Fire release renderings for $650M downtown Chicago stadium

The Chicago Fire FC released renderings on Monday for the club's privately financed $650 million soccer-specific stadium in downtown Chicago that is expected to open in 2028.

The project was first announced earlier this month and is part of the first phase of a 62-acre master plan known as The 78, after Related Midwest's vision of creating Chicago's 78th neighborhood.

Construction is slated to begin early in 2026, with the approximately 22,000-seat stadium planned as the anchor of The 78. The stadium will be entirely financed by Fire FC owner and chairman, Joe Mansueto, and will include riverfront views along with open public plazas.

"I love this city and its architecture," Mansueto said in a statement. "This stadium is adding to Chicago's iconic skyline, so I want it to look timeless. It will look like it's always belonged here, but with the modern innovations required for a world-class soccer club."

Stadium plans call for 50 suites and a purpose-built supporter section with room for approximately 2,000 fans in bleacher seating.

"We are creating a fortress for our team and a home for our fans," said Dave Baldwin, Chicago Fire FC president of business pperations. "The open-air stadium with grass playing surface and intimate environment is intentional to give our team an edge and bring our supporters even closer to the team they love."

--Field Level Media