Chicago Fire's Bold $650M Stadium Plan Aims to Transform 'The 78' into a Thriving Urban Hub
- Natalie Frank
- Jun 4
- 1 min read
Privately funded soccer stadium set to anchor Chicago’s newest neighborhood, blending sports, community, and revitalization
Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D June 4, 2025
![Chicago Fire Players await new stadium; Hayden Schiff/flickr [CC BY 2.0]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1de624_337fcdb0040b4091936ed4465ddce35a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_716,h_470,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/1de624_337fcdb0040b4091936ed4465ddce35a~mv2.png)
CHICAGO IL - The Chicago Fire Football Club has announced plans to build an advanced, $650 million soccer stadium in the South Loop area, known locally as "The 78." This project intends to give the team a new home while revitalizing a 62-acre stretch of land that’s been largely unused for decades.
The new open-air stadium, which will seat around 22,000 spectators, will be located along the Chicago River just south of Roosevelt Road. With a natural grass field, the design focuses on creating a top-tier venue that celebrates Chicago’s sports legacy and promotes community connections.