Oooh parking is absolutely insane and I will never drive to an event at this arena again. I attended a Rush University graduation recently, ended up getting to my seat very late as there were so many people trying to park, walk, and enter. I missed the start of the event. I was able to find a parking spot in a garage, paid a load of cash, and was nearly squashed trying to navigate into the structure. Even with people in neon vests on the street directing traffic, it was chaotic. I can't figure out why they'd put an arena this size in a tiny footprint in a crowded city. The seats were tiny, uncomfortable, and the steps to them so steep that older folks were really struggling to climb them. The acoustics were good. I could clearly hear the speakers. Next time, I'll take an Uber and get there extra early. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Graduation day!! Rush University. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Enjoying our daughter's commencement from Columbia College 2026 class! So glad she's found her niche! read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Their commencement seating! - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Our son's commencement ceremony was held here. It's not very large, which was ok for this event. The venue is clean and easy to navigate. Concessions were offered. We didn't buy anything, but we saw people with pretzels, hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, fries, nachos and drinks (coffee and soda). The seats are on the smaller side with no cupholders. read more

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Came here to see Martin Lawrence The venue it's self is well organized and clean Lots of ushers available to escort you to your seats And lots of places available to grab a drink My seats were perfect Sound was good and visuals were good Glad I was able to see a comedy show here read more

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Credit union 1 arena, formerly the UIC Pavilion, is a fully capable venue for sports and concerts. It's not as large as some major stadiums that house professional sports matches such as United Center (Home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks) or Wintrust Arena (home off DePaul) but fully capable of hosting any college basketball or volleyball match. This place is also good for intimate concerts as it is small enough to be so. The concessions are offered throughtout the arena and are ample. They have a variety of different food choices from hotdogs/hamburgers, pizza, and many others. The bathrooms are clean and modern unlike some bathrooms at other Chicago venues like O'Hare airport. One thing I would say that doesn't give this place 5 stars are their seats do not have drink holders. You may think that this is a very minor issue but when you're at a sporting venue and you rely on concessions, having drink holders are key especially since drinks are usually the highest margin product of concessions. read more

Formerly UIC pavilion. Clean and spacious. A place for a nice concert. It was my daughter graduation.

Had a beautiful evening seeing Third Day a christian concert. As soon as the lights went on the getto workers were yelling and pointing in people's faces to leave. Screaming in the bathroom that we would all be locked in. This was literally one minute after the show ended. My husband who attended with a broken foot was told immediately to "get off the chair, we got to go been here since 5am"We will never spend one cent here again read more

High school graduation ceremony. Repeated violations of the ADA for attendees with disabilities. If you're attending an event there, better be in a wheelchair with someone to push it: you have no accommodations between the off-site ADA parking spot and the main entrance. "ADA assistance is located inside the main entrance." If your high school is at all fuzzy on the law, best to avoid using this venue because the liability gets shared between the hosting organization and the arena. Shameful. read more

Saw The Strokes last night. The sound was terrible (probably the worst sounding arena I've ever been to). Most of the concessions were cash only. Massive lines everywhere. Bottom line, the whole thing seemed incompetently run. Won't come back here again. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a disaster. I would never recommend seeing a show here. They are horrific to people who have issues with accessibility. Not ADA compliant. Completely rude and dismissive of people who need to access the elevator. The staff I talked to for help were jerks. I have absolutely nothing positive to say about them and hope that management gets a big wake-up call on the ADA front. Parking is also a disaster. Be ready to shuttle far from the venue and be packed into a bus. Ditch this dump entirely and opt for a show elsewhere--you'll be MUCH better off for it. read more

