The Chicago Fire of the MLS plan to build a privately financed $650 million stadium the South Loop of Chicago. The club plans to break ground as early as the fall with a target date of the 2028 MLB regular season.
The Fire currently play at Soldier Field and rarely sell out the massive NFL stadium. The capacity of the new stadium will be just 22,000, which is more aligned with typical MLS stadiums.
“It’s transformative for the club, and I think for the city as well,” said Fire owner Joe Mansueto.
“I think we should sell out every game,” Mansueto said. “We want to create this unrivaled match day experience.”
“Joe Mansueto isn’t just building a soccer stadium — he’s reshaping the future of soccer in Chicago,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “This is one of the most ambitious stadium projects in Major League Soccer history, and a powerful reflection of Joe’s extraordinary commitment to the Fire, the fans, and the city.”