Coronavirus In IL: United Center To Serve As Emergency Relief Hub

CHICAGO, IL — The United Center announced Thursday that the arena and outdoor campus will be transformed into a logistics hub for emergency relief during the coronavirus pandemic. The Chicago Blackhawks also shared the news Thursday, adding that the team's home will serve as a logistics hub for "food distribution, first responder staging and the collection of medical supplies."

"As Illinois goes through this together, the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, is proud to be playing a critical role with our city, state and federal response to the pandemic," the statement read. "On behalf of the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, our athletes, our front offices and our dedicated United Center personnel, our thoughts and support are with the people of this great city and state. Together, we will get through this."

Despite the shutdown of the NBA and NHL seasons amid the coronavirus outbreak, employees at the United Center will continue to be paid, the owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks announced on March 14.

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The NBA halted the 2020 season on March 11 after the first player tested positive for coronavirus, and Major League Baseball followed suit, delaying opening day by two weeks and canceling spring training games as of March 12.

The NHL also announced it was suspending its season.

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• Bulls, Blackhawks To Pay Staff During Coronavirus Shutdown
• NHL And MLB Suspend Seasons Due To Coronavirus Threats