Chicago Fire FC Announces Plans For Soccer Stadium Set To Open In 2028

Joe Mansueto, owner and chairman of the Chicago Fire Football Club, penned a letter addressed to Chicago this week to announce plans for a new, privately funded, soccer-specific stadium and entertainment district. Construction is expected to begin by the end of this year, with the venue set to open in 2028.

The team currently calls Soldier Field home, along with the NFL’s Chicago Bears.

“This new home for the Chicago Fire Football Club will anchor the city’s future 78th neighborhood and serve as a catalyst for job creation, economic development and vibrant community life,” Mansueto wrote. “But this project is more than just a stadium. It’s a space for fans of all ages, backgrounds and neighborhoods to come together and celebrate the beautiful game – right in the heart of our city. It’s about investing in Chicago, not just on match days, but every day as a committed community partner. The Chicago Fire is a Club on the rise. And soon, we’ll have a permanent home that reflects the passion, energy and pride of the city we love.”

The stadium will reportedly cost $650 million to construct.

The FAQ section on dearchicago.com notes that while the primary purpose of the new stadium will be as a permanent home to Chicago Fire FC, the venue will be designed as a mixed-use facility that can host other sports and entertainment events including concerts and festivals.

The stadium’s seating capacity will be approximately 22,000 for soccer matches, with an increased capacity for concerts and other events.

The FAQ explains that the stadium, which will be located along the Chicago River just south of Roosevelt Road, “will be the anchor tenant of The 78 – a mixed-use development that will eventually include restaurants, retail, office space, and residential buildings, along with green space and an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk – a year-round destination poised to become the city’s 78th neighborhood.”

Chicago’s WGN-TV notes that the vacant land in Chicago’s South Loop has “been a proposed site for several developments over the years, most recently a new White Sox stadium.”

A spokesperson for Chicago Fire FC told Pollstar that additional information will be released in the coming weeks, including more detailed renderings.