Chicago Fire Break Ground on $750M Downtown Stadium Project

The new stadium will be the centerpiece of the 'The 78' development along the Chicago River.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Chicago Fire held a special ceremony on Tuesday to break ground on their new $750 million stadium project called 'The 78'. The open-air stadium will seat over 22,000 fans and feature a natural grass playing surface, 360-degree viewing, a dedicated supporters' section, and premium hospitality offerings. The stadium is expected to open ahead of the 2028 MLS season and will be the first major professional stadium built in Chicago in more than 30 years.

Why it matters

The new stadium represents a major investment in the Chicago Fire franchise and the city of Chicago. It marks the first major stadium development in the city in over three decades and is part of a broader $1 billion commitment by the team's owner to transform the club on and off the pitch.

The details

The stadium will be the centerpiece of the 'The 78' mixed-use development along the Chicago River. Designed by Gensler, the open-air stadium will feature a natural grass playing surface, 360-degree viewing, a dedicated supporters' section, and premium hospitality offerings. In addition to serving as the permanent home of the Chicago Fire, the venue will host concerts, international sports matches, community events, and other programming year-round.

  • On Tuesday, the Chicago Fire held a special ceremony to break ground for their new stadium project.
  • The stadium is expected to open ahead of the 2028 MLS season.

The players

Chicago Fire FC

The professional soccer team that plays in Major League Soccer and will be the primary tenant of the new stadium.

Joe Mansueto

Owner and Chairman of Chicago Fire FC who has committed over $1 billion to the long-term transformation of the club.

Don Garber

The Commissioner of Major League Soccer who said the stadium plans are 'reshaping the future of soccer in Chicago.'

Dave Baldwin

The President of Business Operations for Chicago Fire FC who said the goal is to create 'one of the best sports and entertainment experiences in North America.'

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Chicago who attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“This is a historic day for Chicago Fire FC and for the city we are proud to call home. This stadium is about investing in Chicago and creating a world-class home for our fans, players, and community. We are fully committed to delivering a venue that reflects the passion of the city and the ambition of this Club.”

— Joe Mansueto, Owner and Chairman of Chicago Fire FC (chicitysports.com)

“This groundbreaking represents years of vision, planning, and partnership. From day one, our goal has been to create one of the best sports and entertainment experiences in North America – one that is authentic to Chicago and designed with our fans at the center. Today is proof that we are delivering on that promise.”

— Dave Baldwin, President of Business Operations for Chicago Fire FC (chicitysports.com)

“This stadium is about reshaping the future of soccer in Chicago. It's one of the most ambitious stadium projects in Major League Soccer history.”

— Don Garber (chicitysports.com)

What’s next

The stadium is expected to open ahead of the 2028 MLS season, becoming the first major professional stadium built in Chicago in more than 30 years.

The takeaway

The Chicago Fire's new $750 million stadium project represents a significant investment in the team and the city of Chicago. It marks the first major stadium development in the city in over three decades and is part of a broader effort by the team's owner to transform the club on and off the pitch, positioning it as a world-class soccer organization and a premier destination for sports and entertainment in Chicago.