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    Credit Union 1 Arena

    2.6 (123 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Credit Union 1 Arena Photos

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    May 17, 2025
    Rochelle M.

    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.

    Martin Lawrence
    Ultima M.

    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

    Zuzu P.

    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.

    the front of the building
    Nadine S.

    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.

    Exterior for Jack White 4/12/22
    Mark L.

    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.

    Golden Grizzlies vs. UIC.
    Victoria M.

    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!

    Prohibited items list but they wouldnt let my small purse in, even though it's not listed.
    Sheena P.

    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.

    Floor chairs.
    Torey W.

    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.

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    22 days ago

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    24 days ago

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

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    1 year ago

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    4 years ago

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

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Credit Union 1 Arena

    How easy is wheel chair accessible?

    Make sure you tell them ahead of time you're in a wheelchair, then they put you and your group together at the top looking down, it's very nice. The doors aren't bad and the security procedure is respectful. Really the problem is getting up to the… Read more

    Cameras are not allowed?

    I think it depends on the event, the event it self will provide that answer for you .

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Credit Union 1 Arena

    This is now my 2nd time to catch a show at the UIC pavilion and had a pretty great experience each time.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Enjoying drinks while waiting for the performance
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    Storefront / entrance

    Credit Union 1 Arena - musicvenues - Updated June 2026

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