Went to see Katt Williams and the arenas is tight! The sound is poor not easy to hear the performers. The stairs are super steep and seats are very small close together it's uncomfortable and unpleasant. The concession stands are beyond understaffed, the lines are super long. At least 10-15 minutes wait to buy any snacks or drinks. It's definitely not a pleasant venue to go to. Will only go if I really needed to see a certain performance or show. Otherwise would not be going back there. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - the front of the building - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A week ago I attended Jack White's Chicago show on his Supply Chain Issues tour. Overall, the show itself was a hell of a good time. His band were exceptionally talented old pros who wowed us over, Jack White was energetic and seemed to have an automatic connection with the crowd, plus he was just fun to watch move around physically with his trusty six strings. Here's what I can say the about the venue itself though: When I saw a concert several years ago at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, I had thought to myself that was the worst sounding acoustics I had ever heard in any place, plus I thought it was a very dismal and worn down event center. Sadly, I was completely wrong when I experienced the former UIC Pavilion, now dubbed the Credit Union 1 Arena. The acoustics were atrocious as could be. Tickets for one of Detroit's finest were expensive as it was, 68 dollars for upper seats. But with the sound so bad to the point that I couldn't understand a single word Jack White sang in each song, I honestly felt pretty ripped off. But with nosebleed seats, I was in the unfortunate position to have steel beams blocking my view. Plus, it looked like there was mold growing on all over these beams, like moss on the base of an old oak tree. Yikes! In addition, everything fixture wise in the place was quite noticeably outdated. The souvenir stands, concession stands, the stiff and tight plastic seats, and the sinks and toilets in the bathroom. They were just an eye sore. Plus, concession stands were just abominably priced. 12 dollars for a water and 15 bucks for a beer?!?! Oh hell, no!! However, I will say a noticeable silver lining was that the staff were solid and professional people who were very well mannered and super helpful. To give credit where credit was due, kudos to the heads of this arena. Plus, I have seen people throw the security staff under the bus and with some mud in their eyes at the same time on Yelp. I felt security where fair but firm with my time there. They were visibly strict, but not at all overly impolite. Bottom line: I really can't see myself attending another show there again. Unless it was someone as a big as Bon Jovi or The Cure. I could be wrong but I feel the majority of the events held there prohibit cell phones. That was the way it was at Jack White, however that was due to his own request. If you personally make the decision to see a solid band or stand up comic in person there, I do hope it's worthwhile night and you get your money's worth. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Exterior for Jack White 4/12/22 - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We went to see a concert here last night. It was not sold out and the upper balconies were blocked off. Ie, they place was nowhere near capacity. Show was fine and it was pretty easy to get to the venue. The issue was food and drink. Lines for alcohol were insane. There are several huge concession areas with nachos and soft drinks. They don't serve any kind of alcohol at all. You could walk up and order. Zero lines, tons of workers. Alcohol is served at small kiosks in the walkways. And lines wrapped endlessly. First time we got drinks was before the first opener and it took about 25 minutes. There were just two women dispensing beer/seltzer cans but they also had to make mixed drinks. This slowed things to a crawl. Sadly, we were limited and came back for another round after the first opener. We tried to find a better kiosk but all seemed the same. We picked one and waited. 40 minutes later we got to the front and found out they were out of everything but beer and the more expensive mixed drinks. Two tickets were $160 with $50 of that in fees. Drinks $15. Seems like for that price it might be worth it to hire more people or dispense drinks with food. We would have gotten a third round but we'd never have seen the concert. I hope artists see this and avoid this venue. read more

Let me be clear, this building will ALWAYS be close and dear to my heart and FOREVER known to me as the UIC PAVILLION. I witnessed the expansion CHICAGO SKY play one of their first games at the pavillion. It has been written that some of the greatest fans in WNBA history attended games at the UIC Pavillion that can't be said about the Allstate Arena (formerly the Rosemont Horizon) or their current home Wintrust Arena. I know both arenas were bigger and better in a lot of ways but neither of them have had the same electric feeling as games that were played at the UIC pavillion. So call it what you want but while the name has changed so has the atmosphere because the sky no longer reside there but it will always be special to me despite the name. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, my Friends!!!! read more

Came here for a college basketball game - UIC vs. Golden Grizzlies. We came to support Golden Grizzlies and obviously out-of-towners and first timers coming to the Credit Union 1 Arena. I was very impressed! We took an Uber to the arena, so I cannot say how the parking situation goes. There is a security checkpoint with metal detectors but this went quickly. Will call was easy to pick up our tickets. The concourse does not do a full circle around but instead is a horseshoe. The concourse is great and has good food/drink option. Alcoholic beverages include beer and wine. They also had smoothies which was delicious and the staff were friendly. Food options were good and enough to have a decent lunch. However, prices as one would expect is a little high. The stadium is a great size for mid-major basketball and the arena was even better for game day fan experience. The arena had something for fans throughout the whole game and as an opposing fan - it was even a great time! read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Golden Grizzlies vs. UIC. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Oh dear, the sponsorship name attached to Credit Union 1 Arena is so awkward! Hey after all these years this is still the UIC Pavilion to me. Every seat in the house is a good seat to catch some UIC Flames college basketball action. read more

