Professional sports teams across the nation are continuing to establish arena districts for the convenience of athletes and fans, complete with restaurants and bars to provide a destination for an enhanced entertainment experience. In September 2014, the Chicago Bulls constructed the Advocate Center – a $25 million 16,000 SF practice facility and front-office headquarters on Madison Avenue, across the street from the United Center, the team’s home court since 1994.

The Advocate Center, considered a “basketball palace” by some league officials, features state of the art weight training and other amenities for athletes while delivering eye-catching architecture and further development of the city’s gentrifying West Loop Corridor. The west side of the facility has a "saw-toothed façade" while the north side features glass walls to allow Bulls fans to view six NBA championship banners that hang from the building's rafters.

The second floor of the Advocate Center features an 11,000 SF green roof, boasting American Hydrotech Garden Roof and Ultimate Assembly technology. More than 1,800 SF of Hanover Architectural pavers and regional media were used to deliver sustainable benefits and on the amenity deck.