CHAMPAIGN — The first five regular-season games Illinois men's basketball played at the United Center drew an average of 14,448 fans.
The Madhouse on Madison in downtown Chicago had turned into a yearly December staple on the Illini schedule since Lou Henson led Illinois into its Dec. 3, 1994 game against Duke, the first time Illinois played at the arena Michael Jordan built.
But no more. At least not in the upcoming 2019-2020 season.
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said on Tuesday afternoon the game at the home venue of the Chicago Bulls will go on "hiatus.