March Madness was canceled, MLB is on an extended spring break, the NBA season is suspended, NHL closed until further notice. The sports world was one of the first facets of everyday life to be shut down in efforts of reducing the spread of the Coronavirus, but life goes on. The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, has decided to play the role of sixth man during this pandemic by deciding to lend their facilities to Coronavirus relief efforts.
On March 25, the United Center announced that their arena and outside campus will be transformed into a logistics hub where they will be assisting with food storage for hunger relief, first responder staging and the collection of critically needed medical supplies.
“As Illinois goes through this together, the United Center is proud to be playing a critical role with our city, state and federal response to the pandemic,” announced the United Center media relations.
The United Center agreeing to alleviate space in the food bank’s warehouse allows the Food Depository to bring additional volunteers into their facility to build more family food boxes in an environment that is large enough to accommodate social distancing protocols. These food boxes will be distributed to those in need by the Food Depository’s partner network throughout Chicago and Cook County. This action is huge for the community because the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the demand for food.
On Sunday, March 29, Project C.U.R.E. hosted a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Drive in Lot F at the United Center. PPE supplies play a very essential role in the Covid-19 relief efforts because they protect the brave healthcare providers as they care for sick patients in need.
“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,” the United Center media relations added. “Together, we will get through this.”
Sports has always been a beacon of hope for its fans, and the United Center has been the epicenter of said hope for the city of Chicago. No, this is not the Bulls’ two time three-peat run in the 90s lead by Michael Jordan, nor is it the Blackhawks’ three titles in 5 years in the 2010s (2010,2013,2015); but the United Center stepping up in the Covid-19 relief efforts is just as important if not more important than those blissful moments for Chicago.
