Major League Soccer (MLS) club Chicago Fire FC has officially marked a new era in its history, breaking ground on a state-of-the-art, $750 million privately-funded stadium. Located in the South Loop neighborhood, the project is set to become the centerpiece of “The 78,” Chicago’s newest riverfront district.
Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Gensler, the venue will boast a capacity of over 22,000 seats. Key features include a natural grass pitch, 360-degree viewing angles, and a dedicated supporters’ section specifically engineered to amplify the matchday atmosphere.
A Multi-Purpose Urban Anchor
While the stadium will serve as the permanent home of the Fire, it is designed as a year-round city asset. Beyond MLS fixtures, the venue will host:
- International sports matches.
- Major concerts and entertainment programming.
- Community-led events and public plaza activations.
The riverfront location aims to seamlessly integrate with surrounding retail and residential developments, creating a vibrant, connected hub for the city.
Timeline and Leadership
The project is a collaboration between master developer Related Midwest and a construction partnership featuring Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group, and All Construction Group. The club aims to move into its new home ahead of the 2028 MLS season, ending its current tenure at Soldier Field, which it shares with the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
“This is a historic day for Chicago Fire FC and for the city we are proud to call home,” said Joe Mansueto, owner and chairman of Chicago Fire. “We are fully committed to delivering a venue that reflects the passion of the city and the ambition of this club.”