The Bulls and the Blackhawks host playoff games this weekend and next week at the United Center and CTA’s #19 United Center Express will provide service for fans heading to all games.
On Saturday, April 16 at noon, the Chicago Bulls begin the first round of the 2011 playoffs with a game against the Indiana Pacers. Game two is Monday, April 18 at 8:30 p.m.
The Blackhawks continue their series against the Vancouver Canucks in the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinals on Sunday, April 17 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.
#19 buses will leave every 12-15 minutes from Michigan and Randolph beginning 90 minutes before the start of each match. After each match #19 buses will await customers on the north side of the United Center eastbound on Madison near Gate 3 and will depart approximately every 15 minutes for one hour.
Temporary Changes in Routing for #19 Buses
Due to the Wacker Drive construction project, the following changes are in effect along the #19 route:
Eastbound #19 buses will operate over the regular route along Washington to Clinton then will travel via Clinton, Monroe, Franklin to Washington and then resume the regular route. In addition, the following temporary changes have been made to bus stops served by eastbound buses only:
- Clinton/Madison: buses are serving the southbound near side stop.
- Monroe/Canal: buses are serving the eastbound far side stop.
- Washington/Canal: buses are unable to serve the eastbound near side stop.
- Washington/Franklin: the eastbound near side stop has been relocated to a far side stop.
Westbound #19 buses are not affected and will travel over the regular route from Michigan/Randolph – making all stops on Madison from Wabash to Clinton and Halsted/Randolph before operating express to the United Center.
CTA’s #20 Madison bus route, which operates between Austin and Michigan, also provides direct service to the stadium as does the #50 Damen route which operates between Ashland/Clark and 35th/Archer. #20 Madison buses are undergoing temporary reroutes to adjacent streets near Wacker as a result of the Wacker Drive construction project.
In addition to the #19, #20 and #50 bus routes, customers also can reach the United Center via the Green and Pink lines. Both routes stop at the Ashland/Lake station which is just a few blocks away from the United Center.
Fans exiting at the Ashland/Lake station can transfer to #9 Ashland buses or simply walk a few blocks to the Madhouse on Madison.
The Blue Line is also an option to get to the United Center. The Illinois Medical District station on the Forest Park branch Blue Line is a few blocks south of the United Center, so riders may walk from the station to the United Center.
Bus customers who use CTA fare media pay $2.00 to ride. For customers who pay cash on the bus, the fare is $2.25. Customers traveling to the United Center via the Green, Pink or Blue lines pay $2.25.
For details about all CTA service, call 312 836-7000.
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