Chicago Fire FC unveils new stadium renderings in The 78

CHICAGO (WGN) — The Chicago Fire released brand new renderings and more details on the club’s $650 million soccer stadium Monday night, which is planned to be built on the South Loop property known as “The 78.”

The stadium, announced in early June, will be entirely privately financed by the Club’s Owner and Chairman, Joe Mansueto. The stadium will anchor The 78,

Related Midwest’s 62-acre development located along the Chicago River just south of Roosevelt Road.

The new stadium will seat approximately 22,000 fans, which the soccer club said will strike a balance between an electric, high-demand atmosphere and a world-class matchday experience. It was designed by Gensler in “Chicago School” fashion with the enduring elegance of the warehouses that represent the city’s grit and hard work.

“I love this city and its architecture,” Mansueto said. “This stadium is adding to Chicago’s iconic skyline, so I want it to look timeless. It will look like it’s always belonged here, but with the modern innovations required for a world-class soccer club.”

A brick, glass and steel façade will wrap around an interior bowl that features a design that prioritizes lower sitting seats that are closer to the action than the current seating arrangement the club has at Soldier Field.

The stadium will feature a variety of hospitality spaces, amenities, and premium seating options across multiple tiers with 50 suites, more than 500 Loge seats, and 3,500 Club seats, including some with access to exclusive “clubs-within-clubs.” 

According to the Fire, an exposed steel canopy will also be constructed over the seating bowl and help enhance the experience of Fire matches by directing light and crowd noise back to the pitch, aiming to enhance the club’s home-field advantage.      

A dedicated supporter section will be built at the core of the stadium for the most passionate fans in the league. The section is purpose-built to be loud with room for approximately 2,000 fans on safe-standing bleachers. 

“We are creating a fortress for our team and a home for our fans,” said Dave Baldwin, Chicago Fire FC President of Business Operations. “The open-air stadium with grass playing surface and intimate environment is intentional to give our team an edge and bring our supporters even closer to the team they love.”

Construction at The 78 is anticipated to begin by the beginning of 2026, and the new stadium is expected to open in 2028.

“This is one of the most ambitious stadium projects in Major League Soccer history, and a powerful reflection of Joe’s extraordinary commitment to the Fire, the fans, and the city,” Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber said. “I toured the site recently, and there’s no doubt that this will be a transformative moment for the club and a landmark for Chicago sports.”