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The Chicago Fire FC is poised to revolutionize the city’s sports landscape with a brand-new, soccer-specific stadium in the South Loop. The proposed stadium, designed by Gensler architectural firm, will be situated on “The 78,” a 62-acre vacant plot along the Chicago River. This strategic location has the potential to catalyze the area’s revitalization, bringing new life to a long-undeveloped site.
A World-Class Venue
The open-air stadium will feature a natural grass field and boast a seating capacity of 22,000 fans. The project will cost an estimated $650 million, with team owner Joe Mansueto, founder of Morningstar Financial Services, providing private funding. However, the developer may seek tax increment financing (TIF) to support infrastructure development, which could involve taxpayer dollars. Undoubtedly, the new stadium for Chicago Fire FC will be a world-class venue.
Infrastructure Upgrades
To prepare the site for development, significant infrastructure improvements are necessary. These include relocating railroad tracks, rebuilding the seawall, and installing new water, sewer, and power lines. While Mansueto will cover significant construction costs, the city will likely fund critical infrastructure upgrades. The infrastructure undertaking is crucial for the Chicago Fire’s new stadium project.
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A Bright Future
With construction slated to begin this fall or early next year, the stadium is expected to open ahead of the 2028 Major League Soccer season. This ambitious project promises to bring new energy to the area, providing a world-class venue for Chicago Fire FC fans and contributing to the city’s vibrant sports scene. As the project moves forward, it’s clear that this development will be a game-changer for Chicago. The future of the Chicago Fire new stadium looks incredibly promising.
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Project Factsheet: Chicago Fire’s Proposed new Stadium in South Loop
Project Overview
Location: “The 78,” South Loop, Chicago
Project Type: Soccer-specific stadium
Key Features
Seating Capacity: 22,000 fans
Stadium Design: Open-air with natural grass field
Architectural Firm: Gensler
Chicago Fire FC New Stadium: Project Details
Estimated Cost: $650 million
Funding Source: Privately funded by Joe Mansueto, with potential tax increment financing (TIF) for infrastructure development
Infrastructure Upgrades: Relocation of railroad tracks, rebuilt seawall, new water, sewer, and power lines
Project Timeline
Construction Start: Fall or early next year
Expected Opening: Ahead of the 2028 Major League Soccer season. Look forward to the Chicago Fire FC new stadium’s opening and its impact on soccer.
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