Chicago Fire Stadium At The 78, South Side Hotels Get Key Zoning Approvals

The zoning committee of the Chicago City Council approved plans for a privately funded 22,000-seat soccer stadium for the Chicago Fire at The 78 site in South Loop. This $650 million project is part of an overarching $8 billion megadevelopment and is expected to open in 2028. The proposal includes a dedicated bus route and a water taxi station to manage visitor traffic, as parking will be limited to 2,800-3,000 spaces on game days. Related Midwest plans to meet the requirement for 20% affordable housing units on-site, although the total number of residential units may be lower due to the stadium's construction. Ald.

Brendan Reilly noted the project's significance for the local economy, while Ald. Pat Dowell highlighted the extensive community feedback gathered throughout the planning process. The full City Council is set to vote on the proposal this Thursday. This initiative follows previous plans for The 78, which have evolved over the past five years, including the scrapping of a research facility and a Red Line stop. The commitment to only one stadium on-site ensures focused development and community engagement moving forward.