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Many people mistakenly believe that the NCAA Tournament is the only event encompassed by March Madness.
This week, the excitement is undeniably palpable, particularly in Michigan, as the 2025 Big Ten Tournament is set to unfold. The fervor and intensity of the event are truly alive and thriving.
Michigan and Michigan State are both competing for a conference championship at the United Center in Chicago.
If you’re planning to support your favorite team, whether it’s Wolverine or Spartan, in Chicago, here’s everything you need to know about the home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks.
2023 Big Ten Tournament schedule
The annual Big Ten Conference Tournament commences this Wednesday and wraps up on Sunday.
The tournament comprises all 14 teams, with the victor earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The games from Wednesday to Friday will be broadcasted live on the Big Ten Network, while the semifinals on Saturday and the championship on Sunday will be aired on CBS.
Take a look at the bracket.
Wednesday, March 8
- Game 1: Ohio State, ranked 13th, will face off against Wisconsin, ranked 12th, at 6:30 p.m.
- Game 2: Minnesota, ranked 14th, will face Nebraska, ranked 11th, at 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 9
- Game 3: Rutgers (No. 9) versus Michigan (No. 8) at noon.
- Game 4 will feature a matchup between the winner of G1 and the fifth-ranked team, Iowa, at 2:30 p.m.
- Penn State, ranked 10th, will face off against Illinois, ranked 7th, at 6:30 p.m. in G5.
- Game 6 will feature the winner of G2 facing off against No. 6 Maryland at 9 p.m.
Friday, March 10
- The G7 matchup will feature the winner of G3 facing off against the top-ranked team, Purdue, at noon.
- Game 8: The winner of G4 will face off against Michigan State, ranked No. 4, at 2:30 p.m.
- Game 9 will feature the victor of G5 against Northwestern, ranked as the No. 2 team, with a scheduled start time of 6:30 p.m.
- Game 10: Winner of Game 6 versus Indiana <br>Scheduled for 9 p.m.
Saturday March 11
- The match between the winner of G11 and the winner of G8 will take place at 1 p.m.
- The winners of G12 and G9 will face off against each other at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 12
- Championship Game, 3:30 p.m.
Regardless of any outcome this week, Michigan State (19-11, 11-8 Big Ten) appears to have secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament. However, Michigan (17-14, 11-9) is not in a similar position.
According to ESPN Bracketology, after Michigan’s loss in overtime against Indiana on Sunday, they are now among the teams listed as the “Next Four Out.” This implies that Michigan will need to surpass several other teams in order to secure an at-large bid, as per ESPN’s assessment.
In order for the Wolverines to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, they must achieve some significant victories this week or emerge as the ultimate champions.
Big Ten Tournament tickets
There are still tickets up for grabs for the Big Ten Tournament. You have the option to purchase tickets for one of the seven sessions or for the entire tournament.
Tickets can be officially obtained via Ticketmaster, although they can also be found on Stubhub and SeatGeek.
Tournament tickets are available starting from approximately $350 for the full event. However, the prices of single-session tickets can greatly differ. For the early sessions, you can enter for under $5, whereas championship tickets typically begin around $60-$70.
Directions to the United Center
Michigan is conveniently within driving distance of Chicago.
Flying is possible, but it comes with a hefty price tag for a brief duration in the sky.
If driving is not an option, you might want to consider taking the train instead. Amtrak offers various options throughout the state, providing a reasonably priced round-trip journey to Chicago.
If you are planning to embark on a road trip using your own vehicle, chances are you have two possible routes originating from Michigan.
- If you’re coming from the East, most people from Michigan will take I-94W to enter Indiana. Once you’re in the Hoosier State, you’ll need to merge onto I-90W, which is a toll road. Keep following I-90W until you reach I-290W, where you should merge. After a few miles on I-290W, take exit 28A for Damen Ave. Turn right onto Damen Ave and continue for about half a mile before making a right onto Madison St. You’ll find the United Center on your right at 1901 W Madison St.
- If you are traveling from the Upper Peninsula, head towards US Hwy 41S to reach I-43 S near Green Bay. Merge onto I-43 S and continue for 125 miles before merging onto I-94 E, which will guide you into Chicago. Once on I-94 E, take exit 50A towards Ogden Ave. Turn right onto Ogden Ave and continue for one mile. Then, make a right turn onto Madison St. The United Center will be located on your left.
When in Chicago this week, you have the option to utilize the Chicago Transit Authority to reach the arena. Madison St. is accessible via the Orange, Green, Purple, or Brown lines.
You can also use the No. 19 United Center Express Bus and No. 20 Madison Bus to travel to and from the arena.
Parking at the United Center
On its parking map, the United Center features an array of 11 distinct public parking lots for advertisement.
The parking lots, including the Uber lot, open two and a half hours before the commencement of every event.
Ticketmaster allows you to buy parking spots ahead of time for the majority of lots. By purchasing tickets in advance, you can save $4 compared to paying on-site.
The costs for the lots being on-site are:
- Lot H: $42
- Lots C&K: $31
- Other Lots: $26
If you are using Uber or any other ride-sharing apps to travel from the arena, you will be collected from the Uber Zone, which is located in the same vicinity as your drop-off point.
Does Illinois have legal sports betting?
As a sports bettor from Michigan traveling to Chicago, you have the opportunity to engage in sports betting in Illinois too. Since 2020, online sports betting has been legalized in Illinois, allowing you to place bets on events like March Madness even when attending the Big Ten Tournament.
The leading sportsbooks in Illinois bear resemblance to the premier sportsbooks in Michigan.
The FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge, which opened last October, awaits you inside the United Center.
Situated on the southern side of the United Center atrium, the FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge spans across two stories, encompassing a generous 1,300 square feet of LED screens.
While the approval from the Illinois Gaming Board for retail betting at the FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge is still pending, online betting is available throughout the entire arena.
What to know when visiting the United Center
Similar to the professional sports arenas in Michigan, the United Center operates as a cashless venue.
To gain entry, mobile ticketing must be utilized, and all purchases of merchandise, food, and beverages necessitate digital payment.
You can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or credit/debit cards at the United Center.
There is an extensive range of food and beverage choices available at the United Center, ensuring that individuals with any dietary restrictions can find suitable options to satisfy their needs.
On Sunday, the concession workers at the United Center initiated a walkout, with an ongoing strike that has the potential to affect this week’s tournament.
The negotiations to resolve the strike are currently in progress. If they continue without any changes, there will be limited food and drink options during the tournament.
Here you can find a comprehensive dining guide, along with answers to any inquiries regarding items allowed into the arena.
