Neighborhood News: West Side’s Fifth Third Ice Arena becomes Blackhawks Ice Center after expansion
Ice hockey is “hot” after the US men and women’s teams earned gold medals in last month’s Winter Olympics.
What better time for the Chicago Blackhawks, celebrating 100 years as an ‘Original Six’ NHL hockey franchise on May 15, 1926, to open their newly renovated Blackhawks Ice Center, 1801 W. Jackson Boulevard!
Opened in 2017 and known primarily as the Chicago Blackhawks’ practice facility and a training center for future stars, the former Fifth Third Ice Arena is now a vibrant center for hockey and ice sports, after a two-year, 250,000 square feet expansion.
The newly renovated facility also boasts state-of-the-art training facilities, and two new skating rinks. One of them, USG Arena, offers stadium-style seating and hospitality areas for 2,000 spectators. It’ll also be the new home of the Chicago Steel, the region’s United States Hockey League (USHL) team, acquired by Wirtz Corporation in 2023. USG Arena offers a state-of-the-art center scoreboard, video ribbon boards and exclusive party decks for an elevated fan experience and new food and beverage options.
The venue also hopes to become the home of collegiate and elite hockey events with new, premium locker room amenities, free parking and quality food and drink options.
It’ll also be the home of The Blackhawks Hall of Fame, honoring the extraordinary players and builders who have shaped our century-long legacy, as chosen by the fans, alumni, and media.
Outside the Blackhawks Ice Center, a Walk of Fame commemorative sidewalk along Jackson Street will honor the milestone moments and legendary players of the Chicago Blackhawks, featuring engraved plaques celebrating the franchise’s six Stanley Cup winning teams, its Hall of Fame inductees and reserved space for the legacy to grow with future champions and honorees.
“Through the Fifth Third Arena expansion, we are creating the epicenter of hockey in the Midwest,” said Danny Wirtz, Chairman & CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, in a press release. “This venue is where NHL superstars train alongside rising talent, creating an environment where championship dreams can take flight.”
Can I Watch The Blackhawks Practice?
As their website notes, Yes! All Chicago Blackhawks practices are open to the public and free of charge. The Chicago Blackhawks practice schedule can be found on their calendar.
Note: Dates and times subject to change on short notice.
Future Stars Play Here: Learn to Skate, Play Hockey 🏑🏒🏒🏑
Blackhawks Ice Center continues to offer hockey programs like the Little Blackhawks Skating Academy, the Legends-in-House Hockey League, and Chicago Blackhawks Summer Camps.
They also offer premium space for beginner hockey, adult leagues, youth programs, and elite tournaments.
Learning to Skate/Public Skates ⛸️⛸️⛸️⛸️
It all starts with learning to glide on the ice, right? Whether your interests are hockey or figure skating, Blackhawks Ice Center offers skating lessons for all ages, as well as public skate sessions for all skill levels.
Their Basic Skills classes teaches the fundamentals of ice skating while providing a strong foundation for figure skating, hockey, and speed skating. Through six progressive levels, skaters learn essential skills such as forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, and turns. while advanced levels (Basic 3–6) focus on developing core skating skills, including agility, balance, coordination, and speed. Upon completing Basic Skills 1–6, skaters are prepared to move on to more specialized skating programs, which are also offered at Blackhawks Ice Center.
Can we eat there?
Athletes of all ages need to fuel and refuel! Their new venues include ROCKY’S BAR, a tribute to late Chairman Rocky Wirtz and a fan-favorite from the United Center, anchors the venue’s food and beverage experience. With a premium cocktail menu and curated food offerings, it celebrates a life well lived in a warm, welcoming space.
Blackhawks Ice Center will also feature more food and beverage options, including the new RAISE THE CUP CAFÉ, an all-day café serving coffee, smoothies, and light bites.
For more information and Ice Center hours, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
