PHOTOS: Blackhawks unveil plans for Fifth Third Arena expansion

CHICAGO (WGN) — The Chicago Blackhawks unveiled new renderings for their upcoming expansion of Fifth Third Arena in the United Center neighborhood Tuesday.

Originally opened in 2017, the Blackhawks started renovating their West Side-based community ice rink since May 2024. When complete in January 2026, the venue will feature more than 250,000 square feet of community hockey space, complete with state-of-the-art training facilities equipped with versatile areas aimed at accommodating the best athletes in the world, as well as rising stars and the next generation of players in the Chicagoland area.

The facility will also remain the official training home of the Chicago Blackhawks and will become the permanent home of the Chicago Steel – the region’s highly successful United States Hockey League (USHL) team, which was acquired by the Wirtz Corporation in 2023. 

“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. “This venue is where NHL superstars train alongside rising talent, creating an environment where championship dreams can take flight.”

“The expansion unlocks possibilities that did not exist before, creating a hub where world-class entertainment meets grassroots celebrations and where championship moments happen alongside neighborhood milestones,” added Jaime Faulkner, President of Business Operations for the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks estimate that Fifth Third Arena will welcome more than a million and a half guest per year once the renovations are completed.

The expansion is also a part of a wider effort between the Wirtz and Reinsdorf families—known as the 1901 Project—to transform the neighborhood around the United Center by injecting more than $7 billion in economic investments into the area.

This specific portion of the 1901 Project transforms Fifth Third Arena from a hockey facility into a versatile venue that seamlessly hosts events of all sizes, according to the Blackhawks.

Unveiled Monday, new renderings showcase updated elements of the facility’s expansion and the amenities the club aims to improve upon:

• CHAMPIONSHIP ARENA — One of the two new rinks, offering stadium-style seating and hospitality areas for 2,000 spectators. As the future new home of the Chicago Steel, Championship Arena offers a state-of-the-art center scoreboard, video ribbon boards and exclusive party decks for an elevated fan experience. Premium locker room amenities, free parking and quality food and drink options enhance the visitor experience, making it a top choice for major ice sport events across collegiate and elite hockey. The addition of Championship Arena is set to more than double guest attendance to Fifth Third Arena annually, the Blackhawks estimate.

• CENTENNIAL HALL — This celebrates 100 years of Chicago Blackhawks history and will be the permanent physical home to the recently-announced Blackhawks Hall of Fame. Opening during the team’s Centennial celebration in 2025-26, this interactive exhibit showcases the franchise’s legacy through historic displays that connect fans of all ages with the team’s story. Centennial Hall will serve as a year-round destination for fans to experience the Blackhawks, whether visiting on game days or during the offseason. The Blackhawks Hall of Fame is set to become the franchise’s defining institution for honoring the extraordinary players and builders who have shaped our century-long legacy – with a fan vote open now to help determine the inaugural class of Hall of Famers.

• ROCKY’S BAR — A tribute to late Chairman Rocky Wirtz and a fan-favorite from the United Center – Rocky’s Bar will anchor 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. The Arena will also feature more food and beverage options, including an all-day café serving coffee, smoothies, and light bites.

• LOUNGES — designed with hockey families in mind, they offer flexible workspaces, quiet areas with Wi-Fi, and comfy seating, perfect for catching up on emails, taking a call, or simply relaxing during youth hockey events.

• THE PATIO — Perched with unique Chicago skyline views and a direct line of sight to the 1901 campus when completed, the patio offers a pre- or post-game retreat for cocktails, a vibrant setting for business meetings, or the perfect backdrop to catch sporting events on TV. With room for 150 people, this open-air offering invites supporters and fans to gather and create memorable moments together.

• THE FACADE — This showcases the completed Fifth Third Arena located at 1801 West Jackson Boulevard. Fifth Third Bank will remain the naming rights sponsor of the Arena. Additionally, a Walk of Fame commemorative sidewalk along Jackson Street will honor the milestone moments and legendary players of the 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.  

“Fifth Third Arena will become the perfect destination to host events on and off the ice, while serving as a community hub for our great city – offering versatile spaces for events of any kind,” Wirtz said. “We will now be able to host 365-day programming, private events and offerings that weren’t possible before our expansion.”

Construction is slated to be completed by January 2026.