Arts & Entertainment
Horror-Themed Immersive Experience From Universal Coming to Chicago Near Bally’s Casino Complex
A rendering of the planned Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago to be located at 700 W. Chicago Ave. (Universal Destinations & Experiences)
Boo!
A year-round immersive horror experience from NBCUniversal will open in Chicago across from the new Bally’s Casino, the city announced Thursday. Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago will be the company’s first branded experience in the Midwest.
The attraction will convert a vacant 114,000-square-foot commercial building at 700 W. Chicago Ave. into a horror-themed venue with mazes, themed bars, food offerings and retail space. Construction is anticipated to start early next year.
Expected to open in 2027, the venue is projected to create 400 permanent jobs while generating “more than $1 billion in economic impact for the city,” according to World Business Chicago, the city’s economic development agency.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Universal Horror Unleashed to the City of Chicago,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a news release. “This is exactly the kind of creative, high-impact investment we’re working to attract — one that brings new life to a vacant site, creates hundreds of jobs, and cements Chicago as a must-visit destination for entertainment tourism.”
Gov. JB Pritzker, who launched his campaign for a third term on Thursday, called the announcement a testament to the state’s workforce and infrastructure.
“Universal choosing Illinois didn’t happen by accident — we were proud to support this project through our EDGE incentive program, which has helped fortify a positive business climate that draws world-class companies to the state,” Pritzker said in a news release.
Under the state’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, the project will be granted tax credits based on the income tax attributed to new employees, with additional money for training costs.
The Chicago project is part of Universal’s growing slate of attractions. Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort opened this year. Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas is set to open in August, and a new theme park and kids resort geared toward young children is scheduled to open in Texas in 2026.
The location across from the Bally’s casino complex will further expand the planned entertainment district in River West where a hotel, theater and multiple restaurants are slated to open as part of the project.
City officials are counting on the permanent casino and its tourism draw to boost the city’s economy while creating thousands of jobs.