Horrible! This place sbould NEVER host a show that can sell out! They are the only arena that has stands that accept cash only and as you would think that's a great thing it is Not because the ATM was " out of order" and lines for anything and everything were as crazy as they ever are! Literally took us like an hour in line to get to the bar..,absolutely ridiculous! Nobody outside could tell us where we should be or where to go to get in the building...this place is a joke,. Whether concessions, alcohol, merchandise or bathrooms get ready to stand in some stupid line for at least 30-40 minutes. This place SUCKS! read more

If I could give it less than 1 star I would. Came here for an A Day To Remember concert but was turned away at the door by security because of my small purse. Venue website didnt specify that they were not allowing bags in on their website. Tickets didnt mention it either. When I went to security, the head security just used his hand as a way to measure my purse. Official signs outside didnt mention that small purses werent allowed. Only thing showing this were papers on the doors that looked like they taped up last minute. Also they posted it on twitter that only 2k people follow. No emails or anything. Girls were throwing out their purses or leaving them some where near the doors in hopes that it doesnt get stolen. Left the venue, cold and wet from the rain. Writing this up as I wait for another two hours for my Metra train ride home. To concert goers, avoid this venue. Aside from their awful security, I learned seats are small and sound is bad. To promoters, avoid booking your shows here, even if it's cheap to rent. They will treat your customers badly which will hurt your talent. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Prohibited items list but they wouldnt let my small purse in, even though it's not listed. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First : the line to get in was down the block Hint: there is "No" Line Walk up to the doors there is @10 Doors not one. People why was there a Line? . Security was Ok But ticket checkers let people walk right in between, fix the gaps.....Seating Sucks Big TIME. Chairs are small for a average person and some were broken really ?!.!. You got people in the rafters looking at a out of focus screen and looking between the metal beams WTH and they are paying for this? Then Kat Williams only does 30-40 minutes because he was late adding all these unnamed comedians, knowing that Chi-City has a Curfew of 11:00pm. I will never go back for event here. People were complaining as they were leaving, this was terrible. Only bright spot was Lunell and Mark Curry. read more

I was at credit one Arena for a medical school graduation. Upon purchasing some concession stand items, I informed the cashier that they had overcharged me by $1. The menu board on site said the Bavarian pretzel was $7... I was charged $8. When the cashier informed the manager, she simply shrugged her shoulders and changed the price on the board. She refused to give me my dollar back. To top it off, the pretzel was room temperature... Never heated. What a rip off. read more

Unorganized. 1. Participants of event were herded into venue like CATTLE. No designated line, just pushing and shoving your way in. 2. the venue. We had floor seats, which...I thought would be a bit on the nicer said, considering what we paid for the seats. Ummm no. Metal chairs with the seat numbers TAPED to the back. Obviously that did not work and people were getting their chair mixed up. Caused some tension. Not to mention how completely chipped and cracked said chairs were. Embarrassing. Prompters. Really made no sense, there were 2 large prompters that WORKED, however, instead of showing the acts on stage, for those who were sitting down, they showed animated pics of things like the chicago skyline, someone driving downtown? And a big..purple. PAINT BLOB?! Soooo strange. Felt awful for my 60 year old mother who did not want to stand ALL NIGHT but had no choice because nothing was on the promoter. Not to mention the main with a CANE that could barely stand, while watching the Ojays. It was sad and TOTALLY UNFRIENDLY TO THOSE WITH CERTAIN DISABILITIES. Never again. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Floor chairs. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Honestly - I was quite skeptical of this place before attending a concert here but in the end I realized it was a rather great venue. I saw Sam Smith and had GA tickets. They didn't overly sell out the floor so we were able to move a bit and not feel like we were stepping all over people, which is nice at a concert venue. As for acoustics: either Sam has a perfect voice of the acoustics here were really good. Honestly it could be both. It was a bit smaller than other music venues I've been to but it worked perfectly for Sam Smith. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Sam Smith concert. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sound was a little soft at A Perfect Circle and the roof of this place is right on top of your head. I would avoid even top few rows of the lower mezzanine as the roof above seemed to obstruct sound and space. Also, the hallway was one giant line of people in line trying to buy drinks. It was annoying. p.s.: I got kicked out for taking this lame pic after first encore maynard. It was a great show though. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I think they charge way to much to sit in fold up chairs crammed like a bunch of sardines

