June 25 – Chicago Fire FC have pulled back the curtain on their long-anticipated new home—a $650 million, privately financed football-specific stadium set to rise in the heart of downtown Chicago. Slated to open in 2028, the 22,000-seat venue will become a new landmark for both the club and the city.
Owner and chairman Joe Mansueto is footing the bill for the entire build, keeping the project off the public purse. “I love this city and its architecture,” said Mansueto. “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.”
The Fire’s current home, Soldier Field, seats over 60,000 and is shared with the NFL’s Chicago Bears. While iconic, it has long been seen as an imperfect fit for the MLS side, both in terms of scale and atmosphere.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the stadium’s doors opening by 2028. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate millions in tax revenue for the city.
Architecturally, the stadium leans into the city’s roots. Designed in a style inspired by the ‘Chicago School’, it mixes brick, steel, and glass in an effort to reflect the city’s warehouse aesthetic, while pushing into what architects are calling ‘MLS 3.0’—a modern reinvention of the matchday experience.
The bowl design brings fans closer to the pitch, with seating positions set low and tight to amplify energy. A dedicated safe-standing supporter section will house around 2,000 of the club’s loudest fans—part of a clear effort to make matchdays at Fire games feel more electric than corporate.
While it’s built for the Fire, the stadium will also be a flexible venue capable of hosting international football, rugby, concerts, festivals, and corporate events. Gensler’s Principal-in-Charge Kirk Funkhouser said the stadium will “establish a new standard for the fan and hospitality experience.”
Fire President of Business Operations Dave Baldwin added: “We are creating a fortress for our team and a home for our fans… 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.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1751009745labto1751009745ofdlr1751009745owedi1751009745sni@g1751009745niwe.1751009745yrrah1751009745