Chicago Bulls honor Derrick Rose with jersey retirement ceremony, fans fill United Center

The Chicago Bulls honored legend Derrick Rose by raising his No. 1 banner to the rafters in a post-game jersey retirement ceremony Saturday night at the Uniter Center.

The Bulls hosted the Boston Celtics, defeating them with a last-second three-pointer to break a tie game.

It was a special night for all Chicagoans celebrating Chicago's very own. His jersey going up in the rafters makes him the fifth Chicago Bull ever to receive the honor

Fans said the atmosphere was everything they could have hoped for, and one that D Rose deserved.

Rose has been cemented in Bulls history as one of the greats.

Fans packed the United Center despite snowy and frigid conditions outside, something Rose says represents just how gritty Chicago is.

"Feeling grateful knowing the weather conditions knowing its a Chicago thing to even show up here, to fight through that and still go to an event, it's huge," Rose said.

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"Everybody here, are you kidding me? The parking lot is crazy out there snow everywhere but nobody cares everybody's here to see one of the greatest Chicago Bulls to ever play," fan Alexi AlHambra said.

It was a long-anticipated moment for Rose, but also for his fans, who immediately connected with the Englewood native when he was drafted first overall to the Bulls in 2008.

Rose often led the Bulls to thrilling playoff runs while also winning MVP at just 22 years old in 2010, the youngest to win that award in NBA history.

"It means everything to see him go up in the rafters," fan Raul Chacon said. "We might not have won a championship, but it doesn't matter. We still love Derrick Rose. He's homegrown, you know."

In the end, Rose getting his jersey in the rafters marks a story of resilience and inspiration that so many Chicagoans say they'll always carry with them.

"He gave it his all he put his all into the game and he literally showed the girls and boys that you can make it,' an Englewood resident named Diamond said. "Englewood is not really a place anyone is bragging they're from or to make it out of and he literally did it."

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Ahead of the ceremony at the United Center, fans were able to get a special look at Rose's life and career.

The United Center hosted an immersive experience Saturday, including visuals and art from students with the group "After School Matters".

There was also special edition merchandise and clothing, and a pop-up in the atrium for "Rose's Flower Shop".