Chicago Fire FC Plans New Soccer Stadium

Chicago Fire FC is planning to construct a $650 million soccer stadium in downtown Chicago. Designed by Gensler, the dynamic sports destination will accommodate up to 22,000 fans, offering premium seating options including 50 suites, over 500 loge seats, and 3,500 club seats with access to exclusive recreational venues. The bowl will be arranged to bring fans dramatically closer to the natural grass pitch to enhance the match-viewing experience, and three field-level suites will be dispersed amid the player benches. 

With three large-scaled LED video boards, the nine-acre development will feature best-in-class hospitality spaces and amenities. Visitors will enter from the north end of the facility, and a supporters’ section on the south will have standing capacity for 2,000, with the ability to expand over time. The roof will integrate both metal and membrane materials to admit natural illumination while providing weather protection, and an exposed steel canopy will reflect light and crowd noise inwards to maximize crowd engagement. In addition to Major League Soccer games, the vibrant structure is expected to host international soccer matches, rugby matches, concerts, festivals, and live performances. Construction is slated to begin by early 2026, with occupancy following in 2028.

The project will anchor The 78, a 62-acre mixed-use district being developed by Related Midwest. Master planned by Gensler, the pedestrian-oriented campus will include residential and commercial buildings, a half-mile river promenade, restaurants, public plazas, and a network of interconnected community spaces to support year-round event programming.