Chicago Blackhawks home opener vs. St. Louis Blues

The Blackhawks play their first home game of the 2026-27 season on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, against the Central Division rival St. Louis Blues. According to the team’s July 16, 2026 schedule release, puck drop is 7 p.m. and the club opens the season on the road in Las Vegas on September 29 before three away games lead into the home opener.

October is heavy on home dates. The team says it hosts a season-high eight games at the United Center this month, including a seven-game homestand from October 10 to 27. A Chicago Sun-Times report in July noted that the team shifted many weeknight start times earlier this season, so check the listed time on your ticket rather than assuming a 7:30 p.m. start.

Tickets are sold through the team and resale is common for the opener. Pregame ceremonies for the home opener usually add 15 to 20 minutes before the first period, and the team’s promotional schedule lists giveaway nights through the month.

Plan your visit

The United Center is at Madison Street and Damen Avenue on the Near West Side. The CTA No. 20 Madison bus stops at the door, the Pink and Green Lines stop at Ashland about a 10-minute walk east, and the Blue Line’s Illinois Medical District stop is a 15-minute walk south. On game nights the CTA runs the No. 19 United Center Express from Michigan Avenue downtown. Official lots surround the arena and cost extra; they are full by 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. opener, and Madison Street traffic backs up from Ashland. Doors open about 90 minutes before puck drop. Bags larger than a small clutch are not allowed inside.