USG Arena - Chicago Steel
Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
USG Arena at Blackhawks Ice Center 1801 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60612
Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 2,000
USG Arena at the Blackhawks Ice Center
The Chicago Steel have been a member of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a junior hockey league, since relocating to the Chicagoland area in 2000 from Fargo-Moorhead, where the franchise was known as the Ice Sharks. The organization called Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville home from 2000-2015 before moving its home games to Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva from 2015-2025.
The move to Blackhawks Ice Center beginning the 2026-2027 season places the Steel in a newly expanded, state-of-the-art facility on Chicago’s West Side at 1801 W Jackson Boulevard near the Chicago Blackhawks / Chicago Bulls United Center. The facility is also the official Chicago Blackhawks training center.
As one of the two new rinks added to the facility, the USG Arena may be the standard for Junior league hockey venues. With seating for up to 2,000 spectators (on opening night they announced a sellout of 1,600), the arena includes a center-hung video scoreboard, ribbon boards, NHL-quality lighting and audio, full broadcast capabilities, and premium party decks.
The Chicago Blackhawks (Wirtz Corporation) bought the team from Larry Robbins in July 2023. Larry Robbins ownership erased their dismal playoff record, and the team has become a powerhouse in the USHL, winning championships in the 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 seasons.
The Steel won more games than any other USHL team, won two postseason titles and two Anderson Cups as regular-season champions. They played in the final series three times and have seen 39 players with Steel ties selected in the NHL Draft, most notably 2021 No. 1 pick Owen Power, 2023 No. 3 pick Adam Fantilli, and 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini.
With the move to the new home, the Steel updated their logo and uniforms. In my opinion, and many others, the new logo is not very good. It resembles the local Chicago Fire (Major League Soccer), and the colors are the same as the Dubuque Fighting Saints (another team in the league).
Food & Beverage 4
The building is open daily for kids and adult hockey from 6 a.m. - 12 a.m. and has a couple of dining options.
Raise the Cup Café
This café complements the facility's premium dining options with a variety of pastries, including croissants ranging from $5 to $8 (plain, chocolate, almond, and ham & cheese), chocolate morning buns, and seasonal muffins. The menu also features freshly made sandwiches and wraps, such as an egg, bacon, and aged cheddar sandwich, grilled cheese ($10), Chicken Caesar wrap ($12), turkey sandwich ($14), cheeseburger with chips ($13), and hot dog with chips ($10).
For a quick bite, visitors can choose from smoothies ($12) and snacks such as yogurt parfaits ($10), soft pretzels ($6), and popcorn buckets ($5). The stand also offers a full array of La Colombe coffee products, including lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew, and seasonal specialties.
Of course, there are soft drinks. They serve Pepsi products from $3 to $4. Gatorade costs $4, and water is $3.50. There is plenty of seating in the area.
Rocky’s Table & Tap
The biggest dining area, Rocky’s Table & Tap, is on the second floor and is a tribute to the late Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz. The Blackhawks boast they elevate classic rink fare with restaurant-quality execution.
The menu is anchored by Rocky’s iconic fried chicken bucket ($28 full bucket and $15 a half bucket), smash hamburger or cheeseburger with fries ($12 or $13), grilled cheese and fries ($10), a Chicken Caesar wrap ($12), a full pizza ($16 cheese and $18 pepperoni), fries ($7), and nachos ($12). The dining area has plenty of seating/booths to sit down and eat. I found it odd that you have to order at the bar and then pick up the food at the end of the bar.
Alcohol is available in both dining areas. They have Labatt Blue ($6), Michelob Ultra, Goose Island 312 and Daisy Cutter Pale Ale ($8), Athletic (non-alcoholic beverage) and High Noon seltzers ($9), and Guinness ($10). Wines are $11 for a glass or $40 for a bottle. Rocky’s Table & Tap is a full bar. Mixed drinks are $12 or more depending on the drink.
Note: Outside food is not permitted while the concession stands are open.
The workers are friendly and provide good service, but service was very slow for food on this particular night; the wait was about 10 minutes. But the game was sold out, and it was the first Steel game, so I am guessing there is a learning curve.
Atmosphere 3
The venue features high-end upgrades usually reserved for NHL stadiums, including a 2-sided center-hung scoreboard and video ribbon boards on the ends of the arena. The problem with the scoreboard is if you are sitting at the ends of the arena, it can be difficult to see/read. The scoreboard shows fan interactions, out-of-town scores, player stats, and pregame videos featuring members of the team. There is also a giant-sized banner honoring the 2017 Clark Cup Championship.
The facility's lobby has plenty of lounge area with tables, comfortable chairs, and dedicated quiet zones. With complimentary Wi‑Fi, abundant electrical outlets, and inviting furnishings throughout, the space provides a comfortable place to relax or meet with friends.
