Chicago Fire plan to build $650M soccer stadium at The 78

After nearly a decade filled with ambitious plans and disappointments, including a seminal failed attempt to establish a new White Sox ballpark, it seems that The 78 and developer Related Midwest have finally secured an anchor tenant. The Chicago Fire Football Club recently unveiled plans to build a privately financed $650 million soccer stadium at a 62-acre site along the Chicago River at Roosevelt Road. This development stands to transform the area into a vibrant hub, akin to a bustling version of Wrigleyville along the South Side.

Joe Mansueto, the owner of the Fire and founder of the investment firm Morningstar, expressed his excitement about the potential for a “world-class home” for the team. “It’s transformative for the club, and I think for the city as well,” he stated. Designed by the architectural firm Gensler, the proposed open-air stadium will accommodate 22,000 fans and will feature a natural grass pitch, club seating options, and luxury suites, creating an intimate atmosphere for game days.

The timeline for the stadium’s construction is promising, with ground-breaking planned for this fall pending city approval and a target completion set ahead of the 2028 MLS regular season. Currently, the Fire plays at the much larger Soldier Field, which has seen sparse attendance in recent seasons. Mansueto aims to create an unrivaled match-day experience that could sell out every game.

The 78, a site that has long been viewed as a potential landmark for mixed-use development, has faced setbacks in attracting the right anchor tenant. Related Midwest acquired the site in 2016 with hopes of creating a dynamic neighborhood, yet past endeavors, including bids for Amazon’s second headquarters and a city casino, have not come to fruition. The failed proposal for a White Sox stadium last year highlighted the complexity of funding new sports facilities, which makes the Fire’s commitment to a privately financed stadium a notable change in the landscape.

Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest, acknowledged that their desire to find a “partner” for the development led them to align with the Fire: “All of our preparation, all of our work, all of our disappointment, got us to the perfect place where we met with Joe and the Fire, and it was a great match.” With city council approval pending, this project is set to provide a significant boost to The 78 and potentially reshape the local economy.

Mansueto, who purchased the Fire in 2019, is a firm believer in privately financed stadiums. He argued that the teams should take on the financial responsibility because the majority of the benefits accrue to them. “It is my belief that these stadiums should be privately financed,” he stressed. Adding to the Fire’s financial strength is a recent $100 million investment in a new training facility two miles from The 78, further demonstrating the club’s commitment to growth.

Amidst these developments, Chicago’s sporting landscape is changing. The Bears are likely moving to a new stadium in Arlington Heights, and the White Sox are also considering new homes. This creates a unique opportunity for the Chicago Fire to establish strong roots in the community. Support from local leaders is encouraging, with Mayor Brandon Johnson describing the stadium plan as a positive development for the city.

The Fire’s history has been one of fluctuation in fan engagement, with attendance at their current venue often falling short of capacity. A well-designed soccer-specific stadium could significantly enhance the game-day atmosphere, encouraging a dedicated fanbase to grow. As Mansueto envisions, “Having a completely full stadium, intimate, everybody’s close to the pitch… should just be an awesome experience for our fans.”

Looking ahead, the Fire’s new stadium will not only serve as a home for matches but will also host concerts and other events, maximizing its utility year-round. The Fire has begun seeking out naming rights for the stadium to help offset costs, a common practice in the sports industry which could also increase the franchise’s overall value. The Chicago Fire is currently valued at around $530 million, which positions it closer to the bottom of the MLS rankings. This new stadium could catalyze growth in fan engagement and franchise value, which has been stagnant partly due to the lack of a dedicated venue.

The Chicago soccer scene has been gaining traction, evidenced by attendance at recent events, including a record-setting match against Inter Miami that drew over 62,000 fans. Building on this momentum is crucial for the Fire, which, despite its rich history dating back to its inaugural season in 1998, has struggled to capture Chicago’s sports market.

Developing the stadium is a pivotal step towards realizing the grand vision for The 78, encompassing residential, retail, and recreational spaces—all yet to be fully realized. The Fire’s move could mimic the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds Wrigley Field, with locals and visitors coming together to enjoy not only soccer games but a holistic community experience.

While the Fire awaits city approval, the local community seems poised to support this ambitious stadium project. The first community meeting regarding the proposal will be held soon, creating a platform for residents to share their thoughts and ideas.

Joe Mansueto, who fell in love with soccer through coaching his children, views this endeavor as both a personal passion and a commitment to Chicago. He sees the construction of a new stadium as instrumental not just for the Fire but also for soccer’s future in the city. “I think the stadium will provide the catalyst to create that tipping point and really elevate the club and make the Chicago Fire and soccer popular,” he shared.

The Chicago Fire’s ambitions for a new home represent more than just a building project—they signal a fresh chapter for soccer in Chicago, one where the community and the fans can unite under the banner of their local team. This vision, coupled with the potential for a vibrant district at The 78, could reshape the cultural fabric of the South Side and reaffirm Chicago’s commitment to sports and community engagement for decades to come.

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