One year ago, our Owner and Chairman, Joe Mansueto, shared a vision to privately fund the Chicago Fire’s new stadium in the heart of our city, right along the river.
This vision was always about more than a stadium. It was a commitment to Chicago’s future – one designed to help transform an entire neighborhood, create jobs, generate economic opportunity, and create a gathering place this world-class city deserves.
At the time, our future home existed only as a concept. But what began as a bold idea is now becoming a reality.
Over the last year, we’ve gone from early sketches to full architectural renderings. We opened the Dear Chicago Experience Center in the Wrigley Building, broke ground at The 78, and began construction on our future home. Every day, this project feels a little less like a plan and a little more like a promise being fulfilled.
But what’s been most powerful to witness is how Chicago has responded to Joe’s commitment. This city has shown up for us. Many hometown brands have stepped forward to invest in this vision, led by McDonald’s as the naming rights partner for McDonald’s Park.
Existing partners like Wintrust and Endeavor Health have deepened their commitments, while organizations including Levy Restaurants and our Chicago-based construction partners (Pepper, GMA, and ALL) are helping bring the stadium to life. Businesses across Chicagoland have committed to suites years before opening day, and more than 17,000 fans have already placed deposits for future memberships.
That support is what makes Chicago special: people believe in this city enough to build something lasting here. Because every person and business to join this project over the last year is investing in Chicago too. They’re investing in a new chapter for our city, the continued growth of soccer, and a place where future generations can gather, celebrate, and create memories together.
We still have important work ahead of us. But one year later, it’s clear this momentum belongs to our city as much as it belongs to our Club. Whether it’s building McDonald’s Park or bringing one of the world’s greatest players, Robert Lewandowski, to Chicago, our ambition remains the same: to build a Club this city can be proud of.
Thank you, Chicago. Now, back to work.
Dave Baldwin
President, Business Operations
Chicago Fire Football Club | |
