Chicago-based McHugh Construction announces it has been named general contractor for FanDuel Sportsbook, a new 13,000-square-foot sports betting venue being developed by online gaming company FanDuel Group at the United Center in Chicago, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. McHugh recently began construction on the space, which is a build-out of a two-story area within the United Center adjacent to the atrium, with an expected completion date of August 2022.
“No other firm has completed more successful renovation and ground-up projects for the United Center and its major league teams than McHugh, so we were eager and excited to get back into the building and be part of creating a new space that enhances the fan experience and brings the latest technology in sports wagering to the United Center,” said Andy Totten, vice president for McHugh Construction.
Some of McHugh’s most recent work at the United Center includes a 190,000-square-foot East Addition to the building, and a nearby two-rink Blackhawks training and practice facility called Fifth Third Arena.
According to FanDuel Group, the FanDuel Sportsbook at the United Center will be equipped with state-of-the-art viewing and sports wagering technology and its two-story lounge is designed to give sports fans a new, fully immersive sportsbook experience unlike any other. FanDuel Sportsbook is being constructed in areas that formerly housed offices for the United Center and Blackhawks staff, as well as two lower-level suites. HOK is the architect of record for the project.
“Opening the existing floor structure allows for a tiered seating area and the installation of a two-story, high-definition video wall, which is sure to enhance any sports fans viewing experience,” said Totten.
The expansive screen will feature simultaneous feeds from multiple live sporting events. In addition, wagering kiosks will be placed throughout the facility, and the VIP area on the second floor will provide a one-of-a-kind betting and sports entertainment experience. The facility also will have a large commercial kitchen and multiple bars that will provide upscale food and beverage service.
“As the United Center is a busy, active facility with events occurring nearly every day – from sports events to concerts – our construction work has to be closely phased and coordinated to minimize any impact on the guests and staff,” said Totten. “Full barricades were built to separate construction activities from the public and building services, and all work areas accommodate emergency egress throughout all stages of the work. Also, all construction activities are scheduled to limit any impact of noise, dust and material deliveries on facility operations.”
McHugh is in the process of hiring the 25+ subcontractors required to complete the project and intends to meet or exceed the participation goals of 26% MBE subcontracts and 6% WBE subcontracts.
For more information about FanDuel Group, visit fanduel.com/about.
About McHugh Construction:
Specializing in multi-family residential, hotel and hospitality, and recreational facilities, McHugh Construction is a fourth-generation, privately-owned company and one of the largest full-service construction firms in the U.S. McHugh provides a platform for collaboration, transparency, and efficiency. Within that seamless approach, the firm offers a full range of core competencies and capabilities including general contracting, construction management, design-build, preconstruction services, program management, concrete construction and structural engineering services on behalf of every client on every project. McHugh’s unwavering commitment to its clients, its ability to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget, and its dedication to growing and developing its partnerships with subcontractors is the reputation the firm has built and the reason behind its 80% repeat business. McHugh has transformed some of the most luxurious five-star hotels like the Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton Chicago and Four Seasons; constructed record-setting high-rise buildings with NEMA Chicago, St. Regis Chicago and Aqua Tower; built recreational facilities at United Center and Indoor Track & Field Facility at Gately Park and led the transformation of Navy Pier through its Centennial Vision renovation program. McHugh has also completed several projects around the country in locations including Nashville, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and South Florida. For more information on the company, visit www.mchughconstruction.com.
