Chicago Fire FC Breaks Ground at The 78 Amid Push for Community Benefits Pact

Chicago Fire FC broke ground on its privately funded $750 million stadium at The 78 megadevelopment in the South Loop, set to open in 2028 and anchor a broader $8 billion development. The ceremony drew fans, developers, and officials including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Ald. Pat Dowell, who touted private investment as a path to jobs and neighborhood activation. A coalition of community groups, left out of the process, is pressing for a community benefits agreement to ensure local input and address concerns about related land-use deals tied to the training center.