Sears Centre, Hoffman Estates, Chicago, Illinois

A relatively new arena, the Sears Centre was opened in 2006 to provide Hoffman Estates in the Chicago area of Illinois with an indoor stadium. It took $62 million to build the facility with 11,800 seats available for concerts. It is a fairly small arena compared to other places across the United States. For sporting events it generally seats up to 9,500, except for basketball which seats up to 10,000 people. The facility is near what used to be the Poplar Creek Music Theater.

The Sears Centre is home to the Chicago Storm, Chicago Slaughter, and Chicago Bliss teams. Other teams at the center have included Chicago Hounds and Chicago Shamrox. Both of these teams left in 2007 and 2008 respectively. At the moment ownership of the facility is through the Ryan Companies and Sears Holding Corporation. However, there are rumors that the arena will be sold to the Village of Hoffman Estates in 2010. They put in a bid for $90 million in July.

The facility opened with a concert by Duran Duran and Bob Dylan. Since its opening artists such as The Who, Eagles, Billy Joel, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Heaven and Hell, The Killers, Matchbox Twenty, Reba McEntire, Alice Cooper, and Lil' Wayne have held concerts there. George Strait, Lionel Richie, Gym Class Heroes, Ronnie Milsap, and T- Pain have also been at the facility. The TNA Bound for Glory wrestling PPV match was filmed at the arena. Also there is an annual Heartland International Tattoo music festival held at the Sears Centre.

On site are 43 luxury suites with two lounges. These can be found on the private suite concourse. There are 1,000 club seats with a private club as well. Parking facilities include 3,200 spaces for vehicles, and another 1,500 spaces available nearby. Parking typically opens one to two hours before an event, since the center is available an hour before the event starts.

Concessions are offered by Levy Restaurants. On the main course are Pacific Rim, The Ultimate Fiesta, and Headliners. The Hot Ticket Grill is also on this level. On the bridge level are even more concessions for the ticket holders. There is the Breakaway and End Zone for a wait staff meal. Otherwise hot dogs, nachos, pizza, beer, soda, lemonade, popcorn, and sandwiches can be purchased at a number of the stands. There are also some portable carts with a variety of options like cotton candy and other goodies.

Current events coming to the Sears Centre include the Spirit Spectacular Cheerleading and Dance Competition, Mannheim Steamroller, Chicago Bliss Lingerie Football league game, Strikeforce M-1. Gaither Homecoming Christmas Tour, Notre Dame Shillelagh Hockey tournament, and PBR bull riders are also going to be at the Sears Centre in the next few months. Each month there will be something new and different held at the arena. It could be a mixture of concerts, ice shows, and sporting events. The sporting events continue throughout the year based on what time of the year it is. Right now football and hockey are prime shows.