The iconic Chicago Bulls have temporarily removed their celebrated six NBA championship banners from the United Center due to damages incurred from pyrotechnics during a recent concert featuring the band Disturbed. This unfortunate incident highlights the intersection of sports and entertainment at this legendary venue.

In an official announcement made on March 14, the United Center confirmed that the championship banners—earned during the legendary era of Michael Jordan in the 1990s—suffered “minor damage” during a performance on March 8, which featured popular acts including Three Days Grace and Sevendust. The venue is committed to preserving the history of the Bulls and ensuring the banners are restored to their rightful place.

According to a spokesperson from the United Center, the venue is actively collaborating with the Bulls organization to assess and implement repair options for the damaged banners. This statement, which was shared with the Associated Press, indicated that while the banners will not be visible for the rest of this current season, there is optimism that they will be restored and back in place for the next season, allowing fans to once again enjoy this part of the Bulls’ storied legacy.

Footage captured by fans during the concert has surfaced on social media platforms, revealing the moment when flames erupted near the Bulls’ banners. This dramatic moment has sparked conversations among fans and the media, highlighting the unexpected risks associated with live performances and pyrotechnics in such a historic venue.

The rock band Disturbed, which hails from Chicago, had not issued a public statement regarding the incident as of the latest reports. Fans and media outlets alike are eager to hear their response to this unfortunate event that has affected both the concert and the team’s legacy.

The absence of the Bulls’ championship banners—which honor the team’s remarkable titles from 1991-93 and 1996-98—will be felt throughout the remainder of the 2024-25 season. Initially, the United Center had hoped to have the banners restored by the upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. However, it has now been confirmed that repairs will take longer than anticipated, extending through the end of the current season.

The championship banners were carefully taken down before the Bulls faced off against the Indiana Pacers on Monday. Until the end of the week, neither team had publicly commented on the removal, leaving fans anxious about the future of these important symbols of achievement.

It’s worth noting that the championship banners belonging to the Chicago Blackhawks, the other major sports team tenant of the United Center, escaped damage during the concert. This fact has provided some relief to fans of that team, who continue to celebrate their own storied history within the same iconic venue.