Chicago’s Near West Side saw a unique blend of music and local lore on Wednesday when the Smashing Pumpkins brought the city’s famed concrete slab, the “Rat Hole,” to the United Center. The band’s “Rats in a Cage” tour provided a perfect backdrop for the display, and fans were invited to view and photograph the slab in the arena’s Center Atrium from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What is the Rat Hole?
The Rat Hole is a concrete square that was ripped from a sidewalk near 1918 W. Roscoe St. in April 2024 after a local comedian highlighted the mysterious imprint on social media. The imprint sparked a viral frenzy, turning the slab into a tourist attraction and prompting researchers to investigate its origin. A study concluded that a squirrel was the most likely source of the imprint, contrary to earlier speculation that a rat had left the mark.
From City Hall to the United Center
Since January 2025 the slab has been housed on the 11th floor of Chicago City Hall, under the care of the Streets and Sanitation Department. This marked the first time the concrete piece left its municipal home. City spokesperson Griffin Krueger explained that the United Center reached out to the city to arrange the loan, noting the uncanny fit between the band’s tour name and Chicago’s “world‑famous Rat Hole.”
“The transportation there and back was something that the City handled with the utmost care and respect, of course,” Krueger said. “We agreed it would be a fun opportunity given the circumstances.”
Community Reaction
Long‑time Roscoe Village resident, who has lived in the neighborhood for 25 years, recalled that the imprint had “always been there,” underscoring how the slab has become a part of local identity. Fans at the United Center enjoyed the novelty of posing with the concrete relic, sharing photos on social media that blended rock‑and‑roll excitement with a piece of Chicago’s quirky history.
Logistics and Future Loans
Krueger noted that while the Rat Hole is not typically loaned out, “certain special occasions” may be considered. He added that the slab’s size makes it “not the most portable thing,” but the city was able to transport it safely to and from the venue. After the concert, the slab was returned to its City Hall location on Thursday.
The event highlights how Chicago’s cultural institutions can collaborate to celebrate local landmarks, even in unexpected settings. By pairing a major concert with a beloved piece of neighborhood folklore, the city reinforced its commitment to preserving community heritage while providing residents with a memorable experience.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
