Chicago Fire announces plans for soccer stadium at the 78

The Chicago Fire FC has officially announced plans to build a world-class, soccer-specific stadium at The 78, Related Midwest’s 62-acre megadevelopment in the South Loop just south of W. Roosevelt Rd along the South Branch of the Chicago River. 

Chicago Fire FC owner and lifelong Chicagoan, Joe Mansueto, plans to personally finance the $650 million stadium, and will not require any public taxpayer funding. 

Set to become a world-class home, the soccer-specific stadium is designed to anchor The 78 with a $650 million facility that will host 22,000 fans, creating an electric matchday experience. The stadium will be open-air, allowing for a natural grass field for optimal player performance.

Under the plan, the Chicago Fire stadium will become The 78’s new anchor for the 62-acre site. A larger mixed-use district will take shape around the stadium with new homes, dining and shopping, art, outdoor gathering spaces, affordable housing, and a riverwalk. The site is well served by public transit with CTA lines at Roosevelt and the Lasalle St Metra Station. A parking garage and water taxi are also included in the plan.

As the project moves forward, Related Midwest and the Chicago Fire will need city approval to amend the site’s Planned Development for the construction of the stadium and revised mixed-use development around it. The site’s redevelopment agreement that governs TIF reimbursement for infrastructure costs will also likely need revision. 

The initial phase of construction is targeted for Fall 2025 or Early 2026 with the target completion date set ahead of the 2028 MLS Regular Season. More details and renderings are expected to be released in the near future.