The Blackhawks’ State-of-the-Art Practice Center Will Offer Year-Round Hockey Development Programs for Chicago’s Youth
Since the city gave its blessings to move forward with The Blackhawks organization’s groundbreaking new training facility, it’s been confirmed that the 125,000 square-foot space will hold youth hockey development programs throughout the year. In yesterday’s ceremony honoring the new facility, Blackhawks President and CEO John McDonough said, “This will not only increase fans’ passion for the sport of hockey, but also bring it to new audiences.” This marks a major achievement in making the sport much more accessible to young, aspiring hockey players who want to step out onto the ice.
Chicago’s pride and joy team along with their Chairman Rocky Wirtz and Mayor Rahm Emanuel have big plans for pushing the sport beyond the boundaries of the pros. Along with welcoming visiting NHL teams, the facility also plans to form recreational leagues for adults.
Now slated to open in December of 2017, the training center will sit pretty on the former Malcolm X College campus with two NHL-standard ice rinks, ample seating for spectators, and plenty of parking.
The Blackhawks have played a major role in the growth of Chicago’s Near West Side, with their move to the United Center in the 1990’s proving to be a strong driver of the neighborhood’s economy over the years. An office and retail store project that will be completed this year will also include an atrium for the public that connects to the venue. Netting out to over $155 million, these projects will no doubt catapult the Near West Side to hotspot status and will be an added boost to Chicago’s tourism.
An ongoing commitment to underprivileged kids and communities is just one of many reasons we love the Hawks. We can’t wait to watch how this exciting new center will help grow little Stanley Cup champions.
