NEAR WEST SIDE — The Blackhawks revealed renderings and final plans for its expanded practice arena and community center, which is set to be the new home of a junior league hockey team.
Fifth Third Arena, opened in 2017, is undergoing a $65 million expansion and renovation that will include a new ice arena, bar, Blackhawks Hall of Fame and lounge spaces, according to the Blackhawks.
The arena, 1801 W. Jackson Blvd., functions as a practice facility for the Blackhawks and will be the permanent home of the Chicago Steel, a United States Hockey League team that was acquired by the Wirtz Corporation, the family that owns the Blackhawks, in 2023. The Chicago Steel currently play at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in suburban Geneva.
“Through the Fifth Third Arena expansion, we are creating the epicenter of hockey in the Midwest,” Danny Wirtz, CEO of the Blackhawks and Wirtz Corporation, said in a statement. “This venue is where NHL superstars train alongside rising talent, creating an environment where championship dreams can take flight.”
Two new hockey rinks are included in the facility, including Championship Arena, which will have stadium-style seating for 2,000 spectators. The project is expected to be completed in January 2026.
A “Blackhawks Hall of Fame” addition to the arena will celebrate 100 years of history of the team, founded in 1926. The 2025-26 season will open with an interactive exhibit showcasing the franchise’s legacy. A fan vote is open now to determine the inaugural Hall of Fame class, according to a news release.
Other additions including a bar dedicated to the late Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, multiple lounges, a patio overlooking the city skyline and United Center, and a new facade.
The project’s completion coincides with early construction for the United Center’s 1901 Project, a multi-phase, $7 billion plan to redevelop the area surrounding the United Center, with the first phase expected to finish in 2028.
The Fifth Third Arena expansion received City Council approval in 2023.
The Blackhawks bought the land from Rush University Medical Center for $23.5 million, a deal that was approved by the City Council in April 2023. As part of the deal, the hospital put $6.3 million from the sale toward development of the Sankofa Wellness Village.
The Sankofa Wellness Village is a sprawling development project in West Garfield Park that will include a health center and business incubator and is aimed at increasing the quality of life and life expectancy of neighbors. The project began construction in September.
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