Overview
McDonald’s Park amplifies the fan experience and serves as the cornerstone of the city’s newest mixed-use district, The 78.
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Opportunity
Chicago Fire FC needed a permanent home that could elevate soccer, energize The 78, and become a new civic destination.
As soccer’s popularity accelerates in the United States, Chicago Fire FC is investing in a privately funded stadium designed for long-term growth, stronger fan identity, and activation beyond match day. Located along the Chicago River within The 78, McDonald’s Park has the opportunity to become both the Club’s home and the catalytic anchor of a new mixed-use district. The venue will serve soccer, concerts, festivals, community events, and a surrounding public realm that invites Chicagoans year-round.
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Why This Matters
01
A Permanent Home
The stadium gives Chicago Fire FC a purpose-built home designed around soccer atmosphere, fan culture, and a stronger local identity.
02
District Catalyst
As the cornerstone of The 78, the stadium will help activate riverfront public space, surrounding development, and year-round urban life.
03
Beyond Match Day
Concerts, festivals, international sports, community events, and public programming extend the venue’s value beyond the MLS season.
As we take the next step on our journey to build a world-class club, our commitment to Chicago is at the center of everything we do. McDonald’s Park will be the stadium that Chicago deserves.
Solution
The stadium pairs Chicago’s brick-and-steel heritage with an intimate seating bowl, exposed canopy, and flexible year-round programming.
Gensler’s design brings fans close to the pitch through an intimate soccer-specific bowl, dedicated supporter section, 360-degree viewing, and an exposed steel canopy that helps direct energy toward the field. A brick, steel, and glass architectural language reflects Chicago’s industrial heritage, while premium clubs, suites, hospitality areas, and flexible amenities support varied fan experiences. Adjacent plazas, riverfront public spaces, retail connections, and event-ready outdoor areas embed the stadium within The 78 as a sports, entertainment, and community anchor.
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Related Content
475K
Soccer-Specific Stadium Area · sqft
22K
Soccer Match Capacity · seats
Up to 31,000 attendees
Concert and Special Event Capacity
From brief to build: how a riverfront stadium becomes the anchor for Chicago’s next mixed-use district.
McDonald’s Park sits within The 78, turning a long-planned South Loop site into a new sports and entertainment destination. The seating bowl and canopy create atmosphere, the fan section shapes energy, and the plazas and riverfront spaces support year-round use.
District Plan
Site diagrams show McDonald’s Park anchoring The 78.
Impact
McDonald’s Park is designed to become a new Chicago landmark for soccer, culture, community, and riverfront development.
When complete, the stadium will give Chicago Fire FC a permanent home while activating The 78 throughout the year.
What Changed Because of This
01
Fan Identity
A purpose-built home, closer seating, supporter section, and Chicago-specific materials will deepen the Club’s connection to local fans.
02
Urban Renewal
The stadium will anchor The 78, helping transform a riverfront site into a mixed-use neighborhood and civic destination.
03
Community Impact
Naming-rights programming will expand youth soccer access and support year-round community initiatives connected to the venue.
The vision for Chicago Fire FC Stadium is to set a new standard for fan and hospitality experiences, elevating matchday for Chicagoans, players, coaches, and staff.
Recognition
NBC Chicago
Urbanize Chicago
McDonald’s Corporate
Team
Project Leadership
FAQ
Where will McDonald’s Park be located?
Who is designing McDonald’s Park?
When is McDonald’s Park expected to open?
How many fans will the stadium seat?
What events will McDonald’s Park host?
What makes the design specific to Chicago?
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