CHICAGO — The Chicago Fire Football Club has announced plans to construct a $650 million, privately funded soccer stadium in the city’s South Loop neighborhood. The 22,000-seat, open-air venue will be situated within “The 78,” a 62-acre mixed-use development along the Chicago River, aiming for completion by spring 2028.
Team owner Joe Mansueto, founder of Morningstar Inc., is personally financing the project, marking one of the most significant privately funded stadium endeavors in U.S. soccer history. Mansueto emphasized that the stadium is envisioned as more than just a sports venue; it’s intended to serve as a year-round community hub and catalyst for economic development.
“This project is more than just a stadium,” Mansueto stated. “It’s about investing in Chicago—not just on match days, but every day as a committed community partner.”
Strategic Location and Design
The stadium will be located near Roosevelt Road and Clark Street, offering proximity to downtown Chicago and access to multiple public transportation options, including CTA Red, Green, and Orange lines. The design, led by the architectural firm Gensler, will feature a natural grass field and a brick façade reminiscent of Chicago’s historic industrial architecture.
The 78 development, named to signify Chicago’s addition of a 78th official neighborhood, has remained largely undeveloped since its acquisition by Related Midwest in 2016. Previous proposals for the site, including a new White Sox stadium and corporate headquarters, have not materialized.
Economic and Community Impact
Mansueto’s investment is expected to invigorate the long-stalled development of The 78. The stadium is anticipated to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in the area. While the stadium itself is privately funded, public funds will be required for site preparation, including the installation of utilities and removal of unused railroad tracks.
Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the initiative, viewing it as a positive catalyst for downtown revitalization following pandemic-related setbacks.
Impact on Other Sports Franchises
The announcement has implications for other Chicago sports teams. The Chicago White Sox had previously expressed interest in building a new stadium at The 78 but faced challenges in securing public funding. Mansueto’s privately funded project may complicate the White Sox’s plans for relocation.
Additionally, the Chicago Fire’s departure from Soldier Field, where they currently share tenancy with the NFL’s Chicago Bears, raises questions about the future use of the city-owned stadium. The Bears are also exploring options for a new stadium, potentially leaving Soldier Field without a major tenant and impacting city tax revenues.
Looking Ahead
Construction of the new stadium is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with the goal of opening in time for the 2028 Major League Soccer season. The project represents a significant investment in Chicago’s sports infrastructure and urban development, with the potential to reshape the city’s South Loop neighborhood.
