Orbit Ice Arena in Palatine plans additional location with new rink, restaurant

The Palatine planning and zoning commission is meeting Tuesday to discuss a proposal to allow an expansion of the Orbit Ice Arena that would include a new ice arena along with a restaurant and bar.

Orbit X Ice Arena would fill a vacant 29,922-square foot building at 519 S. Consumers Ave. and be augmented with a 9,775-square-foot addition. The youth sports facility would feature ice skating for boys and girls on an NHL-sized ice sheet, off-ice training and an online youth sports academy.

The new arena would be an extension of the existing Orbit Ice Arena, at 615 S. Consumers Ave., and would house the Windy City Storm Academy Off-Ice Training Center, powered by TPH (Total Package Hockey) Academy. It would also be the new home rink for the Windy City Storm, one of the premier Tier 1 youth hockey organizations. The current Orbit Ice Arena would remain open.

Adjacent properties on Consumers Avenue include Soccer City, the existing Orbit Ice Arena and the Salt Creek Sports Center.

Activities would include tournaments, adult leagues, and youth training and development programs.

The property was rezoned in 2023 and received approval for the indoor sports facility. However, that permit expired in November, prompting a new application with modified plans, including the relocation of the chiller unit indoors in response to noise concerns raised by neighboring residents.

The two-level facility will feature locker rooms, a lobby, restrooms, offices and an ice rink on the first floor, along with a restaurant and bar. The mezzanine level on the west side will house the TPH Academy, off-ice training facilities and a viewing area overlooking the rink.

The planning and zoning commission’s recommendation will be considered by the village council at a future meeting.