Allstate Arena

Allstate Arena
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Name	Allstate Arena
Location	Rosemont, Illinois, United States
Opened	1980
Owner	Village of Rosemont
Operator	Rosemont Theatre Operating Corporation
Capacity	16,692 (approximate)
Architect	Anthony M. Rossi
Former names	Rosemont Horizon

Allstate Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Rosemont, Illinois, a suburb adjacent to Chicago. Opened in 1980 as the Rosemont Horizon and later renamed after a corporate naming agreement, the arena has hosted professional sports, touring concerts, political rallies, and family entertainment. Situated near O'Hare International Airport and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the venue sits within a cluster of entertainment and convention infrastructure that includes hotels such as the Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel and venues like the Rosemont Theatre.

History

Construction began in the late 1970s under the direction of village leadership including Donald E. Stephens, who sought to develop Rosemont as an entertainment hub. The facility opened in 1980 and initially hosted indoor soccer exhibitions and minor-league hockey including the Chicago Wolves predecessor efforts and appearances by teams from the North American Soccer League. Over the years, the arena has been the site of collegiate events involving institutions such as the DePaul Blue Demons and the Illinois Fighting Illini for neutral-site basketball and tournaments. The venue has also hosted political events featuring figures from the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee, along with speeches by national politicians and visits from presidents such as Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.

Design and Facilities

The arena’s original design by developer Anthony M. Rossi emphasized a flexible bowl and retractable seating to accommodate sports such as ice hockey, basketball, and indoor lacrosse, as well as concerts by artists touring with staging requirements similar to those used by acts like The Rolling Stones and Madonna. The building includes luxury suites and club seating comparable to those at arenas used by the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League. Concessions and back-of-house facilities support touring productions from promoters such as Live Nation and AEG Presents; production trucks commonly park adjacent to loading docks used by touring companies for artists like Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé.

The arena floor measures suitable dimensions for National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball and was configured for indoor soccer and arena football franchises affiliated with leagues such as the Arena Football League. The technical infrastructure includes rigging points for lighting and sound systems used by touring companies like Clear Channel Communications (historically) and modern equivalents. Nearby hospitality and parking integrate with the Rosemont Metra station and local roadways including Interstate 294.

Events and Tenants

Regular tenants have included minor league hockey franchises and arena football teams; the venue has been home to the Chicago Wolves during parts of their schedule, and to the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League. It has hosted preseason and neutral-site games for the Chicago Bears and NCAA tournament games organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The arena regularly accommodates touring concerts by international acts such as U2, Elton John, Taylor Swift, and Prince, as well as family shows produced by companies like Disney On Ice and Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The arena also stages conventions and trade shows associated with organizations like the Electronic Entertainment Expo (regional events) and industry-specific exhibitions.

Notable Performances and Moments

Historic performances include appearances by major artists such as The Who, Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, and Billy Joel, each drawing large audiences and often making the venue a stop on global tours. The arena hosted televised wrestling events for organizations like World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling, including pay-per-view tapings that featured performers such as Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Memorable sporting moments include championship and playoff games for minor-league hockey and roller derby events tied to leagues like the Women's Flat Track Derby Association. The site has also been used for commencement ceremonies for institutions including DePaul University and corporate gatherings for firms such as Allstate Corporation and United Airlines.

Accessibility and Transportation

Located near O'Hare International Airport, the arena benefits from proximity to major transportation nodes including the Chicago Transit Authority and the Metra commuter rail network via nearby stations. Access by automobile is facilitated by interchanges on Interstate 90 and Interstate 294, and event parking is provided through village-operated lots and private garages serving surrounding hotels like the Aloft Chicago O'Hare. Shuttle services, taxi stands, and ride-hailing zones are commonly in operation for large events, and bus routes serving the Pace Bus system connect the venue to the broader Cook County transit network.

Renovations and Upgrades

Since opening, the arena has undergone multiple renovations to modernize seating, hospitality areas, and mechanical systems. Upgrades have included the installation of new scoreboards and LED video displays similar to those introduced in venues used by the National Basketball Association and improvements to luxury suites to meet expectations set by contemporary arenas like the United Center. Audio-visual and broadcast facilities have been enhanced to accommodate televised events produced by networks such as ESPN, NBC Sports, and Fox Sports. Accessibility improvements have been made in line with standards promoted by organizations like the Americans with Disabilities Act to better serve patrons with mobility needs.

Category:Indoor arenas in Illinois Category:Sports venues in Cook County, Illinois