Chicago Fire names SeatGeek stadium partner

Chicago Fire FC is moving forward with plans for its future home, announcing a multi-year partnership with SeatGeek that will shape ticketing operations for the club’s new downtown stadium.

The agreement, unveiled April 21, names SeatGeek as the club’s official ticketing partner and a founding partner of the venue, which is scheduled to open in 2028. Under the deal, SeatGeek will oversee ticketing for Chicago Fire matches as well as concerts and other large-scale events hosted at the stadium.

The new venue will be built along the Chicago River at The 78 development site and is designed to seat more than 22,000 fans for soccer matches, with capacity expanding to approximately 31,000 for concerts and special events.

Dave Baldwin, president of business operations for Chicago Fire FC, outlined the broader vision for the project, stating: “We have ambitious goals to deliver a variety of entertainment programming that’s unrivaled in Chicago and spans soccer matches, major concerts, and world-class events. We’re excited to partner with SeatGeek to create one of the most holistic partnership platforms across North American sports and entertainment.”

SeatGeek co-founder and president Russ D’Souza emphasized the venue’s broader appeal beyond sports. “A soccer-specific stadium in downtown Chicago is going to attract a lot more than just soccer. The Fire is building one of the most compelling entertainment venues in the country, and the ticketing operation has to be built for that from the start. That’s exactly what we designed SeatGeek to do, and we’re proud to be from the ground up,” he said.

Beyond matchdays, the stadium is expected to anchor a larger mixed-use development, incorporating public plazas, retail space, residential units, premium seating areas, and infrastructure designed for live entertainment production.

Chicago Fire FC currently plays at Soldier Field and competes in Major League Soccer. The club has built its identity through both on-field success — including an MLS Cup title and multiple U.S. Open Cup victories — and off-field initiatives focused on youth development and community engagement across the Midwest.

Founded on Oct. 8, 1997, the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the club continues to reflect that history in its branding and identity.

Interest in the new stadium is already strong. Club officials say more than 17,000 seating commitments have been secured ahead of the opening, with additional opportunities available for fans seeking priority access.

As construction plans advance, the partnership with SeatGeek is expected to play a central role in shaping the fan experience and positioning the venue as a major destination for both sports and entertainment in Chicago.