Major announcement confirms a Chicago Sports team is set to receive a brand new arena at The 78
Photo credit: Chicago City
A major sports franchise in Chicago is set to get a brand-new stadium on the 62-acre site known as The 78.
The Chicago Fire announced plans to build a new stadium at The 78, a 62-acre site located in the South Loop, marking a major step forward for professional soccer in the city.
Construction on the project is set to begin at the end of the year or early in 2026, with the opening scheduled for the 2028 MLS season. This new stadium will be privately financed by Fire owner and chairman Joe Mansueto, who shared a personnal and touching statement about his journey and his plans for the team:
"Chicago is where I built my business, my family and my life. And while I never set out to own a professional sports team, when the chance came to purchase the Chicago Fire in 2018 I couldn't pass it up. Soccer is the world's game and a world-class city like ours deserves a world-class Club - with a world-class home to match.
Today, we're proud to announce our plans for a new, privately funded, soccer-specific stadium and entertainment district at Roosevelt and the river. We expect to open in Spring 2028. 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.
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.
Sincerely,
Joe Mansueto, Owner and Chairman
Chicago Fire Football Club"
Today, we're proud to announce our plans for a new, privately funded, soccer-specific stadium and entertainment district at Roosevelt and the river. We expect to open in Spring 2028. 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.
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.
Sincerely,
Joe Mansueto, Owner and Chairman
Chicago Fire Football Club"
The venue will be open-air, featuring a natural grass pitch, and promises to bring a more authentic soccer experience to the people of Chicago.
More than just a venue, it will be part of a larger mixed-use district that will surround the facility, aiming to energize the neighborhood with retail, dining, and entertainment options.
This announcement marks the Fire's second major infrastructure investment in recent years. A few months ago, they opened the Endeavor Health Performance Center, a new training facility.
Interestingly, The 78 had previously been floated as a potential site for a new White Sox baseball stadium. However, negotiations fell through as the team sought public subsidies, which never materialized.
Now, the Fire will take full advantage of the opportunity to develop the site and they'll do so on their own terms. With full private funding, a clear timeline, and a growing fanbase, the Chicago Fire's future looks brighter than ever. Soccer is finally finding its true home in Chicago.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 3 | 208 ANSWERS Major announcement confirms a Chicago Sports team is set to receive a brand new arena at The 78 Are you eager to attend games at the new stadium in Chicago? | ||
| Yes | 80 | 38.5 % |
| No | 128 | 61.5 % |
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