The arena has NHL-quality arena lighting. For me, the arena is too bright. A suggestion is shutting off the row of LED lights over the stands; it would still be bright enough in the arena and on the ice.
There is a lot going on at the Blackhawks Ice Center during a Steel game. The facility consists of four hockey rinks separated by the main lobby that is full of kids and parents from local hockey clubs. Speaking of the lobby, it’s very nicely decorated with the Chicago Blackhawks Championship banners. Note, I didn’t see a box office at the site.
There is seating on both sides of the ice and no suites. There are two private “party” areas on each end of the rink that can be rented out. In addition, there is an ice-level party area too. The facility has a patio area that can be rented, which holds 150 people. This area offers a view of the Chicago skyline and a place for meet-ups and watch parties to corporate gatherings to team celebrations and family events.
Rusty, a dog, is the official mascot of the team and can be seen throughout the building at certain times, offering hugs to fans of all ages. While there is no designated team store, there are a couple of areas that offer a collection of team gear that includes hats, T-shirts, jerseys, and other small items such as a Steel necklace and foam fingers. etc…. And it would not be a hockey game without the obligatory chuck-a-puck.
Neighborhood 3
The area consists of Malcom X College, parking lots, some residential houses, and a highway. The Blackhawks Ice Center is just a couple of blocks south of United Center.
If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a 5-minute drive away from the Ice Center and is known for its “cheezborgers,” made popular by Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories.
There is a Church’s Fried Chicken across the street on the east side of the facility.
Fans 4
Historically, average crowds are around 1,000 with the exception of Blackhawks Night that usually packs the Arena to full capacity. So far this season, attendance hasn't changed with the move. Even though the place is not full, the fans there are really into the game and make watching the game fun.
Many in the stands are dedicated fans who are invested in the game and are wearing Steel shirts and jerseys. Then there are a few others who travel quite a long distance to take in a contest. Mainly, the Steel appeals to a family crowd, as many of its promotions are designed to bring the little ones out. A Steel game is an ideal way to enjoy good hockey which is not too far from home.
Access 5
There is an on-site parking lot. However, since the facility houses a few ice rinks, parking in the lot can be difficult. There is plenty of on-street parking. In addition, it appears they are building another parking lot to the west of the building.
If you are taking public transportation:
Train:
Blue Line: Exit at the Illinois Medical District station, then walk a couple blocks north to the arena.
Green and Pink Lines: Exit at the Ashland/Lake or Damen stations, then walk or transfer to a bus.
Bus:
#126 Jackson: Stops at the facility.
#50 Damen: Stops directly adjacent to the arena.
#20 Madison: Runs directly along Madison Street, dropping passengers off right at the United Center; then it is a couple of blocks' walk to the arena.
Bathrooms are inside the arena and in the lobby. Also, plenty of staff members can be found to answer any questions that may be on your mind.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets for Steel games are available at three price points: $15, $22.50, and $30. These are close to the USHL average price. I found it strange that the last two rows of Sections1 and 5 on the penalty box side of the rink are bench seating while the rest of the seating is comfortable fold-down seating.
The concession stands are reasonable, team merchandise ranges from about $20 for a T-shirt, $30 for a cap, and $90 for a replica jersey, and parking is free. While I did not see a box office on the night I was there, the website states you can buy tickets at the arena.
Extras 2
The Blackhawks Ice Center / USG Arena receives one point for its high-definition video board that entertains the fans during stops in play and intermission.
The second point is for the Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Fame / Centennial Hall located between the third rink and USG Arena area, which has memorabilia from the Blackhawks 100-year history. The Hall features rotating artifact cases and interactive storytelling of the franchise’s rich history. Admission to the Hall is free and open to the public during facility hours. The space celebrates defining eras, championship milestones, and Blackhawk personnel who shaped the team’s culture.
The third point goes to lobby that offers a comfortable place to relax and take a break.
A point is deducted for not having banners for the former Steel players who have made it to the NHL.
Final Thoughts
Chicago loves hockey on any level, and the Chicago Steel management has done a great job of creating a professional and fun experience. The pricing is reasonable, and it's a great night out of the house in Chicago.
The Steel represented the USHL and the United States in the 2015 Junior Club World Cup in Yekaterinburg, Russia, capturing the bronze medal while defeating host Russia twice during the five-game, eight-day tournament. During this tournament, the Steel wore two really nice jerseys. Sadly, they don’t wear or sell those replica jerseys anymore. These jerseys/logo would have been a better uniform than the current.
Head out to USG Arena to see the stars of tomorrow. Many former Steel coaches and players have graduated to the AHL and NHL. Approximately 20 former Steel players have gone on to reach the NHL, including several first-round NHL Draft selections. In 2021 alone, three Steel players were selected in the first round.
