Chicago Fire Break Ground on $750M Stadium

Chicago Fire FC has officially begun construction on a new $750 million soccer stadium in Chicago’s South Loop, marking the city’s first major stadium development in more than three decades.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together club owner and chairman Joe Mansueto, President of Business Operations Dave Baldwin, city officials, development partners, and community representatives. The stadium will be privately funded and represents the latest investment by Mansueto since he became the club’s sole owner in 2019.

His ownership has already included more than $1 billion directed toward club infrastructure and development initiatives, including the Endeavor Health Performance Center and expanded support for the club’s youth academy system.

“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 FC. “This stadium is about investing in Chicago and creating a world-class home for our fans, players, and community. We are fully committed to delivering a venue that reflects the passion of the city and the ambition of this Club.”

The stadium will be designed by architecture firm Gensler and will have a capacity of more than 22,000 seats. Plans include a natural grass playing surface, 360-degree viewing areas, a dedicated supporters’ section designed to enhance atmosphere, and premium hospitality spaces.

Beyond Major League Soccer matches, the venue is expected to host concerts, international sporting events, community gatherings, and other year-round programming.

The facility will be located along the Chicago River at The 78, a large mixed-use development site in the South Loop. Developers say the project is intended to anchor a new neighborhood that will combine residential, retail, and public spaces while encouraging economic growth and job creation in the area.

“This groundbreaking represents years of vision, planning, and partnership,” said Dave Baldwin, President of Business Operations for Chicago Fire FC. “From day one, our goal has been to create one of the best sports and entertainment experiences in North America – one that is authentic to Chicago and designed with our fans at the center. Today is proof that we are delivering on that promise.”

Construction is expected to continue over the next several years, with the stadium scheduled to open ahead of the 2028 MLS season.

The stadium project follows other recent developments by the club. In 2025, Chicago Fire FC opened the $100 million Endeavor Health Performance Center to serve both the first team and academy operations. The organization has also relocated its business offices to the Wrigley Building downtown and launched an experience center there featuring interactive displays about the future stadium.

The development team for the stadium includes Related Midwest as the master developer for The 78 site and Gensler as the lead architect. Construction will be managed by Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group, and All Construction Group.

Chicago Fire FC competes in Major League Soccer and currently plays its home matches at Soldier Field while continuing to expand youth development programs and community initiatives across the region. Founded on October 8, 1997 — the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire — the club has won multiple major trophies, including an MLS Cup and several U.S. Open Cup titles.

Additional information about the stadium project and premium opportunities is available at www.dearchicago.com.