Blackhawks, United Center in Lockdown Mode Due to Democratic National Convention

The NHL tends to shut down in August. That's especially true with the Chicago Blackhawks this year.

The area surrounding the United Center, the home of the Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls, is in a security lockdown mode in preparation for the Democratic National Convention. The 30-year-old arena will host the event, which takes place Aug. 19-22.

Don't attempt to go near the building and even its neighborhood unless you have special clearance.

Want to buy a Connor Bedard jersey? You can't get one or browse other merchandise this month at the Blackhawks Madhouse team store adjoining the United Center. It's closed. The Blackhawks team store on Michigan Avenue is open, however, and it's in a building owned by the Wirtz Corporation.

You can't visit the larger-than-life Stan Mikita or Bobby Hull statues outside Gate 3 1/2 of the United Center either. If you're a Bulls fan, no way you'll see the Michael Jordan statue inside the UC atrium.

Team and other employees who work at the arena, the second-busiest in North America, need special clearance to come to work at the facility and connected office building. If GM Kyle Davidson makes a signing or swings a deal, he'll do it from someplace else.

The Blackhawks practice facility, the Fifth Third Arena, and its two ice rinks also are closed down. That building is almost a half-mile from the UC.

Even neighborhood residents face restrictions. See:  https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/united-center-area-residents-inconvenienced-dnc-security-restrictions/

Things are expected to get back to normal in September.