CHICAGO — The Chicago Fire Football Club is moving forward with an ambitious plan to build a $650 million stadium at The 78, a long-vacant 62-acre site in the South Loop.
The proposed soccer-specific stadium would mark a major step in turning the once-industrial land near Roosevelt Road and Clark Street into a multi-use urban hub featuring sports, commercial, and public space development.
Stadium Details: Capacity, Design & Amenities
The new stadium is expected to seat nearly 25,000 fans and feature state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- A modern roofed structure to host year-round events
- Dedicated fan zones and family-friendly amenities
- A multi-modal transit-adjacent design supporting bus, CTA, and pedestrian access
If approved, this stadium would serve as the Chicago Fire’s permanent home, after years of relocating between Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium and Soldier Field.
Economic Impact & Community Benefits
Chicago Fire officials said the project could generate:
- Thousands of construction jobs
- Long-term hospitality and operations employment
- Infrastructure investment in the area
The development team, in coordination with Related Midwest and city leaders, also promised:
- Upgrades to transit lines and walkways
- New green spaces and public gathering zones
- Programming to ensure community inclusion and outreach
Site History: What Is “The 78”?
The stadium would be the anchor piece of “The 78,” a 62-acre riverfront parcel between the South Loop and Chinatown that’s long been pitched for transformational use. Named as Chicago’s “78th neighborhood,” the site has seen delays and political wrangling since it was first proposed nearly a decade ago.
The area was once home to rail yards and industrial warehouses. Under the new plan, it would evolve into a sports, business, and tech corridor, also slated to host the University of Illinois’ Discovery Partners Institute.
Next Steps: Approvals & Timeline
While the plan has been unveiled, several approvals still stand between the Fire and construction. The development needs:
- Zoning approvals from City Council
- Environmental and infrastructure reviews
- Potential input from state-level partners
No construction date has been announced yet. However, if the stadium is approved within the year, groundbreaking could begin as early as 2026, with potential for completion by 2028.
What Officials Are Saying
In a statement, Chicago Fire representatives said:
“We envision a stadium that’s more than a sports venue — it’s a catalyst for community, jobs, and year-round entertainment in the heart of Chicago.”
Local aldermen and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office are reportedly reviewing the proposal. Community meetings are also expected in the coming weeks.
Do you think a $650 million stadium in the South Loop will benefit the neighborhood and improve access to pro soccer in Chicago? What concerns or hopes do you have for the project? Drop your views in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.
Sources:
- Block Club Chicago – Full Article
- City of Chicago Planning Department
- Chicago Fire FC Official Statements
