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will not only answer that question but also provide you with a step-by-step breakdown of Allstate Arena's seating, helping you understand how capacity fluctuates based on the event. Get ready to become an Allstate Arena seating expert!
Step 1: Understanding the Multi-Purpose Nature of Allstate Arena
Before we dive into specific numbers, let's understand why the seating capacity isn't a single, fixed number. The Allstate Arena, located in Rosemont, Illinois (just outside Chicago), is a multi-purpose indoor arena. This means it's designed to host a wide variety of events, from high-energy concerts and electrifying sports matches to family shows and conventions. The flexibility of its design allows for different configurations, which directly impacts the number of seats available for any given event.
Think of it like this: A large, open space can be arranged in many ways. For a basketball game, you need a court and surrounding seating. For a concert, you might need a stage at one end, potentially removing seats to accommodate it, or a stage in the center, allowing for a 360-degree audience. This adaptability is key to its success as a premier entertainment venue.
Step 2: The Baseline Capacity – Reserved Seating and Luxury Suites
The Allstate Arena boasts a substantial baseline capacity for reserved seating. This is the maximum number of individual seats that are generally available, excluding any special configurations for stages or large floor areas.
- 18,500 Reserved Seating Capacity: This figure represents the arena's general capacity for most events, including a significant number of seats in its upper and lower bowls.
- Forty-Eight Luxury Suites: In addition to the standard seating, the Allstate Arena also features 48 luxury suites. These private suites offer an enhanced viewing experience and contribute to the overall capacity for premium ticketholders.
It's important to remember that this 18,500 figure is a strong indicator of its potential to host large-scale gatherings.
Step 3: Event-Specific Capacities – A Deeper Dive
Now, let's get into the specifics of how the Allstate Arena's capacity changes based on the type of event being held. This is where the "multi-purpose" aspect truly comes into play.
Sub-heading: Concert Capacity: Reaching for the Stars
- Concerts: 18,500 - 22,000: For concerts, the Allstate Arena's capacity can range significantly. While the 18,500 reserved seating capacity is a good starting point, some concert configurations allow for additional floor seating directly in front of the stage. This can push the total capacity upwards, sometimes reaching as high as 22,000 for extremely popular artists who utilize a larger portion of the arena floor for standing or temporary seating.
- Why the variability? The exact number depends on the stage design, whether there's a general admission standing area on the floor, and the overall production requirements of the show.
Sub-heading: Sporting Event Capacities: Tailored for the Game
Sporting events require specific layouts, and the Allstate Arena adjusts its seating accordingly.
- Basketball: 17,500: For basketball games, the arena typically seats around 17,500 spectators. This configuration optimizes views for the court, with seating surrounding the playing area. The Allstate Arena was famously the home of the DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team for many years.
- Ice Hockey: 16,692: When the ice is in, as it is for the Chicago Wolves (AHL) hockey games, the capacity is slightly lower, coming in at approximately 16,692. This difference accounts for the space taken up by the ice rink and the setup required for hockey events.
- Arena Football: 16,143: For arena football, the capacity is typically around 16,143. Similar to hockey, the field size and surrounding barrier configurations influence the available seating.
It's fascinating to see how a venue can so effectively transform itself to accommodate such diverse events!
Step 4: Factors Influencing Capacity Beyond the Basics
While the numbers above give you a clear picture, there are a few other subtle factors that can influence the final ticketed capacity for any given event at the Allstate Arena:
Sub-heading: Production Requirements
- Stage Size and Placement: For concerts, a larger stage or extensive production elements (like elaborate lighting rigs, video screens, or sound equipment) might necessitate removing some seats, particularly in the lower bowl or behind the stage, to accommodate the setup.
- Backstage Areas: The space needed for artist dressing rooms, crew areas, and equipment storage can also impact the usable seating footprint, although this is less common for standard configurations.
Sub-heading: ADA Seating and Accessibility
- Accessible Seating: The Allstate Arena, like all modern venues, provides a significant number of accessible seating options for guests with disabilities. While these seats are part of the overall capacity, their placement and arrangement are designed to ensure accessibility, which can slightly affect the total count if compared to a theoretical "all standard seats" layout.
