Chicago breaks ground on new $750M stadium for Chicago Fire

City leaders and Chicago Fire FC broke ground on a privately funded $750 million soccer stadium in the South Loop; the venue is planned to seat more than 22,000 and is expected to open ahead of the 2028 MLS season.

City leaders and Chicago Fire FC officials broke ground on March 3 for a new privately funded stadium in Chicago's South Loop. The club and project backers said the venue will serve as a permanent home for the team and host other large events. The design by Gensler is reported to seat more than 22,000 and include 360-degree viewing, a natural grass playing surface and an open-air environment. The stadium site is within The 78 development along the Chicago River, near Chinatown, Pilsen and Little Italy. Key details: - Project cost and funding: reported as a $750 million, privately funded stadium. - Capacity and design: planned to seat more than 22,000 with 360-degree viewing, natural grass and open-air layout, according to the release. - Uses: announced to host Chicago Fire matches and to be available for concerts, international sports matches, community events and other large-scale programs. - Location: sited in The 78 on the South Loop riverfront, adjacent to Chinatown, Pilsen and Little Italy. - Timing: reported as expected to open ahead of the 2028 MLS season. Summary: The development is presented as a long-term venue for soccer and other large events and is described by officials as an investment in the city. The stadium is expected to open ahead of the 2028 MLS season and would be the first major professional stadium built in Chicago in more than 30 years. Further construction milestones and scheduling details were not specified in the report.