The Major League Soccer (MLS) team Chicago Fire FC recently announced the City Council’s approval for its new, privately-funded stadium in The 78 – a transformative project that will anchor Chicago’s (US) newest neighborhood and redefine the future of sports and entertainment in the City.
‘chicagofirefc.com’ stated that the above marks the first major stadium built in Chicago in more than 30 years and it’s being delivered entirely through the private investment of its Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto. His vision and commitment will give the club a world-class home while creating a year-round destination for the entire City.
The Chicago Fire Football Club is an American professional soccer club based in Chicago, US. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The Fire plays their home games at the 62,500-capacity Soldier Field which they share with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).
The 78 is a planned mixed-use development on a 62-acre former Railyard site in Chicago’s Near South Side intended to become the City’s 78th neighborhood by adding housing, business opportunities, open space, and new infrastructure like a Red Line subway station. The large- scale project will include residences, retail, dining, green space, and a world-class urban ballpark for the Chicago Fire FC aiming to expand the Central Business District (CBD) and connect the existing communities.
Maintained Dave Baldwin, President, Business Operations, Chicago Fire FC, “We’re grateful to have received the City Council’s approval for our new stadium, a transformative project that will anchor Chicago’s newest neighborhood, The 78. We’re grateful to the residents, the community members and the public leaders whose support and input have shaped this project. With their partnership we remain on track to open in time for the 2028 MLS season. This is more than just a stadium – it’s a catalyst for the growth of both our club and Chicago. We look forward to taking the next steps in this exciting journey and continuing to invest in the future of our great City. We’re just getting started.”
‘chicagofirefc.com’ further stated that the new 22,000-capacity stadium is expected to break ground in early 2026 and open in time for the 2028 MLS season. The Fire is excited for this journey ahead!
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