Unique 3D model hands Chicago Blackhawks fans chance to relive iconic former home demolished 30 years ago

Dec 12, 2025 - 12:15

The Chicago Blackhawks are offering fans a chance to return to ‘The Madhouse’.

One of the ‘Original Six’ NHL teams, the Blackhawks are celebrating their centenary this season, and Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings will honor a key part of their 100-year history.

General view of the players, officials, and supporters as they stand in Chicago Stadium for a rendition of the national anthem prior to the start of the 1991 42nd NHL All-Star Game on January 19, 1991 at Chicago Stadium — The Blackhawks are offering a virtual look at Chicago Stadium to mark 100 years

The six-time Stanley Cup champions will pay tribute to the iconic Chicago Stadium, the place they called home for almost seven decades between 1929-1994.

Located on Chicago’s Near West Side, the building was one of the most iconic in American sports.

As part of season-long Centennial celebrations, fans have a chance to honor what the team describes as a ‘cathedral of sport, whose legacy transcends generations’.

Exhibits, appearances from NHL legends like J. P. Bordeleau, Jocelyn Lemieux and Phil Russell, and an on-ice pregame ceremony at United Center will all feed into the Blackhaws’ celebrations on Saturday.

But perhaps most impressively, a special 3D interactive model has been created that allows anyone to virtually tour the now-torn-down arena known as ‘The Madhouse on Madison’.

Virtual Chicago Stadium offers fans a look inside iconic arena

Chicago Stadium was demolished in 1995 after the Blackhawks and NBA‘s Chicago Bulls — where the legendary Michael Jordan played –moved to the modern United Center.

The demolition was televised by CNN, and cameras caught devoted fans crying as the wrecking ball hit the old building.

Now, they have a chance to re-live the iconic arena, thanks to a 3D model that has been uploaded to the Blackhawks website.

Every corner of Chicago Stadium has been recreated, from the legendary Barton organ to the Blackhawks bench.

Fans can even virtually stand outside the famous entry point, gate 3.5, or on the ice for face-off.

A virtual look at the iconic Chicago Stadium from the old stand — Fans can step inside a virtual Chicago Stadium as part of centennial celebrations

A virtual look at the iconic organ from inside a 3D model of the Chicago Stadium — Every corner of ‘The Madhouse’ has been virtually recreated, including the organ

A virtual look at the ice from inside a 3D model of the Chicago Stadium — The Blackhawks’ stadium model is available to view on their website

The project allows everyone to remember the roar of ‘The Madhouse’, even if they never really stepped foot inside.

A fly-through video was shared by the Blackhawks on social media to show off the virtual creation.

What made Chicago Stadium a special NHL venue?

Few arenas matched the chaos, character and roar of ‘The Madhouse’.

The deafening organ, fog that curled in the rafters and tightly packed stands all combined to give the building an unforgettable edge.

Chicago Stadium was renowned for reaching unhealthy decibel levels, and was often packed out with more than 18,000 fans cheering on the Blackhawks and the Bulls.

Nearly a century ago, the arena was built to ensure everyone inside had a view of the action.

Chicago Stadium in a vintage colorized historic souvenir photo postcard published in 1937 as part of a series titled, 'Greater Chicago,' — Chicago Stadium opened in the 1920s and stood for almost seven decades

Exterior view of Chicago Stadium, home of the Chicago Blackhawks ice hockey team and the Chicago Bulls basketball team, Chicago, Illinois, early 1974. — Chicago sports fans could watch both the Blackhawks and Bulls at the arena

It carried a design philosophy of, ‘The man who pays the lowest admission price has as much right to see the show as those who sit at the ringside.’

Noise and energy created by those inside across seven decades was amplified by a barn-like structure, where cheers and jeers would echo and bounce around the room.

The 3,663-pipe Baton organ only enhanced the atmosphere. It played continuously throughout the games and that drone, combined with the crowd noise, created a deafening racket that could put even the most seasoned of visitors off their game.

Truly, Chicago Stadium was one-of-a-kind in American sports.

The organist for the Chicago Blackhawks plays a tune duirng an NHL game with the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks circa 1978 at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. — The 3,663-pipe Baton organ added to the incredible atmosphere of ‘The Madhouse’

With their new virtual model, the Blackhawks have ensured a whole new generation of fans can step inside and experience what it was really like.

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