Owner Rocky Wirtz tempted Chicago Blackhawks faithful earlier this week with suggestions the team would build a Near West Side practice facility that would be open for public skating a majority of the time, according to DNAinfo. Wirtz said the team is looking to build something on the order of the Bulls practice facility on land near the United Center, which would include two rinks. With the success of the ice ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, a new public rink could be a huge draw. The team is currently working with the city to figure out a final location.
The new proposal is an upgrade on plans originally introduced last year for a $30 million facility on the northwest corner of Wood and Madison streets. The new facility would take the place of Johnny's IceHouse West, where the team currently practices.
·Hawks New Practice Rink Would Be Open to Public 90 Percent of Time: Wirtz [DNAinfo]
·Blackhawks float plan for $30 million training center [Crain's]
·Previous Chicago Blackhawks coverage [Curbed Chicago]