Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and Chicago Fire FC Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto tour the 78, the Fire's future home (Chicago Fire FC)
These are exciting times for Chicago Fire FC. A historic 7-1 road victory over D.C. United on Saturday punctuated a thrilling week that started with last Tuesday’s announcement that a world-class soccer stadium would be built in the heart of the city come spring of 2028. Fire Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto wrote a letter to Chicago making a commitment to reshape the future of soccer in the city by building a privately funded stadium that will give the team a new place to call home.
Fire fans all over are excited about what this means for the Club and city.
“What an investment in the team and in the city,” a fan commented on the Fire’s Instagram page. “Thank you to Joe Mansueto for your leadership [and] dedication!”
Players such as forward Hugo Cuypers share a similar gratitude toward Mansueto. Cuypers came to Chicago in 2024 due in part to the vision he laid out for the Club. In comments to media members at the Endeavor Health Performance Center, the Belgian striker talked about his belief in the vision and what initially drew him to Chicago.
“It’s a confirmation of everything that’s been said to me when I signed over a year ago,” stated Cuypers. “And it shows ambition. I think that resonates with me and is part of the reason why I chose Chicago Fire. The facility is a good example and the stadium is another great example about the ambition the Club has, and hopefully, it helps us perform.”
Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter is just as enthusiastic about the steps the Club is taking to provide players with resources to help them excel in their game. When Mansueto brought Berhalter to the team, they made a commitment to work together to create a Club that would make a lasting impact in their city. When asked about the new stadium, Berhalter suggested the long term vision behind the project was what really convinced him.
“When I met with Joe originally about the job, you know, it was never really about the promise of a stadium,” said Berhalter. “It was more about a commitment to build something impactful for the city and that’s really what connected me to the project.”
It’s that impact to the city that has gotten the attention of local officials such as Mayor Brandon Johnson, who thinks the stadium could have a significant influence on the city. In public comments following Mansueto’s letter, he sounded confident, with the support from the community, that the Fire would be a worthy tenant of the 78.
"Mr. Mansueto is the type of leadership that I've expressed that we need — particularly from the business community,” said Mayor Johnson. “It's willing to put real skin in the game."
It’s that commitment to the Club that has fans excited about 2028 and beyond. To many, it is more than just a stadium – it is an investment in the people of Chicago. The positive recognition is an inspiring start to the project and a sign of what’s to come.
“[This is] not a stadium… this is OUR stadium,” said another fan on Instagram. “A place where we win, tie & lose TOGETHER. Go Fire 🔥🔥🔥”