The Blackhawks Ice Center Expansion Is Now Complete—Here’s What the New Facility Includes

Chicago’s hockey scene just got a major upgrade on the Near West Side.

The newly expanded Blackhawks Ice Center, located at 1801 W. Jackson Blvd., has officially opened following a major renovation that transformed the facility into one of the largest community hockey hubs in the Midwest. The center sits just south of the United Center, home of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls.

Originally known as Fifth Third Arena, the facility has now doubled in size and expanded its role beyond a practice rink for the Blackhawks.

Today it serves as a training center, event venue, and public ice facility designed to welcome athletes, fans, and community members throughout the year.

The Expansion Nearly Doubled the Size of the Arena

The project significantly expanded the original arena, which first opened in 2017.

The renovation added about 135,000 square feet, bringing the entire facility to more than 250,000 square feet of hockey and community space.

The number of ice rinks has also increased from two to four, allowing the complex to host more games, practices, tournaments, and community skating events. Blackhawks leadership has described the expansion as an effort to create a major hockey development hub for the Midwest.

A New Arena With Seating for 2,000 Fans

One of the most notable additions is a new competition rink designed to host larger events.

The new arena includes seating for up to 2,000 spectators, along with upgraded lighting, scoreboards, and broadcast capabilities.

This rink will serve as the new home for the Chicago Steel, a United States Hockey League team that develops players for college and professional hockey. The larger venue also allows the complex to host regional tournaments, youth championships, and other major hockey events.

More Community Space and Visitor Amenities

The expansion also added several new spaces designed to make the arena more welcoming for the public. Visitors will now find additional lounges, gathering areas, and hospitality spaces that can host events, meetings, and community programs.

A new café called Raise the Cup Café offers food and drinks for visitors during games and public skating sessions. An outdoor patio overlooking the Chicago skyline has also been added, creating a unique space for gatherings and events.

A Destination for Hockey and Community Events

With four ice rinks and expanded facilities, the Blackhawks Ice Center is expected to host a wide range of activities throughout the year.

The complex will support youth hockey leagues, amateur tournaments, professional training programs, and public skating sessions. Team officials estimate the facility could eventually attract around 1.5 million visitors each year, making it one of the busiest hockey centers in the region.

A Major Addition Near the United Center

The arena sits just steps away from the United Center, strengthening the Near West Side’s role as one of Chicago’s major sports and entertainment districts.

Large facilities like this often bring increased activity to surrounding neighborhoods by attracting tournaments, events, and visitors from across the Midwest.

As the area continues to grow, projects like the Blackhawks Ice Center expansion add another major destination to the neighborhood.

Stay Connected

Ranked among the top 1% of real estate teams in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group are experts in helping buyers and sellers navigate today’s market across Downtown Chicago, the North Shore, and the Western Suburbs. Recognized for their neighborhood expertise in areas such as University Village, University Commons, South Loop, and Pilsen, the team helps clients stay one step ahead by understanding where the Chicago market is headed next.