The Chicago Fire Football Club is officially getting a new stadium. The Chicago City Council has approved the soccer team's $650 million plan to build the asset near the Downtown area in the city.
The new venue will seat 22,000 fans and will be delivered via a private investment made by Chairman and Owner Joe Mansueto. According to the Chicago Fire, this project marks the first major stadium built in the city in over three decades.
The stadium can host not only soccer matches, but concerts, festivals, charity events, community events, trade shows and conferences.
“We’re grateful to the residents, community members, and 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, Dave Baldwin, president of business operations for Chicago Fire, said in a statement.
"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.”
The stadium will mark the first phase of a bigger mixed-use project, known as The 78. Along with the stadium, the first phase will include storefronts and restaurants. The full development will include a riverwalk, community spaces, residential buildings and more commercial space.
Construction for The 78 is set to commence early next year.
Meanwhile, the Inter Miami CF is set to start playing games in its new soccer stadium in 2026. As part of Miami Freedom Park, the mixed-use development secured a $450 million construction loan in April, as reported by The Real Deal. However, the news outlet did note at the time that the developers were facing legal challenges over allegedly not paying for pre-construction services.
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