Chicago Blackhawks' United Center goes into 'lockdown mode' and is shutdown
The NHL is in shutdown mode in August, and for the Blackhawks, this is true as well.
The area surrounding the United Center has been put into lockdown mode, as the DNC Convention arrives. The event held in the 30-year-old arena, takes place on August 19-22nd.
You will need special clearance to access the area, so we'd advise against making the trip.
You won't be able to get a Connor Bedard jersey or browse Blackhawks merch at the Blackhawks Madhouse team store, adjoining the arena due to the event. So you'll have to settle for Fanatics or make the trek to the team store on Michigan Avenue which is open and owned by The Wirtz Corporation.
You won't be able to see the larger-than-life Stan Mikita or Bubby Hull statues outside of Gate 3 1/2 of the UC. No luck seeing the Michael Jordan statue inside of the United Center atrium.
Even team employees and those who work the arena, need a special clearance to access the arena, which is astounding for the UC being the 2nd busiest in North America.
Kyle Davidson will even have to make signings and deals elsewhere while the DNC is in town.
The team practice arena, Fifth Third is shut down as well, along with its rinks, almost half a mile from the UC.
And residents have had extra restrictions imposed if they're within distance of the UC.
"I don't know what I'm expecting," said Martrice Allen. "I don't want it to inconvenience me."
Allen and other residents at Henry Horner said they were given a special ID that would get them in and out of the secure checkpoints.
"Only people who can get in here are residents, and you have to have your picture ID with the address that you're going to," said Allen.
Things look to return to the status quo in September.
Source: The Hockey News
Blackhawks, United Center in Lockdown Mode Due to Democratic National Convention
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AOUT 12 | 59 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks' United Center goes into 'lockdown mode' and is shutdown Do you like the Blackhawks team store off of Michigan Ave? | ||
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