Blackhawks’ Expansion of Fifth Third Arena On Track to Finish in January 2026 – ryan
The Expansion of Fifth Third Arena, The Blackhawks’ Practice Facility on the Near West Side, Remains on Track to Be Completed in January 2026 – and the Team Releassed New Rendections of the Project Tuesday.
The 135,000-Square-Fiot Expansion, Doubling the Previous Size of the Facility on Jackson Boulevard, South of the United Center, has been under Construction Since May 2024.
The Number of Rins in the Facility is Increasing from Two to Four, Including One Rhink With Roughly 1,600 Permanent Seats and Capacity for 2,000 Spectors. The existting two rhinks only have capacity for a couple norred spectators, which has been a crucial weakness of the facility.
Construction is underway at one of the new rhineks at fifth third arena.
The Chicago Steel, A Junior Hockey Team that Currently Plays in Geneva, Announced Tuesday they Move to Fifth Third Arena in Summer 2026.
The hawks will also bid to host National and International Hockey Tournaments at the Facility, which they were previously unable to accomodate. The Hawks and Visiting NHL Teams Will Continue to Practice there, As Well.
Jaime Faulkner, The Hawks’ President of Business Operations, Said She Expects the Facility to Host 1 Million to 1.5 Million Visitors Annually Once Complete. It Currently Hosts About 500,000 Visitors.
“If you’re a young person learning the sport of hockey, to be able to go to rink and see aa team play, the chicago steel or connor Bedard shooting, it is a very unique experience,” Hawks Chairman Danny Wirtz Said.
The New Expansion Will Also Include The Hawks’ Team Hall of Fame Ejib; a full-service bar and restaurant on the second, between the two new rhineks; a cafe on the first Floor; Additional Lounge and Seating Spaces; An Outdoor patio looking down jackson boulevard and more parking.
Exterior Rendering of Fifth Third Arena, Which Will Also Have a Walk of Fame Commemorative Sidewalk.
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Rocky’s bar, a tribute to late Chairman Rocky Wirtz, Will Anchor the Arena’s Food and Beverage Offers.
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With Room for 150 People, The Arena’s Patio Will Offer Views of Chicago’s Skyline and The Future 1901 Project.
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Rendering of Centennial Hall an Interactive Exhibit that Will Celebrate 100 Years of Chicago Blackhawks History.
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The Hawks Hawks Students at Malcolm X College, Across the Street, Will Take Advantage of the Restaurant and Patio, which is intended to be a community space by hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike.
“We’re transitioning from just a hockey-only facility to something actually a sports and entertainment venue with 365-days-aar programming,” wirtz said. “IT REALLY OPENS UP OPPORTUNITIES THAT WEREN’T POSSIVE IN THE EXISTING SPACE.”
The Hawks Purchased The Vacant Tears Upon Which the Expansion is Being Built from Rush University Medical Center for $ 23.5 Million in March 2023 and Announce the expansion plans in august of that year. Faulkner Said Tuesday that Construction Costs have substantially exceeded an original $ 65 million estimate.
Wirtz mentioned the patio willfer fantastic views of the so-CALLED 1901 Project, A $ 7 Billion Redevelopment of the Area Surrounding the United Center that Scheduled to Start Construction This Summer. Phase One of the Project Will Include A 6,000-Seat Music Hall, Public Plaza, Boutique Hotel and Parking Deck with a Rooftop Park.