Blackhawks Ice Center Expansion

BLACKHAWKS ICE CENTER EXPANSION

Chicago, IL

PROJECT INFO

This 135,000-square-foot expansion, designed by FC Studio (Interior Architect) and Generator Studio (AOR), brings a fan-forward space built for unforgettable moments on and off the ice, balancing athlete performance with spaces designed as much for the crowd as the competitor.

The expanded Blackhawks Ice Center remains the official training home of the Chicago Blackhawks and becomes the permanent home of the Chicago Steel, the region’s United States Hockey League (USHL) team. Two new ice rinks anchor the expansion, including the 2,000-seat USG Arena, designed with stadium-style seating, hospitality areas, a center-hung scoreboard, and video ribbon boards that elevate the game-day experience.

Hospitality and storytelling are central to the design. Centennial Hall serves as the permanent physical home of the Chicago Blackhawks’ Hall of Fame, offering an interactive exhibit that celebrates the franchise’s legacy.

Food and beverage experiences are woven throughout, led by Rocky’s Table & Tap—a tribute to late Chairman Rocky Wirtz. Raise the Cup Café provides an all-day destination for coffee and premium snacks, supported by adjacent lounges with flexible workspaces and comfortable seating that supports everything from casual meetups to all-day visits.

The expansion transforms Blackhawks Ice Center into an elevated ice facility that can grow the game and provide a hospitality-forward experience to the broader community.


PROJECT ROLE

Interior Architect


DESIGN PARTNERS / ARCHITECT OF RECORD

Generator Studio


SIZE

135,000 sf


CREDITS

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

McHugh Construction


PHOTOGRAPHER 

Nicolas Gourguechon 

commercialJulie Fisher