Screw this place Made the mistake of picking a event here for New Year's Saturday night comedy show with three of my favorite comedians I'm not too familiar with this Arena it was our first time here and the parking and the security is absolutely ridiculous its worse than Soldier Field and United Center combined Picture this it's about 20 degrees icy cold wind whipping on your head you cannot find a lot to park your car into when you do it's maybe about 10 minutes Drive and 20 minutes walk we got on the shuttle bus we got on at Halsted and Polk from the remote lot still paid full price which was $20 got on the bus but the bus was in some heavy Traffic we decided to get off with several other ticket holders to walk to the theater itself when we got to the theaters it was only a handful of doors open which we were still waiting to get in it was about 8:40 which was 40 minutes late from a 8pm start They search your bag they search your person even go through metal detectors I don't know what type of people they expect to come through these doors or maybe some serious criminals have walked through these doors before but I am neither I don't appreciate all this top notch security and then you come out and somebody still smoking weed I don't know if they're scared of the people that reside on the west side but it was absolutely ridiculous making you 40 minutes late for concert you arrive on time we missed one of the comedians it was just a night I would like to forget far as this theater experience The Comedians themselves for awesome they're professionals but this Arena I will absolutely never ever step foot inside and I will caution any other person not to read more

We saw Katt Williams here in March 2016 and it was a great venue for a large comedy show. I hadn't been to an arena style stand up comedy show so wasn't sure what to expect, especially since our seats were on the side. It worked out well with the size and placement of the stage. We took the L but parking seemed to be a nightmare before and after the show so I suggest public transportation. There is a Blue line stop just a block away from the venue. From Basketball to arena football to political rally's to comedy shows, the UIC pavilion has a great line up and doesn't just cater to their student population. In fact I'd say most shows are attended by the general public rather than UIC students. If you are a UIC student, there is typically a discount on tickets for shows and games with your student ID. read more

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I came to the pre-valentines day concert. concert was great johnny gill Ralph the ojays Frankie Beverly and maze loved it. My complaint is facilitybitself. I learned a good lesson if you can't sit on the main floor it's going to be a terrible experience. I was in 216 and the seats were so tight together I constantly got leg cramps. I'm sure this was on purpose to pack in as many people as possible not cringing your comfortable or if it's dangerous one wrong step and you are falling over several seats. The security check to get in was like TSA at the airport. long long lines and waits. read more

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If you have back balcony seats this is going to be your view a bunch of metal beams that look like they have something growing on them but besides the point. Tickets said obstructed view but I did not think to this extent you can't evensee the two large jumbo screens at all so the whole show you're basically staring at a 1 inch person on the stage . The stairs are so steep and no lighting pretty dangerous. Only positive thing of the night was convenient parking and no lines walked in pretty quick. But definitely not worth the $80 I spent! Never again!! read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - View from upper balcony a little more then obstruction you can't see anything!! - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Katt Williams was in the building for his Conspiracy Theory show and I figured I probably should be too. My seat, section 109, row J, seat 17 was close enough and 2 seats from the end of the row. The seats are small and uncomfortable, especially when seated next to a 6ft 200+ lb grown man who was not my date but damn near all in my seat. Katt was great as always but I would prefer not to venture to UIC for anything anymore read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Katt Williams - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Not a bad venue, though I liked it better when it was called the UIC Pavilion. I've been to graduations, concerts, hockey games and it's not bad for any of these things. The seats are not the most comfortable, but I'm a fat guy. The restrooms are pretty clean and well thought out, it's pretty accessible and the staff is good about people who aren't that mobile. Standard anti-terrorism security measures so don't bring any weapons and try to minimize the amount of metal you have with your to improve your entry ease. For a speaking engagement, sound is a bit wonky, it's too loud in some places but up where handicapped seating is on the main floor it can be hard to hear a speaker (like at graduation) if a couple of security officers feel the need to carry on a loud conversation in the hallway. The generation that was raised with ear buds in all the time has trouble with two way radio volume I guess. Parking is not great around here, there isn't quite enough room in the UIC parking lot across the street so I would arrive early. Not far from the train, but too far if you've got an 85 year old with you. read more

