Fifth Third Arena expansion brings USHL’s Chicago Steel to the city

On Tuesday afternoon, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted local media for a presentation and tour of the ongoing expansion project at the Fifth Third Arena.

From the Blackhawks’ press release:

“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.”

“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 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.”

Chicago Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz

Expected to be completed by January of 2026, the expansion project boasts a bevy of additions and upgrades to the Blackhawks’ practice facility and community ice center.

Additions/Upgrades include:
– Two new ice rinks, including a 2,000-seat ‘Championship Arena’
– An interactive ‘Centennial Hall’ exhibit celebrating the Blackhawks’ 100 years of hockey
– A new location for ‘Rocky’s Bar,’ the living tribute to the late Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz
– Upgraded lounges and patio seating

The most notable update on Tuesday afternoon was the relocation of the USHL Chicago Steel from Geneva, IL, to the Fifth Third Arena, fully moved in for the 2026-27 season.

From the Blackhawks press release:

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

In a letter to Chicago Steel fans, Team President Dan Lehv said, “When the Steel moved to Fox Valley Ice Arena ten years ago, we did so knowing that a long-term venue solution would be necessary at some point.  As our league has continued to evolve, a club playing in a community rink that it neither owns nor operates is not a sustainable model.  It is because of the passion of our fans, particularly our season ticket holders, housing families, gameday staff and off-ice officials, combined with outstanding ownership willing to invest resources into the club and facility, that we’ve been able to maintain status quo for the past decade.”

The Steel have been playing in the Fox Valley Arena since 2015 and have won two USHL Clark Cup Championships in 2017 and 2021.

Upon the expected completion in January 2026, the venue will offer more than 250,000 total square feet of state-of-the-art training facilities and community hockey space that accommodates every hockey player from the NHL to those just starting their hockey journey.

(Photos courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)

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