Where is 'The 78'? What to know about Chicago’s newest neighborhood and the Fire’s $650M stadium

Where is 'The 78'? What to know about Chicago’s newest neighborhood and the Fire’s $650M stadium

Chicago’s South Loop welcomes The 78, a 62-acre development featuring the Chicago Fire’s new stadium.

CHICAGO - The South Loop is set to get a new centerpiece: a $750 million, privately funded soccer stadium for the Chicago Fire Football Club, part of a broader development in a 62-acre area being called "The 78."

What we know:

The stadium will seat 22,000 and serve as a year-round venue for sports, concerts, and community events. Construction will begin in March 2026, with an opening targeted ahead of the 2028 Major League Soccer season.

The stadium will feature a natural grass field and an entertainment district designed to attract fans, businesses, and residents. Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto is personally funding the project, with no taxpayer dollars involved.

"We'll be able to control our own schedule," said Mansueto.

"So last year, I think three times we got pushed out to the suburbs due to conflicts with the (Chicago) Bears and concerts, not ideal. Just other conflicts that arise, playing surface we can control, something very important to soccer you can control that playing surface now we can do that."

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the team and Mansueto for staying in the city and choosing to build their new stadium in the South Loop at The 78.

"Today is a demonstration of what is possible when private investment align with public goals for jobs, neighborhood activation, and long term economic growth," said Johnson. "Today is also a demonstration of what it means when an organization shows it's dedication to the fans who live and who swear by this team."

The team announced in June 2025 that it would built their new stadium and pay for it using private investments. Less than one year later, the team broke ground. Johnson seemed to take a shot at the Chicago Bears during the ground breaking ceremony.

"I've made the case for a while now,  there's no better city for sports than the city of Chicago," said Johnson. "I will say it is so good to make sure at least one of our football teams in Chicago is good, one more to go."

Dig deeper:

The 78 is a multi-billion-dollar development by Related Midwest, planned to become Chicago’s 78th neighborhood. The project spans 62 acres along the South Loop riverfront and will include retail, office space, sports and entertainment venues, and recreational areas.

What they're saying:

Mansueto said the stadium is "an investment in Chicago’s future" and will anchor the city’s newest neighborhood while creating jobs and economic growth. Club officials emphasized that the venue will serve as a community hub, not just a sports facility.

RELATED STORY: Chicago Fire set for home opener as expectations rise in year two under Berhalter

The other side:

While developers hail it as a transformative urban project, community groups warn it could accelerate gentrification and displacement. 

The coalition CBA for 78, which includes local organizations such as the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, the Lugenia Burns Hope Center, and People Matter, says historic communities of color – Chinatown, Bronzeville and Pilsen – could face rising rents, higher property taxes and economic pressure that could threaten long-term stability for residents and small businesses. 

Ald. Sigcho-Lopez on why he opposes casino at The 78 mega development

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) explains why some constituents of his ward do not want Chicago's first casino to move into The 78 mega development.

What's next:

City officials and coalition leaders will continue discussions to address community concerns as the 78 development moves forward.