Sub-heading: Unforeseen Circumstances or Special Events
- One-Off Events: Occasionally, for very unique events or special setups (e.g., boxing matches, large conventions, or specific theatrical productions), the seating configuration might be highly customized, leading to a capacity that deviates from the standard figures. These are usually communicated clearly when tickets go on sale.
Step 5: How to Verify Seating for Your Event
Now that you have a solid understanding of Allstate Arena's seating capabilities, how can you find the exact capacity for the event you plan to attend?
Sub-heading: Check the Official Venue Website
- Always start with the source! The official Allstate Arena website (
rosemont.com/allstate
Sub-heading: Ticket Vendor Seating Charts
- When purchasing tickets through platforms like Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, or other authorized ticket vendors, you'll almost always be presented with a detailed seating chart for that specific event. This chart will visually represent the available seats and their general location, giving you a clear idea of the layout and the overall capacity for that performance.
Sub-heading: Event-Specific Announcements
- For major events, promoters or the arena itself might make specific announcements regarding the seating capacity, especially if it's a unique setup or a record-breaking attendance is anticipated. Keep an eye on their social media channels or press releases.
Conclusion: A Venue Built for Variety and Volume
The Allstate Arena, with its impressive general capacity of around 18,500 reserved seats and its ability to expand for concerts up to 22,000, or adjust for sports like basketball (17,500) and hockey (16,692), truly stands as a testament to versatile arena design. It's a key entertainment hub for the Chicago area, capable of hosting a vast array of memorable experiences for tens of thousands of fans at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Allstate Arena Seating & More
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about the Allstate Arena, along with their quick answers:
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How to find out the exact seating capacity for a specific event at Allstate Arena? The best way is to check the official Allstate Arena website's event calendar or the seating chart provided by the ticket vendor (e.g., Ticketmaster, SeatGeek) when you are looking to purchase tickets for that particular event.
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How to buy tickets for Allstate Arena events? You can purchase tickets through official ticket vendors like Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and other authorized resale marketplaces. You can also sometimes buy directly from the Allstate Arena box office on event days.
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How to get to Allstate Arena using public transportation? Allstate Arena is accessible via various public transportation options in the Chicago area, including CTA bus routes (221, 223, 230, 250, PULSE DEMPSTER LINE), Metra train lines (NCS, UP-NW), and the CTA Blue Line.
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How to find parking at Allstate Arena? Allstate Arena offers plenty of on-site parking close to all entrances. Parking usually costs around $25 (cash or credit card) and opens two hours prior to the event start time. Tailgating is generally not permitted.
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How to know what food options are available at Allstate Arena? The arena has a wide variety of concession stands offering typical arena fare like hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, and beverages. For specific menus or dietary information, it's best to check the Chicago Wolves' arena concession page or contact the arena directly.
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How to know the bag policy for Allstate Arena events? Generally, backpacks, totes, mid/large-sized bags, and coolers are not permitted. Diaper bags (with a child) and bags approved for medical needs are allowed after a security search. Approved bags must be no larger than 12" x 12". Always check the specific event's policy as it can sometimes vary.
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How to arrange for accessible seating at Allstate Arena? Accessible seating options are available in all price ranges. You can purchase these tickets online through Ticketmaster or by calling their accessibility line. It's advisable to arrange for assistance in advance by contacting Guest Services.
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How to know if an event is sold out at Allstate Arena? Check the official ticket vendor websites (like Ticketmaster or SeatGeek). They will indicate if an event is sold out or if only resale tickets are available.
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How to contact Allstate Arena for general inquiries? You can usually find contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, on the official Allstate Arena website under their "Contact" or "Arena Info" sections.
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How to get the best seats at Allstate Arena? "Best" is subjective! For concerts, front-row floor seats or lower bowl seats near the stage are often coveted. For sports, seats mid-court/mid-ice offer excellent views of the entire game. Utilize interactive seating charts to preview sightlines before purchasing.
