By 1808Delaware
A recreation development planned for Delaware’s southwest side has a new look, with an expanded indoor hockey arena replacing earlier plans which included an outdoor performance amphitheater.
The Ohio AAA Blue Jackets are asking for approval of revised plans for Performance Impact Arena, a proposed 140,530-square-foot facility featuring four indoor hockey rinks. The project would occupy nearly 13 acres at the southwest corner of Sawmill Parkway and US Route 42, within the larger Maridel planned development.
The changes will be considered by the Delaware Planning Commission at its November 4 meeting. City planning staff are recommending approval.
A Larger Arena With a Different Focus
The project has evolved since Delaware City Council approved the 257.97-acre Maridel Planned Unit Development in March 2025. Under the original development plan, the site was envisioned as a combination hockey arena and performance amphitheater, with a 127,000-square-foot building and associated parking.
The amphitheater has now been eliminated from the proposal, allowing the developers to concentrate entirely on the indoor hockey facility. At 140,530 square feet, the revised building would be approximately 13,500 square feet larger than originally planned.
The four-rink configuration would establish a substantial indoor ice sports complex in Delaware which could house hockey practices, games, tournaments, and other skating activities. Specific programming and operating arrangements were not detailed in the city’s planning report. Because the revised proposal remains consistent with the development’s underlying zoning, city staff have classified the changes as a minor modification rather than a new development application.
Parking, Paths, and Connections
The revised site plan calls for 452 parking spaces, meeting the city’s requirements for the proposed use. Vehicles would enter the property from Sawmill Parkway, with future connections planned to adjoining development areas to the west as the larger Maridel project takes shape. Pedestrian and bicycle access will also be incorporated into the development.
Under the original PUD conditions, the developer must construct asphalt multi-use paths at least 10 feet wide along both US Route 42 and Sawmill Parkway. These paths will connect with internal pathways, providing routes through the property and linking it with surrounding areas.
The development would also include landscaping intended to soften the appearance of the building and parking areas. Street trees and parking lot shade trees are proposed, while parking areas would be screened using landscaped berms or shrubs at least three feet tall when planted. The city’s Shade Tree Commission will review the landscaping and tree canopy plans.
What the Building Will Look Like
The proposed arena would be constructed primarily with metal exterior panels, accented by limestone wainscoting along portions of the building. Mechanical equipment located on the roof would be concealed from ordinary public view by parapet walls or similar architectural features. Ground-level equipment and refuse containers would also require screening.
The property would be served by Delaware’s municipal water and sewer systems. Construction will require coordination with planned utility extensions along US Route 42 to avoid duplicating infrastructure work.
Two aerated retention basins are included in the site design to address stormwater management. Lighting plans remain under city review, with final approval of fixtures and illumination levels expected during permitting. Additional signage will be governed by a master sign plan submitted under the city’s zoning regulations.
One Piece of a Much Larger Development
The arena represents one component of Maridel, the nearly 258-acre planned development established by City Council in 2025. Its location at Sawmill Parkway and US Route 42 places it within an area positioned for additional development, with the arena’s proposed internal connections and shared parking arrangements designed to accommodate future neighboring projects.
The decision to eliminate the amphitheater narrows the project’s focus but the increased building size indicates a larger commitment to indoor ice facilities than contemplated in the original plan. The revised proposal would provide a purpose-built facility with four indoor rinks rather than a combination of hockey and outdoor entertainment uses.
Planning Commission Review Comes November 4
If approved, the modification would update the previously authorized development plan. Additional permitting and construction approvals would still be required before work could proceed. No construction start date or anticipated opening date was identified in the planning materials.
The upcoming decision marks another step toward transforming the Sawmill Parkway and US Route 42 property into a major indoor hockey destination, even as the broader Maridel development continues to evolve.
Source, Photo: City of Delaware
