Blackhawks & Bulls tix: soldout, but SRO tix available just before gametime? (tickets)

[bostonguy1960]

I realize the Bulls and Blackhawks have sold out every game the past few years, but the attendance figure is different for each team for every game, unlike most cities where the teams have fixed sellout figures, and no standing room tix which alter the sellout figure.

Have seats been removed from the United Center the past two years? Because, I no longer see the Bulls hit the 23,000 attendance figure (or even 22,000...at least not regularly) or the Blackhawks hit 22,000 anymore. Those higher totals were common just three years ago, if I recall. Both teams now have attendance between 21,000 and 21,800 or do, each game different because of standing room tix? Yet, each game is considered a "sellout" even if one game has 300 or so fewer patrons than the next. Hmmm...

Are standing room tix available at the gate only, and only on game day? I assume they're still very $$$, but an option for some -- and some standing room spots may have better views than some seats? I imagine SRO spots are confined to certain areas.

Thanks for any comments or insight.

[ERS-One]

SRO tickets do get released on game day, and I wouldn't consider them "$$$" necessarily.