Deerfield Mayor Says Berto Center's New Purpose Will Be 'Great Addition'

The place that was once the practice home to the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Derrick Rose will soon be the locale of just a slightly different activity.

With future plans to open as Event Creative’s Venue One north location, the Berto Center - the 35,416-square-foot building near Lake Cook Road that served as the Chicago Bulls’ practice facility for more than 20 years- will turn into an entertainment venue.

Deerfield Mayor Harriet Rosenthal said Monday she is “very excited” about the change, noting that the Berto Center will be able to accommodate “more people in the ballroom than any other venue in town.”

Event Creative’s request to the Plan Commission was approved in July, Rosenthal said.

“One of the major concerns was parking, but they were able to diffuse them as more of their events will be on the weekends and during the evenings when the office buildings will generally be empty,” Rosenthal said - adding that a shared parking contract and that the facility will have valet alleviated any concerns.

“This will be a great addition to Deerfield,” Rosenthal said.

A call to Event Creative CEO Sean Cannon was not immediately returned on Monday.

Read more on the Berto Center via Crain’s Chicago Business