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Home of the Windy City Rollers. Good venue, with good visibility. Didn't feel crowded or claustrophobic. Plenty of clean bathrooms and well organized concession stands. I thought the graphics on the LED strip that ran around the venue itself were really well designed. And there's something cool about seeing "LEAD JAMMER" scroll around. However . . . $6.50 for a Bud Light? Pass. I'll save my wallet and my liver and eschew the beers, no big deal. And $5 for a hot dog? I'll pass those up too and blame a high price for not eating something I oughta cut down on anyway, and am. The problem I had with this venue was the Will Call area. And I'd likely not have this problem in summer. But, it is winter out, and it's a bit chilly. Will Call is over to the side of the main entrance, and you have to wait outside to claim your internet-purchased-at-a-discount tickets. Brr. It'd be good if they could move this operation indoors in cold weather. There is nearby, secure parking, but you can find something for free if you cruise around a bit, which we did. read more

Back when I was in high school and a little bit after, this was the place the high school Public League Championship (final 4) took place. It has since been moved to the United Center in the early 2000s. I have watched numerous basketball games in this establishment and all have been good. I was lucky enough to be offered a ticket last Friday for Friday Night Fights featuring Mike Tyson as a promoter. I actually got to see Mike very close as I was in the third row. I also got to meet former World Champ Oliver McCall & former Bears player Jerry Azumah....def made for a good time. Beer in this joint was higher than Wrigley prices which is crazy...a flask may have to come into play next time..lol. Staff here was really nice and personable. Decent venue for high school, college & miscellaneous sporting events read more

Obviously this facility depends on the venue you opted to do see, but there are a few things that are under their control and consistently bad; vending area are slow and understaffed; bathrooms are scarce and dirty; security is nil. Opted for a different venue, if at all possible. However there are a couple of annual events that I am obligated to attend at this facility. Too bad because I would go elsewhere if I could. read more

"Oy vey! my back!" That is what your back will be saying when you sit in this venue's seat for any length of time. Resolution? See a good band that you can stand and sway to. A nice size venue (8k?) that would work for Goldilocks, not too big, not too small, but just right. Venue Pro - Easy to get into, easy to get out of. Venue Con - seat designation is very confusing, aisle 105, section 106 wait what?! Which is it? Another con - some lower section seating towards the back (higher alphabet) can be slightly obstructed viewing without any indication when purchasing the tickets. Another con - lower section seating towards the back (higher alphabet) - the hallway traffic can be extremely distracting and the fact that they do not draw the current when the event starts does not help. At The Cure, they did not draw curtains until at least half way through the concert. What's the point? Also you get the loiterers that stand behind you in the hall and watch the show from the hall. One plus of sitting in this area is if you happen to be next to the bathrooms, a skip and a hop makes leaving to relieve yourself and returning a breeze. Some helpful tips - given the fact that they do not draw the curtain for the performance, you could technically buy a cheaper seat in the upper section, arrive early, find a table in the hallway with a view you like and just camp out at the table and watch the show. Another helpful tip - get your drink on beforehand at the Wise Owl across the highway (4 minute walk) and save some money over the $9/$10 beer at venue. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great venue for church services! Every seat is an excellent seat and the sound quality (acoustics) are phenomenal. John Hannah commands the venue with a spirit filled fervor! read more

By far the most uncomfortable arena I've been in. You're crammed in your seats like sardines. Legroom doesn't exist.

Very uncomfortable seats! The seats are very narrow with very little legroom. The location is good - very near a CTA stop and parking. The restrooms are clean. The sound system and acoustics are adequate. read more

Cane here for a graduation and a couple of other events. The seats are small but the place is big and clean. Will come again. read more

Credit Union 1 Arena - Ticket booth - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Security check took my crossbody" you can leave it here but it probably won't be here when you come back" then she laughed.."she said it probably ddnt cost much anyway".then she said "you can walk it to your car..it is numerous ppl here with fanny packs crossbodys big purse...rude now I have lost my ID and covid card. Her partner apologized for her behavior..but I'm still without my ID covid card and crossbody....most embarrassing experience read more

Coming for the Windy City Rollers, I probably did the opposite of many. I didn't buy anything except a ticket to the bout. Yep. That's it. However, there are some really nice things that you can say about this place. Parking that is convient right across the street, its well lit so you don't feel like your car will get a smash and grab. Unless you have a big sign with flashing lights that point to your car and say "Take My GPS System Please!!!" Plenty of space, plenty of bathrooms, convience stands and beer vendors, (well that last one is great if you drink beer). Pretty much every seat is a good view for the bout. Staff was friendly and smiling as well as helpful... but c'mon.. can't I take a phone call outside and come back in? No!? Dang it.... read more