Chicago Blackhawks Unveil Exciting Expansion Plans for Fifth Third Arena

In a thrilling announcement that promises to alter the Chicago hockey landscape, the Chicago Blackhawks revealed details and stunning renderings for the expansion of their Fifth Third Arena. With a new 2,000-person capacity arena and a fan-centered Centennial Hall at the forefront, the expanded venue is set to elevate the experience for both athletes and fans alike.

Originally opened in 2017, Fifth Third Arena has been undergoing extensive renovations since May 2024, emerging as a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and community engagement throughout Chicago. The expansion, slated for completion in January 2026, will feature more than 250,000 square feet dedicated to community hockey space, cutting-edge training facilities, and versatile areas catering to both professional and budding athletes.

“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 newly expanded arena aims to welcome over 1.5 million guests annually, positioning it as a leading destination for youth and amateur hockey while also enhancing the Blackhawks’ ability to connect with their fan base.

"Whether you are an athlete, a hockey parent, event attendee or our neighbor, our goal is to create a new place for people to have fun, be inspired and to feel more connected to our team and the community,” added Jaime Faulkner, President of Business Operations of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The arena will continue to serve as the official training home for the Blackhawks and will become the permanent home for the Chicago Steel, the highly successful United States Hockey League (USHL) team acquired by Wirtz Corporation in 2023.

“We are thrilled to bring the Chicago Steel home to the city of Chicago,” Wirtz added. “Players will have access to the top-tier resources they need to train, compete, and win championships. Steel fans will gain premium experiences to enjoy at all home games starting in the 2026-27 season.”

Key Features of the Expansion

The expansion promises to transform Fifth Third Arena from a standard hockey facility into a versatile venue for events of all sizes. Here are some highlights:

Championship Arena

This new rink will offer stadium-style seating for 2,000 spectators and state-of-the-art amenities, including a center scoreboard and video ribbon boards. It is designed to enhance the spectator experience for major ice sports events.