Smashing Pumpkins Display Chicago Rat Hole at Concert
The city briefly loaned the viral concrete slab to the United Center for the band's appearance.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Rock
Live Poll
Should local government loan out unique public artifacts for private commercial events?
The Smashing Pumpkins showcased the Chicago Rat Hole at the United Center on October 14, 2026. Fans gathered to view the famous sidewalk imprint during the band's Rats in a Cage tour.
Why it matters
The display brought a piece of local internet lore to the concert stage, highlighting the continued cultural fascination with the unique concrete artifact.
The concrete slab was removed from a sidewalk near 1918 W. Roscoe St. in April 2024 and has been housed on the 11th floor of City Hall since January 2025.
The players
The Smashing Pumpkins
This Chicago-born alternative rock band formed in 1988 and became a defining act of the 1990s music scene.
United Center
This major Chicago arena serves as the home venue for the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Streets and Sanitation Department
This city agency is responsible for managing public infrastructure and municipal property in Chicago.
The details
The United Center requested a temporary loan from the city to place the artifact in the Center Atrium for fan photos. The city managed transportation to and from the venue, and the slab was returned to storage the following day.
Timeline
April 2024: The Rat Hole was removed from a sidewalk on West Roscoe Street.
January 2025: The city placed the slab in storage at City Hall.
October 14, 2026: The artifact was displayed for fans at the United Center.
October 15, 2026: City officials returned the slab to the 11th floor of City Hall.
Industry Dynamics
This event follows a pattern set by the viral interest in the Chicago Rat Hole, where a mundane municipal object is elevated to a local cultural landmark. Such activations demonstrate how venue operators utilize local pop culture phenomena to enhance the concert experience.
Fans were able to view the artifact during a specific two-hour window between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the United Center. Since the slab is stored at City Hall, future public viewing opportunities remain strictly subject to city approval and loan agreements.
The takeaway
Cultural phenomena like the Rat Hole demonstrate how unique local objects can transcend their original context to become part of the city's identity. Residents should watch for future city announcements if they hope to catch a glimpse of the slab in person.
Further reading
For more on the city's music scene, read our Rock section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
Live Poll
Should local government loan out unique public artifacts for private commercial events?
