By: Ashmar Mandou

Chicago Fire FC officially broke ground Wednesday on its new $750 million stadium in the South Loop, part of a new neighborhood called “The 78,” along the Chicago River near Roosevelt Road. The privately-funded project marks a defining moment for the Club as an investment in the future of Chicago, according to the Chicago Fire FC Owner Joe Mansueto.

“This is a historic day for Chicago Fire FC and for the city we are proud to call home,” Club Owner and Chairman Mansueto said. “This stadium is about investing in Chicago and creating a world-class home for our fans, players, and community. We are fully committed to delivering a venue that reflects the passion of the city and the ambition of this Club.” The team had their home in Bridgeview, before moving to Soldier Field in 2019.

The stadium, designed by Chicago’s Gensler architecture firm, will seat more than 22,000 fans, according to the Chicago Fire FC. It will also offer 360-degree viewing and feature a natural grass playing surface, as well as an open-air environment. In addition, the stadium will serve as a venue for concerts, international sports matches, community events and other large-scale programs year-round. Developers expect the project to create up to 15,000 jobs.

“For too long, this stretch along the river has been empty. Yet, it has been asked with so much potential,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. Amid the celebration, residents in the area vocalized their concern and formed the “Concerned residents formed the “Community Benefits Agreement for 78 Coalition” on Monday to demand a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) in hopes of establishing affordable housing protections, local jobs and workforce commitments, and other legally-binding safeguards to protect Chicagoans who live in the area.

“The message is very clear,” said Sarah Tang, with Coalition for a Better Chinese-American Community. “The 78 is not for everyday Chicagoans. It’s for rich people, a playground for developers to bring up their yachts to see a soccer game.” The developers said there were several community meetings about stadium development plans. They believe the project will benefit surrounding communities.

Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward also spoke at Monday’s news conference about $700 million in TIF tax money allocated for “The 78.” Ald. Sigcho-Lopez said, “Out of those $700 million, what we know today is that not all have been allocated, and we demand an answer because of the $700 million that could be used for affordable housing and other needs.” Organizers project $8 billion in economic impact with the full site buildout, significant job creation and an increase in visitors and economic activity in the South Loop. The new stadium is expected to seat over 22,000 people and open by 2028, ahead of the MLS season.

Photo Credit: Chicago Fire FC