Allstate Arena Information

Originally named Rosemont Horizon, All State Arena was funded by the Village of Rosemont in 1979 and completed the following year. It was built to be the home of the Chicago Horizons of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), but after one season, the franchise folded in 1982.

The venue is one of the largest in the Chicago area, with 18,500 reserved seating capacity and forty-eight luxury suites. Fleetwood Mac were the first band to perform at the venue on May 15, 1980, and a red ribbon was cut on stage during the opening of the show.

Known for sports, particularly football, Allstate Arena is one of only two venues on the world to have hosted WrestleMania three times.

In 1999, insurance company Allstate, signed a 10-year contract, acquiring naming and renovation rights to the arena. Allstate Arena has several sustainability initiatives in place, championing green living, and winning the 2011 US-EPA Wastewise Gold Achievement Award for Public Venue Recycling.

Allstate Arena has built an impressive reputation as a premier entertainment destination that accommodates a wide range of events with seamless professionalism. The venue has earned its place among the world’s elite arenas through decades of hosting A-list performers, championship sporting events, and spectacular family entertainment. You’ll discover a facility that balances intimate atmosphere with large-capacity seating, creating the perfect environment for unforgettable experiences.

The arena’s versatility allows it to transform from an ice hockey rink to a concert hall to a monster truck course with remarkable efficiency. This adaptability has made it a favorite among promoters, performers, and production companies worldwide. You’ll appreciate the venue’s commitment to maintaining modern amenities while preserving the character that has made it a Chicago landmark.

Notable Features and Amenities

The venue’s distinctive timber roof serves both practical and acoustic purposes, muffling noise from nearby O’Hare Airport while enhancing the interior sound quality. You’ll notice this architectural feature distinguishes Allstate Arena from typical concrete-and-steel structures. The design creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that enhances every event experience.

Inside, you’ll find comprehensive amenities, including numerous concession stands offering diverse food and beverage options. The venue provides multiple restroom facilities strategically placed throughout the building to minimize wait times. You can access ATMs, merchandise stands, and guest services desks conveniently located on the main concourse.

Premium areas include 48 luxury suites that accommodate groups of 12 to 24 guests with private restrooms, HDTVs, and dedicated attendants. Club seating areas offer enhanced comfort with wider seats, exclusive lounge access, and in-seat wait service during many events. You’ll appreciate these upgraded options when celebrating special occasions or entertaining business clients.

Types of Events

Allstate Arena hosts an incredible variety of entertainment year-round, ensuring there’s something for every taste and interest. You can attend major concert tours featuring rock legends, pop superstars, country stars, Latin artists, and K-pop idols. The venue consistently books top-tier talent that sells out shows within hours of tickets going on sale.

Sports fans flock to Allstate Arena for Chicago Wolves hockey games, experiencing professional-level AHL action in an electric atmosphere. The venue has also welcomed basketball games, arena football, and other sporting competitions over the years. You’ll find the arena’s configuration adapts perfectly to various sports while maintaining excellent sightlines from every seat.

Family entertainment fills the calendar with Disney On Ice productions, Monster Jam spectaculars, circus performances, and other shows that delight audiences of all ages. Professional wrestling represents another major draw, with WWE hosting numerous events throughout each year. You can also catch comedy shows, award ceremonies, and other special events that showcase the venue’s remarkable versatility.

A Rich History of Entertainment Excellence

Allstate Arena opened on May 11, 1980, as the Rosemont Horizon, designed to serve as a premier entertainment facility for the Chicago region. The Village of Rosemont issued $19 million in bonds to finance construction, demonstrating a significant commitment to creating a world-class venue. Fleetwood Mac performed the first concert on May 15, 1980, cutting a red ribbon on stage to inaugurate this new entertainment landmark.

The construction faced a tragic setback on August 13, 1979, when the uncompleted roof collapsed, killing five workers and injuring 16 others. This devastating incident led to comprehensive safety reviews and construction improvements before the venue finally opened. The tragedy remains a sobering reminder of the risks involved in ambitious architectural projects.

Evolution and Rebranding

The venue operated as Rosemont Horizon until 1999, when insurance giant Allstate purchased naming rights in a ten-year contract worth more than $10 million. This partnership brought extensive renovations that modernized facilities while preserving the arena’s distinctive character. 

Throughout its history, the arena has hosted championship teams and legendary performers who chose this venue for its exceptional reputation. The facility welcomed the Chicago Horizons indoor soccer team during its brief 1980-1981 existence. Since then, various professional teams have called Allstate Arena home over the decades, including multiple indoor soccer, basketball, and arena football franchises.

Legendary Performances and Events

Allstate Arena has witnessed countless historic moments in entertainment and sports history that continue to resonate with fans. The venue became one of only two arenas, along with Madison Square Garden, to host WrestleMania three times: in 1986, 1997, and 2006. 

When Garth Brooks emerged from his decade-long retirement in 2014, he chose Allstate Arena to launch his World Tour with an unprecedented 11 consecutive sold-out shows. This remarkable run demonstrated the venue’s appeal to major artists and its importance in the entertainment industry. 

The arena has featured in music videos and documentaries, including Scorpions’ 1985 “Big City Nights” video. These appearances in popular culture cement the venue’s status as an iconic entertainment destination. You’re not just attending events at any arena; you’re experiencing a piece of entertainment history.