Chicago Fire FC unveils plans for its new stadium set to anchor The 78
- Kaitlyn Nicholas
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 30
A new 22,000-seat soccer stadium is set to anchor The 78, a $7–8 billion mixed-use district transforming 62 acres of long-vacant land just south of Roosevelt Road. The privately funded venue—backed by Chicago Fire FC owner and Morningstar founder Joe Mansueto—marks a major milestone not only for the club, but for the city’s future skyline and civic infrastructure.
Designed by Gensler and slated to break ground in 2026, the stadium will debut in time for the 2028 MLS season with striking riverfront views and a modern-industrial design inspired by Chicago’s architectural legacy. Key features include a grass pitch set within a purpose-built bowl, 50 suites, 500+ loge seats, 3,500 club seats, and a 2,000-person supporters’ section—delivering a high-energy, open-air matchday experience.
The project stands out for its private financing, contrasting with previously proposed sports developments—including the White Sox’s scrapped bid for a stadium and casino on this same site. With public opposition and taxpayer concerns off the table, the Fire’s stadium has drawn momentum and widespread support.
It’s also the centerpiece of The 78’s Phase 1, a master-planned neighborhood by Related Midwest featuring residential towers, retail, office space, cultural venues, and a half-mile riverwalk. A $450 million TIF allocation will support vital infrastructure across the site, including new pedestrian bridges, public plazas, and a two-story parking podium topped with green space.
Beyond soccer, the venue is envisioned as a year-round destination for concerts, festivals, clinics, corporate events, and more—aimed at activating the area well beyond matchdays. MLS Commissioner Don Garber called the project “one of the most ambitious” in league history, positioning it as a pivotal moment for the sport’s future in Chicago.
If completed on schedule, the stadium will open in 2028 as the centerpiece of a dynamic new riverfront district—one that redefines how sports, urban design, and civic identity intersect in America’s third-largest city.
