The United Center grounds transformed into a hoops haven as thousands gathered to welcome lottery picks Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, signaling a high-energy start to Chicago’s new era.
The United Center grounds were buzzing on a sunny Saturday, August 22.
Just a few months out before the Chicago Bulls take the floor for their first game of the 2026-27 season, Chicago fans already had a chance to show just how ready they are for basketball to return.
Bulls Fest brought together fans of all ages and generations, turning the area surrounding the United Center into a celebration of everything that makes basketball such a big part of Chicago.
All across the grounds, there were longtime Bulls fans who have been following the team for decades, parents bringing their kids out for the day and young fans wearing jerseys of the players they hope will lead the next era of Bulls basketball.
And everywhere you looked, there was a basketball in sight.
Different courts around the United Center grounds were filled with fans playing pickup, while young hoopers competed in 3v3 games and got the chance to showcase their skills. For some of these kids, playing basketball just steps away from the Bulls’ home court made the experience even more special.
The courts were constantly filled with action, but the energy certainly wasn't limited to the games themselves.
Fans were also eager to get a glimpse of the Bulls' newest young players, for the first time at the United Center.
Fourth overall pick Caleb Wilson and No. 15 pick Dailyn Swain were two of the biggest draws throughout the day, with fans excited for the opportunity to meet the newest members of the Bulls. After months of following the draft process, watching highlights and imagining what the two young players could bring to Chicago, fans finally had the chance to see them up close.
That excitement was especially noticeable among younger fans.
Wilson and Swain represent a new chapter for a Bulls team that is hoping its young talent can help change the direction of the franchise. And for kids who may be growing up watching these players become the faces of the team, getting to meet them at Bulls Fest could be the kind of experience they remember for years.
The Slam Dunk Contest provided another major highlight of the day.
A large crowd gathered around the court to watch the dunkers put on a show, with fans reacting to every big attempt and emphatic finish. The atmosphere felt less like a typical offseason event and more like a mini basketball festival, with fans surrounding the court and feeding off the energy of every dunk.
That was the most noticeable thing about Bulls Fest: people simply wanted to be around basketball.
Whether they were watching the dunk contest, competing in a 3v3 game, playing on one of the outdoor courts, meeting the Bulls' newest players or walking around in their favorite jerseys, fans had plenty of reasons to stick around.
And the crowd represented just how wide the Bulls' fanbase stretches.
You could see generations of Chicago basketball fans sharing the same space, fans who remember the Michael Jordan era, fans who grew up during the Derrick Rose years and a younger generation now getting introduced to a new group of players.
That matters for a Bulls team entering a season with plenty of questions, and there is still a lot to figure out before the Bulls can become a legitimate contender.
But if Saturday was any indication, the fanbase isn't waiting around to get excited.
There was an undeniable sense of anticipation throughout the United Center grounds. Fans were talking basketball, playing basketball and, most importantly, talking about the Bulls.
The season may still be weeks away, but Bulls Fest made one thing very clear:
Chicago is ready for basketball again.
And after a day filled with fans from every generation, young hoopers competing on the courts and crowds eager to meet the newest members of the team, the excitement surrounding the Bulls was impossible to miss.
