How Arenas Transform Overnight

The United Center in Chicago undergoes rapid transformations between hockey and basketball events, requiring a skilled crew to convert the arena in a matter of hours. This conversion involves complex tasks like removing and replacing seating sections, reconfiguring the playing surface, and installing basketball equipment, all while maintaining the integrity of the ice beneath. The process highlights the intricate logistics and time constraints involved in ensuring a seamless transition between diverse events at a multi-purpose venue.

Hockey Rink to Basketball Court

• 00:00:00 The process begins shortly after a Blackhawks game concludes, with the removal of the hockey glass and cleaning of specific sections of the arena. The ice is resurfaced using a Zamboni, as it remains a constant element throughout various events, requiring careful maintenance and layering for optimal quality.

Seating Conversion

• 00:03:44 The seating configuration undergoes a significant transformation, facilitated by telescopic platforms and a hovercraft-like system for moving large seating sections. The seating sections are flipped to accommodate the different dimensions of a hockey rink and a basketball court, extending closer to the court for increased seating capacity in the latter.

Floor Covering and Basketball Court Installation

• 00:05:42 The ice surface is covered with insulated plywood flooring, followed by the installation of the basketball court, which is stored in a separate, climate-controlled room. Each piece of the court is numbered to ensure correct placement and alignment, requiring precision to avoid gaps and maintain a smooth surface for gameplay.

Final Touches and Timeline

• 00:10:04 The final stages include installing basketball hoops, calibrating them for proper placement and functionality, and adding finishing touches. The entire conversion process takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, demonstrating the crew's efficiency and the meticulous planning required for seamless event transitions. The arena undergoes multiple conversions throughout a month, ensuring the city's entertainment needs are met across different events.