United Center to offer THC-infused beverages in first for major U.S. arenas

United Center becomes first major U.S. arena to serve THC beverages | ChicagoNOW

United Center visitors will soon have a new alternative to alcohol as the venue introduces hemp-based THC beverages in early February. 

CHICAGO - Concertgoers at the United Center will soon have a new option beyond beer and cocktails. 

What we know:

The Chicago arena announced a multi-year partnership with Chicago-based brands Señorita and RHYTHM that will make hemp-derived THC beverages available at most concerts and live events. 

This partnership marks the first time a major U.S. sports and entertainment arena has offered THC drinks for sale. 

The beverages will be available to guests 21 and older at multiple locations throughout the venue, including bars, grab-and-go stations and a branded mobile bar. 

The initial lineup includes 5-milligram hemp-derived THC drinks. Señorita will offer three cocktail-inspired flavors – Lime Jalapeño Margarita, Mango Margarita and Grapefruit Paloma. 

RHYTHM will feature a sativa-style beverage combining mandarin orange flavor and caffeine. 

What they're saying:

United Center officials said the move reflects growing demand for nonalcoholic alternatives at live events. 

"This partnership reflects how consumer preferences are evolving," United Center Chief Operating Officer Joe Myhra said in a statement. He cited the companies’ local roots as a factor in the decision. 

A new threshold:

THC beverages are already sold at smaller Chicago venues like the Salt Shed, Riviera Theatre, Ramova Theatre and Thalia Hall. The United Center marks a different scale entirely, both in size and reach.

"This is a first for the country and a first for Chicago," said Ben Kovler, interim CEO and chairman of RHYTHM Inc. "It’s Chicago’s premier venue, and it puts these products in front of a lot of people."

What you’re actually drinking:

The Señorita drinks are canned THC margaritas with no alcohol. Each contains 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC, what the company describes as a moderate dose, roughly comparable to the intoxicating effect of a beer or glass of wine.

Flavors include lime jalapeño and mango margaritas, plus a mandarin orange option that contains caffeine. You can already find them at liquor stores across Illinois.

Kovler said beverages offer a more controlled way to consume THC than edibles. 

"It’s much harder to accidentally overdo it with a drink," he said.

Timing is everything:

The rollout comes as intoxicating hemp products face increased scrutiny. In November, President Donald Trump signed a federal law banning the sale of intoxicating hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC. 

The law is scheduled to take effect in November, though how it will actually be enforced remains unclear.

Locally, the Chicago City Council recently voted to ban most intoxicating hemp products while allowing beverages and topicals to continue. Mayor Brandon Johnson has said he has serious concerns about the ordinance and hasn’t decided whether to veto it.
 

Pushback:

Some public health advocates oppose the United Center decision. 

Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, criticized the move as prioritizing profits over safety.

"This smells of trying to make a quick buck at the expense of public health," Sabet told the Chicago Tribune.

Timeline:

The rollout will officially begin in early February with promotional activations and non-infused samples during two concerts: the New Edition Way Tour on Feb. 4 and the Life is a Highway Tour on Feb. 6.