Chicago Bulls announce new practice facility next to United Center

Over the weekend, the Chicago Bulls announced plans for a new practice facility, to replace Lot J next to the United Center, and transition away from the team's facility in Deerfield since 1992, the Berto Center. The practice facility will help the continued revitalization of the West Loop neighborhood surrounding the UC and from the initial architecture rendering released above, it looks like it will be quite the beautiful addition (and look at the El in the background. Chi-City!). Plus, the way the Bulls have played the last couple games, this new practice facility couldn't come soon enough (hey!). That expected date will be for the 2014-2015 season. More details below, via Bulls.com.

The facility is anticipated to be approximately 55,000-square-feet in size. The firm, 360 Architects, has been selected as the lead project architect, and McHugh Construction has been named the General Contractor. The Bulls are committed to providing opportunities for Chicago-based companies, including women/minorities owned businesses, to be selected as part of the construction project.

“Today’s announcement is the latest example of our longstanding commitment to the City of Chicago and to our fans,” said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “Investing in a modern facility for our players and coaches will help us to achieve our team’s number one goal – winning championships – while also playing an important role in the city’s ongoing redevelopment efforts in our West Side neighborhood.”