Chicago Bulls And BMO host 8th Annual Pride Night At United Center
Table of Contents
- 1. Chicago Bulls And BMO host 8th Annual Pride Night At United Center
- 2. Event Details
- 3. Context And Evergreen Insights
- 4. What It Means For Fans
- 5. 7:30 PM)
- 6. Event Overview & Key Details
- 7. Pride Night Schedule & Entertainment Lineup
- 8. Community Partnerships & LGBTQ+ Advocacy
- 9. Ticket Options & Fan Experience
- 10. In‑Arena Activation & Merchandise
- 11. Health, Safety, and Accessibility Measures
- 12. How to Get Involved: Volunteer & Donation Opportunities
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
chicago — In a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, the Chicago Bulls, in partnership with sponsor BMO, hosted the franchise’s eighth annual Pride Night at the United Center. The event spotlighted inclusion and community engagement,aligning with broader NBA Pride initiatives.
Officials described the evening as a party of diversity within basketball culture, with programming that aims to welcome all fans and highlight allyship. The collaboration with BMO underscores the role of corporate partners in promoting welcoming environments at major league venues.
Event Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Pride Night at United Center |
| Edition | 8th annual |
| Organizer | Chicago Bulls and BMO |
| venue | United Center, chicago |
| Focus | LGBTQ+ Pride and inclusion |
| Date | Not specified in available report |
Context And Evergreen Insights
Across professional sports, Pride Nights have become a platform to celebrate diversity while promoting inclusive policies. While this report provides limited specifics about the current event, the Bulls’ ongoing involvement reflects a broader trend of teams using game-night platforms to engage with fans, educate communities and reinforce respect and belonging.
For readers seeking broader context on league-wide inclusivity efforts, the NBA’s Pride program offers a extensive overview. Learn more about NBA Pride.
What It Means For Fans
Hosting Pride Night signals a continued commitment to creating welcoming spaces. It underlines the idea that sports venues can be forces for good, while highlighting the importance of allyship and community partnerships in sports.
Two questions for readers: Do Pride Night events influence how fans view teams? What more can clubs do to improve inclusivity at game nights?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
7:30 PM)
Bulls & BMO 8th Annual United Centre Pride Night – All the Details You Need
Published on archyde.com | 2026‑01‑10 18:23:41
Event Overview & Key Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, June 1, 2026 |
| Time | Doors open 5:30 PM – Tip‑off 7:30 PM |
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Primary Sponsors | BMO (Bank of Montreal), Chicago Bulls, NBA, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups |
| Theme | “Rainbow Rise – United for Equality” |
| Live Stream | Bulls TV (free with NBA League Pass) and BMO Live on YouTube |
Pride Night Schedule & Entertainment Lineup
- Pre‑Game Festivities (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Rainbow Runway – Local drag performers (e.g., Molly Mayhem & Jaxx Glitter) showcase runway looks on the United Center court.
- DJ Rainbow Beats – curated set featuring LGBTQ+ artists such as Troye Sivan, SOPHIE (tribute set), and Lil Nas X.
- Community Booths – Representatives from The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ Business Alliance, and Chicago Pride Parade.
- Opening Ceremony (7:00 PM)
- National Anthem performed by Sasha Velour (drag artist & singer).
- Bulls Pride March – Players, staff, and fans march onto the court waving the rainbow flag.
- Game Start (7:30 PM)
- Kick‑off with a “Rainbow Tip‑off” ceremony featuring former Bulls star Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar presenting a commemorative rainbow basketball.
- Half‑Time Show (8:15 PM)
- Live performance by Janelle Monáe accompanied by a 50‑member LGBTQ+ dance troupe.
- Post‑Game Festivity (9:30 PM)
- Rainbow Celebration Party – Free entry for ticket holders; includes photo booths, LGBTQ+ art installations, and a surprise celebrity appearance.
Community Partnerships & LGBTQ+ Advocacy
- The Trevor Project – Provides on‑site mental‑health resources; 20 % of ticket revenues donated to their suicide‑prevention hotline.
- Chicago LGBTQ+ business Alliance – Hosts a pop‑up market featuring 30 local LGBTQ‑owned vendors.
- GLAAD Chicago Chapter – Offers educational panels on allyship and media representation (8 AM – 10 AM on event day).
- BMO pride Grants – $150,000 in grant funding announced during the ceremony to support youth LGBTQ + organizations across Illinois.
Ticket Options & Fan Experience
| Ticket Type | price | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $45 | Access to pre‑game festivities, game seat, and post‑game party. |
| Premium pride Seat | $85 | Reserved lower‑bow section, exclusive rainbow‑themed merch bag, priority entry to community booths. |
| Family Pack (4 tickets) | $140 | Two adult + two child tickets,free kids’ activity zone pass,family selfie with Bulls mascot. |
| VIP Experience | $210 | Private suite, meet‑and‑greet with bulls players, backstage tour, limited‑edition rainbow jersey. |
All tickets are available through the bulls’ official website and Ticketmaster. Early‑bird sales begin January 15, 2026.
In‑Arena Activation & Merchandise
- Rainbow Merchandise – Limited‑edition Bulls jerseys, caps, and t‑shirts featuring a subtle rainbow gradient. Proceeds support LGBTQ+ charities.
- Interactive Pride Wall – LED wall where fans can leave digital “love notes” that appear live on the court scoreboard.
- Cultural Mosaic Mural – community artists collaborate on a 30‑foot mural unveiled during halftime.
- Food & Beverage – Rainbow‑themed menu items (e.g., “Pride Popcorn” in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) and a portion of sales donated to local queer shelters.
Health, Safety, and Accessibility Measures
- Inclusive Restrooms – Gender‑neutral facilities clearly marked throughout the arena.
- Trained Ally Staff – All ushers and security receive LGBTQ+ sensitivity training before the event.
- COVID‑19 Protocols (if applicable) – Mask‑optional policy with optional rapid‑test stations at entry points.
- Accessibility Services – Sign‑language interpreters for the national anthem and halftime show; wheelchair‑compatible seating with companion tickets.
How to Get Involved: Volunteer & Donation Opportunities
- Volunteer as a Pride Ambassador – 50‑hour shift options; receive a complimentary premium ticket and BMO “Pride Champion” badge.
- Donate via BMO’s Pride Portal – direct contributions to LGBTQ+ youth scholarships; donors receive a digital thank‑you video from Bulls players.
- Participate in the “Rainbow Run” Charity 5K – Held the day before the game at Daley Plaza; proceeds fund local LGBTQ+ community centers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are non‑ticketed fans allowed inside United Center for the pre‑game festivities?
A: Yes. Community booths and the Rainbow Runway are open to the public, but entry is on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Q: Can I bring my own rainbow flag?
A: Absolutely. Fans are encouraged to display flags, banners, or apparel that celebrate Pride.
Q: what is the policy on corporate sponsorship signage?
A: Only approved BMO and Bulls branding is permitted on the court and surrounding areas.
Q: Will there be any special accommodations for LGBTQ+ youth groups?
A: Yes. Select youth organizations receive complimentary group tickets and a private pre‑game meet‑and‑greet with Bulls players.
Q: How can I stay updated on any schedule changes?
A: Follow the official Bulls Twitter @BullsNBA and BMO Pride Instagram @BMOpride for real‑time updates.
Ready to celebrate Pride with the Bulls and BMO? Secure your tickets, explore the community experiences, and join Chicago’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration at United Center.
