The Blackhawks continue to try to help build a new generation of hockey players ඣas well as fans, and that took a big step forward on Tuesday.
If you’re looking for ice time in Chicago, or have a son or daughter who plays youth hockey in/around the city, you know how hard it is to find a good place to practice. And games can be even worse. When the Blackhawks opened their then-new Fifth Third Arena just south of the United Center campus, the idea was to have a place where community hockey (and figure skating) could take place.
And it’s been that for a few years. If you go to a Blackhawks practice, you’ll sometimes see youth teams getting dressed or watching their favorite player(s) skating before they warm up. It’s pretty cool to watch young hockey players see NHL players up close and how they view their skills.
Now, the Blackhawks can officially start making that expe⛎rience bigger and more available to the community.
Back in March, repo✤rted the Blackhawks were planning a $65 million expansion project to the Fifth Third Arena complex. That plan was one of many that was by Cit🌃y Council’s zoning committee on Tuesday.
The Blackhawks’ project will expand the Fifth Third Arena to double the number of ice surfaces to four, which will create more space for leagues and community events — something late chairman Rocky Wirtz wanted. There will also be plenty of additional parking (an expected 180 parking spaces). According to a report from in May, the project will also include a park for neighbors and a Divvy sta🐠tion at the arena.
The🅰 project will reportedly be completed by early 2026.
