The Chicago Fire has unveiled plans for a privately funded, $650 million open-air soccer stadium to be constructed at The 78 in the South Loop. Designed to blend seamlessly into Chicago’s existing sports architecture, the new stadium is being positioned as a world-class facility intended to energize both the team and the surrounding neighborhood.
A Stadium Designed for Legacy and Intimacy
The 22,000-seat stadium is designed by the architectural firm Gensler. Key features include:
Natural grass pitch
Steel roof canopy
Intimate seating design
Ample general admission and premium seating
Traditional supporter sections
Its red-brick facade with black-framed rectangular windows echoes early 20th-century Chicago factory architecture, offering a nostalgic, industrial look akin to Wrigley Field. Oriented north-to-south, the stadium will be built along the Chicago River, integrating with an active riverwalk and dockside entrance.
Site and Timeline
Situated on a nine-acre parcel at the north end of The 78 — a 62-acre riverfront property between Roosevelt Road and Clark Street — the stadium is expected to break ground as early as this fall, pending city approval. Completion is targeted before the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Related Midwest, which acquired the site in 2016, is leading the development.
Transportation and Accessibility
The site offers several transportation options for fans:
2,000 parking spaces
Nearby CTA “L” station
Multiple bus lines
Potential for water taxi service via the Chicago River
Chicago Tribune reports that these options are expected to make attending games and events convenient and accessible, increasing foot traffic and stimulating nearby business activity.
Economic Impact and Year-Round Use
The Fire envisions the stadium as more than a venue for soccer games. According to Fire President of Business Operations Dave Baldwin, the facility is expected to host:
20 Chicago Fire matches annually
12 additional events such as concerts, international friendlies, and other major happenings
Naming rights for the stadium are expected to bring in approximately $10 million per year, contributing significantly to its financial sustainability.
Premium and Fan-Friendly Design
Of the total seating capacity, 22% will be dedicated to premium offerings, including luxury clubs and suites — the highest proportion in the MLS. The downsized seating bowl is designed to keep fans close to the action, offering a more immersive experience than currently possible at Soldier Field, where the Fire currently play under a lease extended through 2027.
Master Plan Vision for The 78
The stadium represents the first major project within the broader master plan for The 78, envisioned as Chicago’s newest neighborhood. The mixed-use development is expected to include residential, commercial, and retail components. Gensler is also responsible for the overall master planning of the district and had previously contributed to the conceptual design for a proposed White Sox stadium.
Next Steps
Pending approval from the city, construction could begin later this year. With a blend of vintage aesthetic and modern functionality, the Fire’s new stadium is poised to become a landmark not only for soccer fans but for Chicago’s urban landscape.