The Chicago Bulls might not be winning championships on the court, but the United Center continues delivering premium experiences off it. Here’s what’s happening around the organization as we head into the 2025-26 season.
United Center’s New Banner Level: Worth the Hype?
The United Center unveiled its latest upgrades this week, and I got a firsthand look at what they’re calling the “Banner Level” – seats positioned nearly eye-level with the championship banners hanging in the rafters.
What You’re Getting
These aren’t your typical nosebleed seats. The Banner Level features significantly larger, more comfortable seating with in-seat service and access to the Banner Lounge. The lounge itself has a legitimately impressive bar setup that makes the experience feel premium.
The real story here is the Banner Lofts – semi-private suites with six seats that can accommodate up to 10 people. The UC is marketing these as “premium affordable,” which initially made me skeptical given how expensive games have become.
The Pricing Reality
Here’s where it gets interesting. Want to bring five friends to see Victor Wembanyama on November 10? You’re looking at $87.15 per person for the Banner Loft experience, which includes the private space and starter snacks/drinks.
Regular Banner Level seats run about $64.45 per ticket. When you consider standard upper-level seats often cost $55-75 anyway, the upgrade starts making sense. You can browse full pricing options on the United Center website.
My Take
Look, I get it – the Bulls should focus on building a contender rather than perfecting the whisky sour recipe (though that banner whisky sour did hit). But there are dedicated people working to make the UC a top-tier venue, and they’re doing excellent work. The organization can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Rumors Won’t Die
Jake Fischer from Bleacher Report continues connecting Kuminga to Chicago, even after the forward signed his new deal with Golden State. Fischer expects several teams – including the Bulls, Kings, and Suns – to maintain interest if the Warriors explore trading him.
Why This Doesn’t Make Sense
We’ve covered this before, but it bears repeating: Trading for Kuminga would be strange roster management. The Bulls have invested lottery picks in Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue the past two years. Adding another young wing doesn’t align with their stated rebuilding strategy, especially considering what they’d need to surrender to make it happen.
Matas Buzelis’s Perfect Performance Deserved More Attention
Buzelis went 10-10 against the Heat in preseason action, and the moment felt almost routine. That’s actually the most impressive part – he was just playing his game and dominating Miami’s defense without it seeming like a historic performance.
This speaks volumes about his ceiling and why the organization is excited about his development.
Josh Giddey Ankle Update: All Good
Giddey left practice early Thursday due to an ankle tweak, but he clarified Friday that it was purely precautionary. He participated fully in practice and is good to go. With Coby White still sidelined, the last thing Chicago needs is their starting point guard missing camp time.
Lonzo Ball Making Waves in Cleveland
Chris Fedor from Cleveland.com reports that Lonzo Ball is turning heads at Cavaliers training camp, showing why he’s a more impactful player than Isaac Okoro when healthy.
The key phrase there is “when healthy.” Can Ball stay on the court this season? If he does, the trade looks increasingly questionable for Chicago. If he doesn’t, the Bulls come out ahead. It’s really that simple.
Derrick Rose Birthday Shoutout
Happy birthday to the man who will one day have his jersey hanging in those rafters alongside the championship banners. Rose’s legacy with this organization remains untouchable.
Community Events
Bleacher Nation is hosting a watch party for the Bears-Commanders Monday night game at Frontier on the West Side, with free drinks until halftime courtesy of Ankin Law. The first 200 people who RSVP get guaranteed entry.
Also, if you’re trying to score NLDS tickets, there’s a $20 off promo for Vivid Seats on purchases over $200.
Bottom Line
The Bulls continue improving the fan experience at the United Center while navigating trade rumors and player development. Whether the on-court product matches the off-court upgrades remains the biggest question facing this franchise.
The post Bulls Bullets: United Center Upgrades, Giddey Update, and Kuminga Trade Buzz appeared first on UrbanMatter.
