NCAA MEN’S FROZEN FOUR RETURNS TO UNITED CENTER IN CHICAGO IN 2028

CHICAGO – The NCAA Men’s Frozen Four is set to return to the United Center in Chicago in 2028, bringing college hockey’s premier event back to the Windy City for the second time. The 2028 NCAA championship event will be hosted in partnership with the Chicago Sports Commission and the University of Denver.

The return of the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four to Chicago highlights the city’s reputation as a leading destination for major sporting events. Chicago first hosted the championship in 2017 at the United Center, where it set the top two arena attendance records in the history of the tournament, drawing 19,783 and 19,626 fans, respectively.

“We are excited to welcome the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four back to our world-class arena and city in 2028,” said Joe Myhra, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, United Center. “Together with the City of Chicago, we take great pride in creating unforgettable experiences, and we look forward to setting the new standard of excellence for collegiate athletes, coaches, and fans alike. The energy and passion of Chicago’s sports community make this city a perfect destination for events of this magnitude.”

"Chicago is a great hockey town, and I am personally thrilled to see the NCAA commit to bringing the Frozen Four back here in 2028," said Kara Bachman, Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission. "College hockey fans who perhaps haven't visited since the last time we hosted this tournament in 2017 will find our city has continued to evolve as a destination. With improving infrastructure, new world-class events, and an ever-growing fan base, there is truly no better town in America for sports tourism." 

"It is always exciting when you are awarded a tournament bid and have the opportunity to play a role in the hosting of a national championship," DU Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. "I want to thank our partners at the United Center and the Chicago Sports Commission for playing such a key role in the bid process. We are thrilled to showcase our University to the country at the 2028 NCAA Frozen Four in Chicago, home to scores of DU alumni, current students, and the host of our eighth hockey national championship back in 2017. The United Center is no stranger to first-class events, and we’re looking forward to another great showcase for college hockey in Chicago in 2028."

The 2028 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four will build on Chicago’s rich history of hosting iconic sports moments and is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the country. Earlier this year, the NHL announced that the 2025 Discover NHL Winter Classic will be held at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, further cementing the city’s status as a hub for marquee sports events.

For more information and updates on the 2028 Men’s Frozen Four, visit UnitedCenter.com/FrozenFour or follow @UnitedCenter and @ChiSportsComm on social media.

 

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About the United Center

The United Center is a 960,000 square-foot multi-use entertainment facility in Chicago that has welcomed more than 70 million fans since opening in 1994. Home of the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), the United Center is the third busiest arena in the world hosting more than 200 events each year, including the best sporting events, musical performers, family shows and special events in the industry. A commitment to creating iconic stories and providing superior service makes the United Center one of the premiere venues in the world. For more information, visit UnitedCenter.com.

 

About the Chicago Sports Commission

With a vision of establishing Chicago as the #1 U.S. destination for sports tourism, the Chicago Sports Commission recruits and supports high-profile, major sporting events that drive significant economic impact and positive exposure for the city of Chicago. The Chicago Sports Commission launched in 2011 as a part of Choose Chicago. A registered 501(c)6, the Chicago Sports Commission is comprised of a dedicated full-time staff and supported by a Corporate Partner program, which makes up the Chicago Sports Commission’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

United Center - Colleen Quinn, cquinn@unitedcenter.com

Choose Chicago / Chicago Sports Commission – Isaac Reichman, ireichman@choosechicago.com

University of Denver – Niko Blankenship, Niko.Blankenship@du.edu

 
 
 
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