Towable Bleachers at Bulls Fest 2025 in Chicago, Illinois
Big Ten Rentals played a key role in elevating the fan experience at Bulls Fest 2025, the Chicago Bulls’ annual outdoor festival celebrating basketball, community, and culture. Held on August 23-24, 2025, at the United Center’s Lot C (1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612), this two-day event transformed the parking lot into a vibrant hub of activities, drawing families, basketball enthusiasts, and local artists. As a leading provider of event equipment in the Midwest, Big Ten Rentals delivered and installed two 45-foot-long, 10-row towable bleachers, each capable of seating 273 people, for a combined capacity of 546 spectators. This addition provided comfortable, elevated seating that allowed attendees to fully engage with the festival’s dynamic lineup without the strain of standing for hours.
Bulls Fest 2025, presented by Foot Locker and supported by partners like Amex, Culligan, and State Farm, was billed as “Chicago’s ultimate basketball experience.” The free event featured a massive 3v3 basketball tournament with teams registering in advance (up to four players per team, with a deadline of August 13, 2025), youth hoops clinics for kids aged 7-17 at a nominal $10 fee to learn fundamentals, and interactive challenges like Benny the Bull’s half-court shot for a chance to win a 10-game season ticket plan for the 2025-26 season. Highlights included a slam dunk contest, a 3-point shooting challenge on Sunday, and meet-and-greets with Bulls legends such as Eddy Curry, Horace Grant, Kendall Gill, and Will Perdue. The festival also embraced Chicago’s creative side with an “Art of the Game” exhibit showcasing local artists in the United Center Atrium, live music, food trucks offering regional favorites, and kid-friendly zones where families could register for the Bulls Kid Nation Kids Club presented by BMO—complete with take-home All-Star kits for on-site sign-ups.
The outdoor setup in Lot C emphasized community unity, with custom basketball rims lining Madison Street, beverage stations, and beautiful summer weather enhancing the atmosphere. Guest parking was available in Lot A off S. Wood Street and W. Washington Blvd., while the Uber Zone on W. Madison St. and S. Wood Street facilitated easy drop-offs. Social media posts from attendees highlighted family fun, such as students from St. Viator participating in activities and fans sharing photos with alumni, underscoring the event’s inclusive vibe. One post even captured the energy with videos and images from the festival grounds, noting the positive interactions and competitive spirit.
Our towable bleachers were ideally suited for this environment, offering a quick and efficient solution for temporary seating in a non-traditional venue like a parking lot. Each unit features a hydraulic folding mechanism powered by a 12-volt system, allowing setup by one person in approximately 10 minutes—a significant advantage for time-sensitive events. The heavy I-beam main frame ensures durability, while aluminum seats and walk boards provide lightweight yet sturdy surfaces. Safety is paramount, with galvanized guardrails, full 24-inch row spacing to accommodate taller individuals comfortably, stop/turn/clearance lights, and electric brakes on all four wheels for secure towing and stability once in place.
