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Smashing Pumpkins Bring Chicago’s Rat Hole to the United Center

PR Campaign
Monday 12th October, 2026

For one night during the Smashing Pumpkins’ “Rats in a Cage” tour, the United Center displayed Chicago’s famous Rat Hole concrete slab for fans to see and photograph. The city approved the unusual loan because the tour name made the local landmark an almost perfect fit.

Why it worked: It hijacked a city-owned meme artifact with a perfect lyric pun, creating a one-night-only, officially sanctioned photo op with scarcity.

The lesson: Consider borrowing a civic oddity tied to a lyric, line, or catchphrase for a one-night photo moment with official permission.

Smashing Pumpkins United Center
4 Sources:

Coverage over time

How this story spread across the media

Publication Headline Date
chicagotribune.com Smashing Pumpkins announce ‘Rats in a Cage Tour’ with a stop at the United Center Monday 18th May, 2026
indierock.news The Smashing Pumpkins Bring Rats in a Cage Home to Chicago Monday 12th October, 2026
blockclubchicago.org Rat Hole In A Cage? Smashing Pumpkins Display Famed Concrete Slab At United Center Show Thursday 15th October, 2026
hoodline.com Chicago Rat Hole Displayed at Smashing Pumpkins United Center Show Friday 16th October, 2026
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