Chicago Fire to pay $65.5 million to leave suburban stadium
C.J. Sapong #9 of the Chicago Fire celebrates after a goal in the game against the Atlanta United FC at SeatGeek Stadium on July 03, 2019 in Bridgeview, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHICAGO - The Chicago Fire will pay $65.5 million to leave the suburban Chicago stadium that has been the team's home for more than a decade.
On Tuesday, the Chicago Tribune reported the team has agreed to pay the community of Bridgeview to break its lease at SeatGeek Stadium, which is approximately 15 miles southwest of downtown Chicago.
The agreement calls for the Fire to pay $10 million upfront plus $5 million to upgrade existing soccer facilities near the stadium and the $50.5 million balance through 2036. With the agreement, the Fire won't play their home matches at SeatGeek Stadium beginning next season but will still be allowed to train there and its youth academy will continue to be based in Bridgeview.
A new home for the team has not been announced. The Fire played at Soldier Field in Chicago from 1991 until 2001 and from 2003 through part of the 2006 season.