Chicago Fire FC and local officials have broken ground on a new $750 million soccer stadium planned for the city's South Loop, advancing one of the first major pieces of the large-scale mixed-use project known as The 78.
The venue is being built as the Phase 1 anchor of The 78, Related Midwest's planned neighborhood along the Chicago River. The stadium is designed by Gensler and is expected to serve as a focal point within the broader mixed-use master plan.
Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group and All Construction Group are teaming up to deliver the project. The construction partners have been engaged to build a stadium that will accommodate more than 22,000 spectators and feature a natural grass playing surface.
Joe Mansueto, billionaire founder of investment research firm Morningstar and owner of Chicago Fire FC, is providing private funding for the 22,000-seat facility. His investment is intended to create a permanent home venue for the club while supporting the early build-out of The 78.
The stadium is slated to host soccer matches, concerts and community-focused programming throughout the year, positioning the facility as a multiuse destination rather than a single-sport venue. With capacity above 22,000, the building is expected to handle both regular-season games and larger special events.
Project stakeholders characterize the development as a long-term commitment to Chicago and its fans, emphasizing the goal of delivering a modern, purpose-built soccer environment. The stadium is scheduled to open in 2028, aligning with future phases of The 78 as the surrounding mixed-use neighborhood takes shape.
As work proceeds, the privately funded stadium is set to reshape a portion of the South Loop riverfront while giving Chicago Fire FC a new, dedicated home field integrated into a larger residential, commercial and entertainment district.
