CHICAGO (AP) — Construction of a new training facility for the Chicago Blackhawks is getting started following a groundbreaking ceremony.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz took part in the ceremony Wednesday marking the start of work on the $55 million facility.
The Blackhawks Community Training Center will sit south of the United Center on a 4-acre site formerly housing Malcolm X College. It’s expected to open in December 2017.
The facility will contain two regulation-size ice rinks, spectator seating and a dedicated parking lot. It will house year-round youth hockey development programs, recreational leagues and events.
The Blackhawks organization estimates the project will create 21 permanent and 250 construction jobs.
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