Chicago’s Blackhawks playoff run scores big bucks for local businesses

Photographed by: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Blackhawks center Dustin Byfuglien

While the Bulls and Blackhawks fans sort of argue amongst themselves over Michael Jordan's statue temporary change of jersey, the Blackhawks playoff run is scoring big bucks for local businesses.

In front of Chicago's United Center, which is located at Madison Street, is a statue “frozen in time” of his airness Michael Jordan. The statue of his iconic pose with a ball in his right hand and his legs leaping, gives the illusion that he is flying through thin air. Well, lately, Jordan has been disrobed – his statue has been outfitted with Blackhawks' captain Jonathan Toews red jersey. The statue is also fitted with skates and a helmet. Jordan is too familiar with the Windy City style championship fever and does not appear to be taking part in the nonsensical argument. He recently showed his support for the team by appearing at their game wearing Toews' jersey.

Thanks to the Blackhawks' playoff run, some establishments in the United Center vicinity are reporting 15 to 25 percent increase in business. “We are pretty much filling the house because people like to come sit, drink a few beers and get something to eat while watching the game on TV,” said one bar owner who prefers not to give his name nor have his business name mentioned.

Before or after every game one can't help but notice long lines waiting to enter establishments such as La Luce, Westend Bar & Grill, Inas, Stanley's On Racine, The Rosebud, Jak's Tap and Pegasus. Even the parking lots in the vicinity of United Center are all filled to capacity – something that is unusual during this time of the year.

The Blackhawks have done a superb job again. On Friday they won an exciting first game of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers. They won 6-5 in a high scoring hockey history. The next game scheduled for tonight at the United Center hopes to be another exciting game. If the Blackhawks go up by 2 games to zero, chances are they will sweep the series against Philadelphia.

With the outstanding performances by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and the rest of the team, many experts are starting to think that the Blackhawks have a chance to end a 49 year drought and win the Stanley Cup. Go Blackhawks!