Foundation piles permit issued for Chicago Fire stadium

A foundation piles permit has been issued for Chicago Fire FC’s new $750 million privately-funded soccer stadium at The 78 in the South Loop. Located just south of W. Roosevelt Rd along the South Branch of the Chicago River, the stadium’s address is listed as 1331 S. Wells. 

Designed by Gensler, the open-air stadium will seat more than 22,000 fans and feature a natural grass playing surface, 360-degree viewing, a dedicated supporters’ section engineered for atmosphere, and premium hospitality offerings that rival the best venues in global sport. 

The stadium has been designed to be authentic to Chicago, reflecting the rich industrial heritage of the city with a brick facade that incorporates steel and glass. An exposed steel canopy over the seating bowl will help enhance the intimacy of Fire matches by directing light and crowd noise back to the pitch, creating an environment that will enhance the Fire’s home-field advantage.

In addition to serving as the permanent home of Chicago Fire FC, the venue will host concerts, international sports matches, community events, and other large-scale programming year-round.

Located within The 78 master planned by Related Midwest, the stadium will become the centerpiece of the megadevelopment that will eventually build out a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood around the stadium. The stadium’s riverfront location will integrate public plazas, activated outdoor spaces, and connectivity to surrounding retail and residential development.

With the groundbreaking ceremony celebrated earlier this month and environmental remediation already underway, the issuance of the permit for foundation piles will allow general contractors Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group, and All Construction Group to begin construction of the stadium. Work is set to complete so that the stadium can open for the 2028 MLS Regular Season.