Chicago Blackhawks break ground on new training facility

The Blackhawks broke ground on an expansive training center and community ice arena Wednesday.

The 125,000-square-foot Chicago Blackhawks Community Training Center will cost $55 million to complete and feature two NHL regulation sized rinks with spectator seating.

When the team isn't practicing there, the facility will host year-round youth hockey development, clinics and training programs that will be run by Blackhawks Charities. Recreational leagues and youth hockey tournaments will also be held there.

The complex, which is expected to open in December 2017, will be built on the site of the former Malcolm X City College at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Damon Avenue, just a half-mile from the United Center, where the Blackhawks and Bulls play their home games. The college is being torn down and the training center will be built in its place.

"It's exciting to break ground today on this facility that has been talked about for over two years," said Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz. "Our goal all along was to provide the Blackhawks with a world-class practice facility. When the project is completed, I'm confident we will accomplish this goal."

The new arena complex will serve as a replacement to Johnny's Icehouse. where the team has been practicing since the 2009-2010 season. The organization's contract with Johnny's IceHouse ends in June 2017.

"This state-of-the-art facility will provide our team with one of the best training centers in the NHL," said Blackhawks president and CEO John McDonough. "At the same time, the vast majority of ice time will be utilized by youth, adult and recreational leagues. This will not only increase fans' passion for the sport of hockey, but also bring it to new audiences."