Universal Destinations & Experiences, the themed entertainment division of Comcast NBCUniversal, announced Chicago as the second location for its year-round immersive horror experience Universal Horror Unleashed. The permanent entertainment venue is Universal’s first branded experience in the Midwest and is part of the company’s plans to invest in the brand and introduce it to new audiences, in new markets with new, original concepts. Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago will transform a vacant 114,000-square-foot commercial building at 700 W. Chicago Avenue, directly across from the new Bally’s Casino, into a world-class horror attraction and entertainment destination. According to World Business Chicago, the project is expected to generate more than $1 billion in economic impact for the city.  The experience, slated to open in 2027, will include terrifying mazes, unforgettable scares, themed bars and unique food and beverage offerings, and a retail space featuring exclusive merchandise. The venue is expected to operate year-round, creating more than 400 permanent jobs ranging from operations leaders, merchandise hosts, entertainers called scareactors to make-up and prosthetics artists.  Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 following design finalization and permitting.

Image courtesy of Universal Destinations & Experiences.