The $750M Chicago Fire FC stadium currently in development is set to be named McDonald’s Park with opening slated for 2028. The fast food franchise acquired naming rights to the new stadium with the deal representing the firm’s first-ever naming rights. Moreover, it is in partnership for a major professional sports stadium in the United States. The agreement announced today will see the new home of the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
Terms of the multi-year agreement were not fully disclosed, but the contract runs through at least 2040, according to the Chicago Tribune. McDonald’s has its global headquarters in Chicago and is set to play an active role in shaping the experience at McDonald’s Park.
The new stadium will feature various amenities. These include Fire home matches, concerts and also special events throughout the year. It will also entail a permanent McDonald’s flagship restaurant, along with immersive fan and culinary experiences. Major sports stadiums are advancing across the United States as other projects such as the NFL’s Washington Commanders stadium project takes shape despite setbacks.
Scope of Implementation on the Chicago Fire FC Stadium in Chicago
The Chicago Fire FC stadium in Chicago broke ground in the South Loop neighborhood of the city back in March. Designed by Gensler, the stadium will seat more than 22,000 fans for soccer matches. Chicago City Council gave its approval for the project in September, just days after the green light from the Chicago Plan Commission. It is being built along the Chicago River and intends to be the anchoring element of The 78.
The 78 is an up and coming area that is set to be Chicago’s newest neighborhood. The riverfront location will integrate public plazas, activated outdoor spaces, and connectivity to surrounding retail and residential development. This is in an effort to position the stadium as both a match day destination and a year-round city asset. The stadium is expected to open ahead of the 2028 MLS season. Moreover, it becomes the first major professional stadium built in Chicago in more than 30 years.
Project Factsheet:
- Project Name: McDonald’s Park (Chicago Fire FC Stadium)
- Location: South Loop, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Estimated Investment Value: $750 Million
- Project Type: Soccer Stadium and Mixed-Use Entertainment Venue
Timeline
- September 2025: Chicago City Council approves project
- March 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony held
- 2028: Planned stadium opening ahead of MLS season
Site & Scale
- Stadium Capacity: 22,000+ seats
- Location Context: The 78 development along the Chicago River
Venue Use:
- Chicago Fire FC home matches
- Concerts
- Also special entertainment events
Development Features:
- Public plazas
- Also Outdoor gathering spaces
- Retail and also residential connectivity
- Permanent McDonald’s flagship restaurant
Project Teams
- Club Owner: Chicago Fire FC
- Naming Rights Partner: McDonald’s
- Architecture Firm: Gensler
- Approving Authority: Chicago City Council
Infrastructure Scope
- Construction of a new soccer-specific stadium
- Development of riverfront public plazas and outdoor spaces
- Also integrated retail and hospitality components
- Permanent McDonald’s flagship restaurant installation
Strategic Objectives
- Provide Chicago Fire FC with a permanent modern home stadium
- Anchor development within The 78 mixed-use neighborhood
- Also boost economic activity and tourism in Chicago’s South Loop
- Create a year-round entertainment destination
Current Status
- Project officially approved and under development
- Groundbreaking completed in March 2026
