CHICAGO — A bold new chapter for professional soccer in Chicago is coming into view, as the Chicago Fire FC released renderings this week of their proposed $650 million stadium in the South Loop, located at the long-vacant riverfront parcel known as The 78.
The renderings show a 22,000-seat, open-air venue nestled just off Roosevelt Road, with skyline views, industrial-style architecture, and riverside connectivity — all part of a privately funded vision spearheaded by Fire owner Joe Mansueto.
Stadium Design Channels Chicago’s Industrial Roots
The design, crafted by architecture firm Gensler and developer Related Midwest, evokes the city’s warehouse heritage while incorporating modern touches like glass walls and steel framing.
“It has that Chicago warehouse feel, but also has a little bit of an enduring elegance to it,” said Fire President Dave Baldwin. “The brick façade, the steel, the glass — those were all really important to Joe [Mansueto] as we designed this.”
The stadium’s main entry plaza would cascade down from Roosevelt Road, creating a pedestrian-friendly path over what developers call a “victory plaza” and onto a concourse at ground level near the river.
Mansueto to Pay for Stadium; TIF to Cover Infrastructure
Unlike other recent Chicago stadium proposals, Mansueto is not requesting taxpayer money to build the stadium. Instead, he’s funding the entire venue privately.
However, the project is expected to benefit from tax increment financing (TIF) for infrastructure needs. Of the $450 million TIF district established seven years ago for The 78, a portion will go toward:
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Road and pedestrian access from Roosevelt to the river
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Utility setup and public right-of-way improvements
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Parking podium integration beneath the stadium
Baldwin emphasized that most infrastructure expenses “won’t touch residents’ wallets directly” and instead focus on boosting long-vacant land.
Beyond Soccer: Concerts, Community Events, and More
While the stadium will host about 20 Fire home games per year, the team envisions it as a multi-use venue, capable of:
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Hosting international soccer matches
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Concerts with artists like Kevin Hart or Sebastian Maniscalco
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Offseason weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate functions
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Youth clinics and nonprofit fundraisers
“Think about how cool it would be, July 4th weekend, to have comedy shows right off the river,” Baldwin said.
The plan would make the Fire’s new home one of Chicago’s most versatile event spaces — particularly for downtown residents and visitors alike.
Traffic, Community Concerns Addressed
Though the project would significantly increase traffic to a previously unused site, Baldwin downplayed long-term concerns, citing layered access points and on-site event management.
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), who represents the area, has not objected to the stadium proposal. But tension remains over whether two stadiums — the Fire and a potentially relocated Chicago White Sox ballpark — can coexist in The 78.
Just weeks after the Fire’s stadium push, the White Sox announced their own internal ownership transition and hinted at renewed interest in the site. For now, the Fire remain the anchor project.
“We’re really focused on our project,” Baldwin added. “But if down the road it makes sense for both teams and the community, we’d be open to conversations.”
What Do You Think About the New South Loop Stadium Plan?
Do you support the Fire’s privately funded stadium at The 78? Would you attend games or concerts there? Share your thoughts or neighborhood concerns with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com. Your voice matters in shaping how these mega-projects affect everyday Chicagoans.
