The company announced Thursday that a universal horror release attraction will be open in Chicago, but its first year-round horror forays is not scheduled to open in Las Vegas until August.
“We bring the full power of fear and thrill to a whole new audience in a whole new location,” Universal Orlando posted on social media.
Unleashed is a Universal destination and experience product based in Orlando, a division of Comcast NBCuniversal.
Universal will be the first location in the Midwest. The company is exploring new markets. Beyond Las Vegas, Universal is building a children’s theme park near Dallas, which is scheduled to open in 2026 and is planning a UK theme park.
The Chicago expansion is also an extension of Universal’s long-term horror brand. Universal Studios invented the film genre in the 1930s, with films based on Dracula, Frankenstein monsters and other creatures. Universal Studios Florida Theme Park is preparing the 34th edition of Halloween Horror Night, an off-hour terror festival that grows to include Universal Studios Hollywood Park in California and theme parks in Singapore and Japan.
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The monster roams his own land known as the Dark Universe at an epic space theme park that opened in Orlando in May.
The Chicago venue is located on Chicago Avenue, the former Tribune Distribution Center, near Barry’s casino.
“We are excited to bring this bold concept to life in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culture,” said Page Thompson, president of Universal Destinations & Experiences’ New Ventures, in a news release. “We are grateful for the city’s support as we are turning this dormant state into a unique charm that demonstrates our storytelling expertise and the ability to provide incredible experiences that break the expectations of our guests.”
The theme for the new Unleashed Mazes, which is expected to debut in 2027, was not announced. The Las Vegas location operates in four ghost mazes.
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