CHICAGO — Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire FC has unveiled detailed renderings for its new $650 million stadium, which will anchor a major riverfront development in the heart of the city.

Announced in early June, the downtown stadium will seat roughly 22,000 fans and serve as the centerpiece of The 78 — a 62-acre mixed-use district along the river designed by architecture firm Gensler.

The privately financed venue will feature sweeping river views, open plazas and a range of hospitality spaces. The design includes 50 luxury suites, more than 500 loge seats, and 3,500 club seats with access to exclusive premium areas.

At the heart of the stadium, a dedicated supporter section will hold about 2,000 fans in safe-standing bleachers, built to amplify atmosphere and fan engagement. The seating bowl’s exposed steel canopy is engineered to reflect light and crowd noise back toward the pitch, enhancing the home-field advantage for Fire matches.

Beyond MLS matches, the stadium is designed to host international soccer, rugby games, concerts, festivals and other live events.

The stadium is the first phase of The 78’s broader vision, which aims to create a 24/7 walkable district with new residential and commercial buildings, a half-mile riverwalk and interconnected community spaces for year-round activities. Restaurants, shops and other amenities will round out the initial development.

The stadium is fully funded by the club’s owner, Joe Mansueto, executive chairman of Chicago-based Morningstar. Construction at The 78 is expected to begin in early 2026, with the venue opening its doors in 2028. The project’s contractor has yet to be announced.
The Chicago Fire’s new stadium represents one of the largest privately financed professional sports venues in the city’s history, signaling the club’s commitment to strengthening its fan base and expanding its community impact. Local officials hope the project will attract new visitors, boost economic development and further transform the riverfront into a vibrant destination.

The team has indicated that community input will continue to shape public spaces around the stadium, with plans for year-round programming that welcomes neighbors and visitors alike. Updates on construction timelines, contractor selection and naming rights partnerships are expected in the coming months.

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Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.