Preview: Bulls Fest takes over the United Center this weekend

As we wait for the Chicago Bulls season to start in two months, the Bulls’ organization has established an annual event for Bulls fans called Bulls Fest. On Saturday, August 18, and Sunday, August 19, the United Center will be transformed into a free fest for the public celebrating Chicago Bulls culture with activities and exhibitions.

The event is divided between outdoor and indoor activities accessible to the public, with popular vendors such as Goose and Starry sharing exclusive beverages for the fest. On both days, the fest grounds will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the vendors, Art of the Game, and retail will open at 7 a.m. but close at 5 p.m.

The outdoor space is predominantly dominated by a 3V3 basketball tournament with different divisions based on age and experience. The event will take place on the 35 courts being made for the event, with elimination and championship games on Sunday. The tournament format will be broken down into Youth, Teen, & Adult Division Teams, Elite Division Teams, and FIBA 3×3 Division Teams.

If somebody wants to compete on more focused skills, they can compete in the three-point contest or the mock NBA Combine. The three-point contest’s qualifying rounds will start at 8:30 am on Saturday Morning. Anyone of any age can join the competition. As well for the NBA Combine, anyone can test their skills and athleticism in wingspan measurement, vertical jump, push-ups, shuttle run, lane agility drill, and 3/4 court sprint.

There’s an abundance of fun things for fans to do at this year’s Bulls Fest.

As well, there will be guests visiting and taking pictures with fans, such as Bulls Legends including Benny the Bull, Randy Brown, Kendall Gill,  Eddy Curry, Will Perdue, Nate Robinson, Horace Grant, and many more. Live show broadcasts of NBC Sports Chicago will take place on both days, featuring a live podcast with Bull’s GM Mark Eversley on Saturday, and White Sox Preshow with Chuck Garfien, Ozzie Guillen, Kendall Gill, and Will Perdue on Sunday.

Inside the United Center, there will be an art exhibit by and for Chicago Bull fans. The Exhibit is known as the Art of the Game, and 16 local and international artists’ work inspired by the Bulls and Basketball will be showcased. This year, the artists were asked to fill lockers with items designed with their art style such as a Bulls jersey, a pair of Air Jordan 1s, a basketball, and an original piece of art. This year’s artists include Chuck Styles, Kate Lynn Lewis, Langston Allston, Lefty Out There, Sentrock, Amuse 126, Chi Nwosu, Delisha McKinney, Edo, Goosenek, Jay McKay, Josh Kercher, Morgan Nicolette, Stevie Shao, TUBS and Walker TKL.

As well inside the United Center, the Madhouse Team Store will be selling exclusive fest merchandise from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exclusive hats, t-shirts, bucket hats, special artist merch, and more. It is recommended to check it quickly, as items are known to be sold out.

The fest will also host Swish, an LGTBQ Basketball focused group, and Hoops in the Hood, an organization to help provide support for Chicago Youth through Basketball. They will host their own basketball tournaments with their members playing.

On these two days, there are a lot of options for Bulls Fans to have a fun summertime in Chicago. If anyone wants more info, they can visit their website to find out more about specific guests and schedules.