Overview
Universal Destinations & Experiences (the theme-park arm of NBCUniversal) just revealed plans for Universal Horror Unleashed, a permanent haunt headed to Chicago’s riverfront. Slated to open in 2027, the 114,000-square-foot venue at 700 W. Chicago Ave. will transform an empty warehouse into a playground of fear—think haunted mazes, themed bars, ghoulish food, and plenty of merch you probably shouldn’t wear to work.
Why It Matters
- Economic jolt: Illinois’ EDGE program is tossing in more than $7 million in incentives, and Universal forecasts $1 billion in total economic impact.
- Job creation: City officials expect hundreds of permanent and seasonal jobs, from scare actors to bartenders.
- Urban renewal: The project fills a long-vacant riverfront site and pairs nicely with the future Bally’s Casino a block away.
What To Expect Inside
- Multi-theme horror mazes updated seasonally, so repeat visits stay fresh (and frightening).
- Immersive bars pouring on-brand cocktails—picture blood-red slushies in IV-bag pouches.
- Sinister street food like black-bun burgers and “mummy-wrapped” hot dogs.
- Exclusive merchandise tied to classic Universal Monsters and modern slashers.
Location & Timeline
| Milestone | Target Date |
|---|---|
| Construction Start | Early 2026 |
| Grand Opening | 2027 |
The site sits along the North Branch of the Chicago River, minutes from the bustling River North nightlife district and easily reached via CTA’s Brown Line.
The Bigger Picture for Universal Parks
Universal is clearly diversifying beyond its traditional resort model:
- Epic Universe opens in Orlando in 2025.
- Las Vegas is getting a year-round horror experience inside AREA15.
- Frisco, Texas will see a family-friendly micro-park.
Chicago’s standalone haunt fits this “small-format, big-impact” strategy—deploying compact attractions in major metros where a full-blown theme park might not pencil out.
What It Means for Chicago Tourism
Adding a marquee Universal venue strengthens Chicago’s pitch as a four-season entertainment capital. Between the new casino, the nearby Riverwalk, and an already vibrant theater scene, out-of-towners could realistically spend an entire weekend within a two-mile radius—and never run out of things to do (or scream at).
Our Take
Universal has proven it can monetize fear—just look at the throngs who queue up for Halloween Horror Nights each fall. Planting a 365-day version in a high-traffic urban core feels like a safe bet. The biggest challenge? Keeping content fresh enough that locals return every few months. Given Universal’s deep bench of monsters—from Dracula to The Purge—that shouldn’t be too hard.
Ready to scream? You’ve got roughly three years to steady your nerves.
Source: Axios
