Chicago Blackhawks

United Center holds about 19,717 for hockey and the Chicago crowd brings genuine noise even when the team is rebuilding toward the next contender. The national anthem has been a stadium-wide screaming tradition since the early 90s - the building erupts before the last note, every time, at every home game. If you've never experienced it, it's worth the trip for that alone.

The Blackhawks are an Original Six franchise with Stanley Cup banners from 1934, 1938, 1961, and then three more in 2010, 2013, and 2015. That dynasty run built a generation of fans who remember exactly where they were for each one. The West Loop neighborhood west of downtown Chicago has become the go-to pregame destination. Kaiser Tiger has a beer garden that fills up well before puck drop, and the area along Randolph Street has enough dining options to satisfy any pregame plan.

Getting to the United Center on Madison Street means either driving (parking is plentiful and reasonably priced) or catching a ride. The Pink Line stop at Ashland is walkable but most people rideshare on winter nights. The UC District plaza around the building has a Michael Jordan statue and a Bobby Hull statue worth a look before you head inside.

Find Blackhawks tickets through Evil Tickets and see what's coming up this season at the United Center.