Architecture firm Gensler has revealed plans for a 22,000-seat stadium for the Chicago Fire FC soccer team, set to serve as the centerpiece of The 78 development in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood.
Commissioned by developer Related Midwest, the stadium will be built on a 63-acre former rail yard that has remained undeveloped for decades. The site forms part of an ambitious urban regeneration project aimed at transforming the area into a vibrant mixed-use district.
The proposed design features a low-lying, symmetrical stadium crowned by a steel canopy emerging from brick-and-glass volumes. The west-facing side, overlooking the river, includes a prominent central entrance framed by an industrial-style dark metal wall with grills above the glass facade.
Gensler explained that the design draws inspiration from the historic warehouses that helped fuel Chicago’s rise as a major economic hub. Related Midwest added that the stadium’s aesthetic aligns with the Chicago School of Architecture, referencing iconic early 20th-century buildings like the Heyworth and Chicago Buildings, known for their combination of steel structures with brick and stone façades.
Kirk Funkhouser, Gensler principal, emphasized that the stadium embodies the growth of Major League Soccer (MLS), dubbed “MLS 3.0,” which has seen 12 new teams join the league over the past decade. Funkhouser noted that conversations with the Chicago Fire FC team shaped the stadium’s design, aiming to set a new benchmark for fan engagement and hospitality.
“This stadium is designed to elevate the matchday experience, delivering a venue that Chicagoans, players, coaches, and staff will cherish for years to come,” Funkhouser said. He described the project as one of MLS’s most ambitious stadiums to date.
The $650 million project will be privately funded by Joe Mansueto, the club’s owner and chairman, according to Related Midwest. However, the site currently lacks adequate water, sewage, and power infrastructure, necessitating significant public improvements, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
The stadium marks the first phase of The 78, named to complement Chicago’s established 77 community areas. Future phases, masterplanned by Gensler, will include residential and office buildings. Visualizations depict the stadium flanked by a dozen mid- and high-rise structures.
Related Midwest stated that the development will leverage existing parking facilities and be accessible via public transportation, with plans to extend 13th Street to better serve the site. The stadium is scheduled for completion and operation by 2028.
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