### Chicago Fire Announces $650M Stadium Project in South Loop

The Chicago Fire has revealed detailed plans to build a $650 million, soccer-specific stadium in the South Loop area of Chicago, to be part of a broader development initiative known as "The 78." Scheduled to open in the spring of 2028, the stadium will have a capacity of 22,000 spectators and will be constructed without public funding, according to team owner Joe Mansueto.

The site of "The 78" consists of a 62-acre plot of land, formerly a landfill and railyard, located along the banks of the Chicago River. The land has been vacant and in development limbo for decades until Related Midwest acquired it in 2016. This extensive project aims to transform the area into a vibrant neighborhood, adding to the 77 distinct communities currently recognized within Chicago.

While the Chicago Fire's stadium project moves forward privately funded, the Chicago White Sox MLB team, in collaboration with Related Midwest, has sought over $1 billion in public financing for their separate baseball stadium project on the same site. Despite previously constructing a temporary field there, the baseball stadium has yet to progress.

"This project is more than just a stadium," Mansueto stated. "It's a space for fans of all ages, backgrounds, and neighborhoods to come together and celebrate the beautiful game – right in the heart of our city. It's about investing in Chicago, not just on match days, but every day as a committed community partner."

Since its inception in 1998, the Chicago Fire has played at various venues. Initially, the team played at Soldier Field, which is also the home of the NFL's Chicago Bears. Renovations to Soldier Field forced the team to relocate to suburban Naperville in 2002. In 2006, the team opened its own venue, SeatGeek Stadium, in suburban Bridgeview. However, the location and team struggles led to dwindling fan support, prompting Mansueto to relocate the Fire back to Soldier Field in 2019.

The future site of the stadium at "The 78" is conveniently accessible through public transportation and will place the Fire among the few Major League Soccer teams with a stadium located near a city's downtown area. Once completed, this stadium will be the 22nd soccer-specific stadium in the 30-team league.