Blackhawks Open Expanded, Community-Focused Practice Facility

New Blackhawks Ice Center features more ice sheets, event spaces, and sponsorship deals.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Chicago Blackhawks have reopened their practice facility, now called the Blackhawks Ice Center, after a major renovation that doubled the size of the complex. The expansion added two new ice sheets, including one with 2,000 seats for the Blackhawks' USHL affiliate team, the Chicago Steel. The facility also created more flexible event-hosting spaces and food and beverage options to attract more community members and private events, with the goal of reaching 1.5 million annual visitors.

Why it matters

The revamped Blackhawks Ice Center represents the team's efforts to make their practice facility a more community-facing asset that can grow the game of hockey and build fan loyalty in the Chicago area. By hosting more youth hockey, events, and community activities, the Blackhawks hope to commercially benefit in the short and long term.

The details

The Blackhawks Ice Center expansion project was designed by Generator Studio and included doubling the facility's size. In addition to the two new ice sheets, one of which is an arena-sized sheet with 2,000 seats for the Chicago Steel, the renovated complex created more flexible event-hosting spaces and improved food and beverage options.

  • The Blackhawks Ice Center reopened following the renovation in March 2026.

The players

Blackhawks Ice Center

The Chicago Blackhawks' practice facility, which was recently expanded and rebranded.

Chicago Steel

The Blackhawks' USHL affiliate team that will play in the new arena-sized ice sheet at the Blackhawks Ice Center.

Jamie Faulkner

The President of Business Operations for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Fifth Third Bank

The presenting sponsor of the Blackhawks Ice Center and the official sponsor of the team's 'Every Shift' documentary series.

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What they’re saying

“It has the ability to be commercially important to us both in the short term but in the long-term growing the game, grows our fans, grows their loyalty”

— Jamie Faulkner, President of Business Operations, Chicago Blackhawks

What’s next

The Blackhawks expect the expanded and rebranded Blackhawks Ice Center to attract 1.5 million annual visitors through increased community events, youth hockey, and private functions.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' investment in their practice facility reflects a broader trend of professional sports teams seeking to make their venues more community-oriented and commercially viable beyond just hosting the team's practices and games. By creating a multi-use complex that can host a variety of events and activities, the Blackhawks are positioning the Blackhawks Ice Center as an asset that can grow the game of hockey and build fan loyalty in Chicago.