Chicago Blackhawks

Walk around the 100 level and check stuff out. The Blackhawks Foundation often has a table with special merch and auction items including $30 mystery pucks. The new atrium has cool memorabilia too.

Club seat members can be inside two hours early via Gate 7, which is the only published early-entry route.

The bag policy is a total ban, not a size limit. Purses, small clutches and even handheld wallets are all refused, with exceptions only for medical bags and for diaper bags when an infant is present.

CTA buses serving the arena include the #20 Madison; after events, the #19 United Center Express serves Union Station, downtown and Michigan Avenue.

Three rail stops on four lines are in range: Damen on the Green, Ashland/Lake on the Green and Pink, Illinois Medical District on the Blue.

Tap-to-pay works on every CTA train and bus; no ticket needed.

Parking is free for events if you buy something at Billy Goat Tavern. Also check out Pequod's for pizza - it is the official Blackhawks bar and the deep dish is legendary.

The Italian beef at the United Center is legit. Get it dipped with hot giardiniera. It's the Chicago way.

Goose Island is brewed in Chicago and has its own pub at section 109, pouring the Matilda Belgian ale alongside the regular draft.

Best seats to watch hockey are the top level first few rows. Very little obstruction and you get to see the whole game unfold. The jumbotron covers anything you might miss.

Lexus Club members can buy from every concession stand on the 100, 200 and 300 concourses, which is a genuine perk in a building this size.

For hockey the 200 and 300 levels show you more of the game than the glass does, at a fraction of the price.