Universal Horror Unleashed picks Chicago for second site
"We're bringing the full force of horror and thrills to a whole new audience in a whole new place," Universal Orlando posted on social media.
Unleashed is a product of Orlando-based Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal.
It will be Universal's first location in the Midwest. The company has been exploring new markets. Beyond Las Vegas, Universal is building a kids-oriented theme park near Dallas, which is set to open in 2026, and is planning a theme park in England.
The Chicago expansion also is an extension of Universal's long-running horror brand. Universal Studios invented the film genre in the 1930s with movies based on Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and other creatures. Universal Studios Florida theme park is preparing its 34th edition of Halloween Horror Nights, an after-hours fright fest that has grown to include Universal Studios Hollywood park in California as well as theme parks in Singapore and Japan.
The monsters roam their own land called Dark Universe in the Epic Universe theme park, which opened in Orlando in May.
The Chicago venue will be on Chicago Avenue at the former Tribune Distribution Center near Bally's Casino.
"We're excited to bring this bold concept to life in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culture," Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in a news release. "We're grateful for the city's support as we convert this dormant site into a unique attraction that showcases our storytelling expertise and ability to deliver mind-blowing experiences that shatter guest expectations."
Themes for the new Unleashed mazes, expected to debut in 2027, were not announced. The Las Vegas location will open with four haunted mazes.
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