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Chicago Blackhawks complete $27M announcement that changes things for the entire city
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Chicago Blackhawks and the United Center are a combination made for the history books with three Stanley Cups won there; the team isn't stopping when it comes to creating places to grow the game as they expand the Fifth Third Arena.
The Chicago Blackhawks Centennial season is special because it's the organization's 100th year of existence. The team was successful in the 2010s and is looking to recapture its former glory.
To grow the hockey culture in the area and the appreciation for the team, the Blackhawks are reinvesting in their practice rink: the Fifth Third Arena.
The team released plans and ideas surrounding the $27 million expansion of the rink, which includes a Hall of Fame and concession areas.
GM Kyle Davidson and the Hawks are aiming to make this a prime spot for Chicago hockey fans and even players.
Fifth Third Arena: More than Just a Practice Rink
With the modest 2,000-seat expansion planned, the estimates for annual visitors total a million feet in the building. With the USHL's Chicago Steel plan to take up residence there, it should increase foot traffic exponentially.
While the seating expansion is exciting, as fans will get to witness junior hockey on Chicago's West Side, fans will get more amenities to enjoy their experience.
They have planned to add a patio to take in the city of Chicago and its skyline. This kickstarts the Reinsford and Wirtz families' ambitious goal to transform the city into a user-friendly experience.
The family has allocated an additional $7 million to change the area surrounding the United Center into a mixed-urban area with public transportation and plenty of walking space, dubbed the "1901" Project.
In addition, they will have retail spaces, entertainment, and residential areas to build around the arena.
This ambitious undertaking is to ultimately grow the game of hockey and make life better for residents around the area.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 5 | 590 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks complete $27M announcement that changes things for the entire city Will you watch the USHL's Chicago Steel at the Chicago Blackhawks' Fifth Third Arena practice rink? | ||
| Yes | 125 | 21.2 % |
| No | 465 | 78.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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