Chicago Fire unveil plans for privately funded South Loop stadium

The Chicago Fire have announced a plan to build a new state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium in South Loop, just west of Soldier Field, on the strip of land known as “The 78.”

The project would cost $650 million, but would be entirely privately funded, according to team owner and chairman Joe Mansueto.

Mansueto, who purchased a minority stake in the Fire in 2018 before taking full control in 2019, said:

“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,” Mansueto added. “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 plan still requires approval from the city of Chicago. In a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson refused to comment specifically on the proposal, but said he wished Bears and White Sox ownership would put “more skin in the game” in their stadium proposals. Johnson added: “There’s no reason to leave Chicago if you’re a sports team. There is too much soul in this city to leave it now.”

The Fire have called Soldier Field their primary home since 2020, sharing the city-owned stadium with the Bears. However, the Bears have committed to the relocation process, as well, zeroing in on the former home of the Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, 25 miles northwest of Soldier Field.

The Bears closed the purchase of the 326-acre plot in 2023, before briefly reconsidering a new development on the lakefront near Soldier Field. However, the team officially announced a reversal and priority shift back to Arlington Park last month.

“The 78,” a 62-acre plot of land bordered by Clark Street, Roosevelt Road, and a stretch of the south branch of the Chicago River, was most recently considered by the White Sox as a potential site for a new development.

However, in the FAQs portion of the Fire’s release, the team specified that it sees the land used as 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.”

Whether 62 acres is large enough to house two major stadium projects remains to be seen, but the White Sox are still somewhat confident the two could coexist on the property if the ballclub wants to move closer to the downtown.

In a statement to WGN on Tuesday morning, the White Sox said: “Related Midwest first approached the White Sox about building a new ballpark on a piece of property they were developing, and we continue to consider the site as an option. We believe in Related Midwest’s vision for The 78 and remain confident the riverfront location could serve as a home to both teams. We continue to have conversations with Related Midwest about the site’s possibilities and opportunities.”

The Fire’s proposed stadium would hold 22,000 people for soccer matches, with expanded seating if used as a concert venue.

Updated June 3 at 3:30 p.m. to include comments from Brandon Johnson.