The open-air venue will be built specifically for soccer (football) on a nine-acre portion of ‘The 78,â€� a 62-acre vacant railyard site bound by two major roads and the Chicago River located just south of the city’s downtown (The Loop). 

The Fire’s team owner will privately finance the 22,000-seat stadium, . The team is targeting completion in time for the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The development has seen multiple false starts over the past decade, but the recent investment announcement is expected to anchor the project.

Global architecture firm Gensler (US) will design the stadium, which will feature a canopy over seating areas and a natural grass pitch. 

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While stadium construction will be privately funded, major public infrastructure upgrades are required to prepare the site. These include relocating existing rail lines, reinforcing the riverfront seawall, and installing water, sewer and power lines. Related Midwest, the site’s Chicago-based developer, is expected to seek support from the city through a pre-approved $450 million tax-increment financing (TIF) district to fund these works.

The stadium would have direct access to multiple Chicago Transit Authority lines at Roosevelt Station and could be linked to water taxi service along the river. Additional elements of the broader development are set to include housing, commercial space and an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk.

City officials have signalled early support for the project, which they say could revitalise the underutilised site. A community engagement process is expected in the coming months, with further renderings and project details to be shared.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, though no contractor has yet been named.

US soccer stadium construction boom

Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF’s future stadium, which is currently under construction. Image: Inter Miami CF

Major sports stadium projects are common in the US and North America, but an ongoing surge in soccer’s popularity could drive additional investment and activity for arena and stadium specialist contractors. 

Here’s a shortlist of MLS (top tier) and second-tier United Soccer League (USL) Championship stadium projects recently completed, in development and under construction, which totals more than $2 billion:

MLS stadium developments

Inter Miami CF � Miami Freedom Park (Miami, Florida): Construction is underway on the $1 billion, 25,000-seat stadium, set to open in 2026. The development includes a public park, retail spaces, and entertainment venues.

New York City FC � Etihad Park (Queens, New York): Groundbreaking has begun on the $780 million, 25,000-seat stadium, expected to be completed by 2027. The project is part of a broader redevelopment plan for the Willets Point area.

FC Dallas � Toyota Stadium renovation (Frisco, Texas): A $182 million renovation is in progress, aiming to enhance fan experience with new clubs, expanded seating, and upgraded facilities. Completion is anticipated by early 2028.

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USL stadium projects

Centreville Bank Stadium (Pawtucket, Rhode Island): Opened in May 2025, this 10,500-seat stadium is home to Rhode Island FC and is part of the Tidewater Landing development. Construction cost was about $132 million.

Lexington SC Stadium (Lexington, Kentucky): The 7,500-seat stadium opened in September 2024, serving as the home for both men’s and women’s Lexington SC teams, and cost around $82 million.

Iron District Stadium (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): Construction is expected to begin in summer 2025 for this 8,000-seat stadium, aiming for a 2026 USL opening. The stadium will host a USL Championship team and the two soccer teams from a nearby university. The cost is estimated at more than $40 million.

Amway Stadium (Grand Rapids, Michigan): Groundbreaking occurred in May 2025 for this $175 million, 8,500-seat stadium, with completion slated for spring 2027.

Covenant Health Park (Knoxville, Tennessee): Opened in April 2025, this 6,355-seat multi-use stadium is home to One Knoxville SC and the Knoxville Smokies baseball team. The multi-sport facility cost about $114 million to construct.

MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma): A $71 million stadium is set to break ground in late 2025, with completion expected by March 2027. It will serve as the home for Oklahoma City’s future professional soccer franchise and will also host concerts, festivals and community events.

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