The Chicago Blackhawks NHL North American ice hockey franchise has signed an expanded partnership with MB Financial Bank, through which the company will take on naming rights to the team’s new practice facility.
The privately-funded, $65m (€55.5m) arena will be officially known as the MB Ice Arena – Chicago Blackhawks Community Rink. The facility will mainly be used for local community, youth and adult hockey leagues.
The arena is due to open next month and will feature two NHL-sized rinks, 22 team and public locker rooms, medical and rehab facilities, a public fitness training centre and a media centre.
Other amenities will include a restaurant, coffee shop, rooftop deck and public function space, while the arena will also host health-focused programmes for local schoolchildren.
“There are countless ways in which our vision and values are aligned, including the need to build strong and vibrant communities where we live and work," Mitch Feiger, chief executive and president of MB Financial, Inc. said.
"The Blackhawks' commitment to going beyond just serving as a practice rink to become a multi-service facility for Chicago's youth was the biggest draw for our involvement. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Blackhawks on this gift to the City of Chicago.”