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CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Chicago Fire give sneak peek at renderings for new stadium at The 78 in the South Loop
Chicago Fire release renderings of new stadium at The 78 Chicago Fire release renderings of new stadium at The 78 Chicago Fire release renderings of new stadium at The 78 The Chicago Fire released a sneak peek at renderings of the new stadium they're building in the South Loop. The $650 million digs will be built along the Chicago River at The 78, a vacant plot of land south of Roosevelt Road. It will be privately funded by club owner Joe Mansueto and hold up to 22,000 fans. The design is an ode to the warehouses that represent the city of Chicago's grit. Construction is set to begin early in 2026 and the club hopes to have the stadium open to fans by 2028. CBS News Chicago spoke with club president Dave Baldwin about the decision to build in the South Loop. "It was important for our owner Joe that it was inside the city," Baldwin said. He said Mansueto fell in love with The 78 site, its accessibility and proximity to public transit, and how it was build-ready, with utilities in place. "Then Joe started thinking about how he wanted to acquire the land and Joe ultimate decided to take this himself," Baldwin said. Currently, the Chicago Fire host their games at Soldier Field.
Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Fire release renderings for $650M downtown Chicago stadium
June 17 - The Chicago Fire FC released renderings on Monday for the club's privately financed $650 million soccer-specific stadium in downtown Chicago that is expected to open in 2028. The project was first announced earlier this month and is part of the first phase of a 62-acre master plan known as The 78, after Related Midwest's vision of creating Chicago's 78th neighborhood. Construction is slated to begin early in 2026, with the approximately 22,000-seat stadium planned as the anchor of The 78. The stadium will be entirely financed by Fire FC owner and chairman, Joe Mansueto, and will include riverfront views along with open public plazas. "I love this city and its architecture," Mansueto said in a statement. "This stadium is adding to Chicago's iconic skyline, so I want it to look timeless. It will look like it's always belonged here, but with the modern innovations required for a world-class soccer club." Stadium plans call for 50 suites and a purpose-built supporter section with room for approximately 2,000 fans in bleacher seating. "We are creating a fortress for our team and a home for our fans," said Dave Baldwin, Chicago Fire FC president of business pperations. "The open-air stadium with grass playing surface and intimate environment is intentional to give our team an edge and bring our supporters even closer to the team they love." --Field Level Media
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago Fire unveil detailed look of proposed stadium for South Loop
The Chicago Fire unveiled detailed renderings of their proposed privately funded $650 million open-air soccer stadium Monday, a state-of-the-art facility at The 78 in the South Loop meant to look like it has been part of the city's sports landscape for a century. Situated along the Chicago River, the intimate 22,000-seat, red brick stadium features a natural grass pitch, a steel roof and a plethora of premium options to go with traditional supporter sections and general admission seating. Designed by architectural firm Gensler, the stadium is seeking to provide the Fire with a 'world-class home' and catalyze a Wrigleyville-like development at the mostly vacant 62-acre site south of Roosevelt Road. It purposely evokes a similar vintage to the Cubs longtime home. 'We've been involved in design since January, really trying to come up with a vision that aligned with what the team was hoping to do: establish a timelessness in that design that made it feel like a building that had been there a long time, that will be there a long time,' said Kirk Funkhouser, who oversees sports facility design and development out of Gensler's Austin office. The new stadium is scheduled to break ground as early as this fall, pending approval from the city, with a target completion date ahead of the 2028 MLS regular season. The Fire currently play at a rarely filled Soldier Field on a newly signed three-year lease extension. Fans at Soldier Field doubleheader see Fire and Stars' potential new homes having an impact on Chicago soccerRelated Midwest, which is developing The 78, acquired the former rail yard bordered by Roosevelt Road, Clark Street and a half-mile stretch of riverfront south of downtown Chicago, in 2016. The ambitious plan from the outset was to create a sprawling residential, retail and commercial development that would become the city's 78th neighborhood. Last year, the White Sox proposed a new publicly funded ballpark at The 78, but Springfield lawmakers balked at the idea of contributing a reported $1 billion to build it. The team has not given up on moving in, but building the Fire's new stadium is now job one for the developer, the soccer team and the city. Gensler, which is designing the master plan for The 78, also had a hand in the conceptual White Sox ballpark. The firm has previously designed MLS stadiums in Austin and Los Angeles. The Fire stadium would be built on nine acres at the north end of the site, with riverfront access for game and event days. There will be about 2,000 parking spots available at The 78. Fans also can ride the CTA to the stadium; there's a nearby 'L' station and multiple bus lines. Taking a water taxi is a possibility as well. Dave Baldwin, the Fire's president of business operations, said the stadium would be busy throughout the year, with about 20 Fire soccer matches and a dozen major events each year, including concerts In addition to admission revenues, the Fire intends to sell stadium naming rights, which Baldwin said should fetch in the ballpark of $10 million per year. 'We've already received outreach from several Fortune 500 companies that have called to inquire,' Baldwin said. 'So we'll be very selective who we partner with, but we're excited for that opportunity.'
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
World of Hyatt Steps up to the Pitch as the Official Sponsor of Chicago Fire FC
Chicago Fire and World of Hyatt Team up to Create Exclusive Experiences for Fans to 'Be More Game Changing' as They Get Closer to the Action CHICAGO, February 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chicago Fire FC and Hyatt today announced a multi-year agreement, naming World of Hyatt as an Official Sponsor of Chicago Fire FC, providing fans with opportunities to get closer to the action – both on and off the soccer pitch through exclusive experiences. To kick off this exciting new collaboration, the Fire and Hyatt are launching a new stay package with Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago, which is just steps away from Soldier Field where the team plays. The Chicago Fire FC Stay Package includes: Discounted room rate at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place during Chicago Fire home games Overnight parking at the hotel for duration of stay $20 credit to Market at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago per stay Discounted beverage at the hotel's Arc Bar on game day World of Hyatt x Chicago Fire FC branded memorabilia Photo booth in Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago lobby The Chicago Fire Stay Package must be booked in advance for the night of, or night before a Chicago Fire home game. Hyatt will also offer FIND Experiences around this collaboration in the near future. The World of Hyatt FIND platform offers World of Hyatt members 500+ curated experiences to enhance their stay and immerse themselves in their destination. "World of Hyatt embraces the transformative power of travel in many ways inviting members and guests to Be More Here with extraordinary and limited-time experiences, and our Chicago Fire FC sponsorship creates an opportunity for passionate soccer fans to experience the competition, hospitality, and matches that create memorable experiences," said Laurie Blair, vice president, global marketing, Hyatt. "Together, we are creating moments for fans and travelers alike to have incredible game day and stay experiences, whether visiting the team at home in Chicago or on the road to watch an away game." World of Hyatt will become the presenting sponsor of the Fire's most exclusive viewing experience at Soldier Field – the Benchside Seats presented by World of Hyatt. The Benchside Seats presented by World of Hyatt are just steps away from the pitch, giving fans unparalleled views of the action. In addition, World of Hyatt will be integrated into Chicago Fire ticketing experiences like the Fire Flash Sales, allowing fans to have affordable access to the Club's hottest matches. "It's always wonderful to collaborate with an organization like Hyatt who also calls Chicago home," said Dave Baldwin, President of Business Operations, Chicago Fire FC. "Like Hyatt, Chicago Fire is committed to ensuring a great experience for their guests, and we look forward to joining forces to create unmatched opportunities for Fire fans here in Chicago and across the country." Chicago's 2025 first regular season home game will be against Eastern Conference rival D.C. United on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Soldier Field at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for the 2025 season are available for purchase starting at $29 and can be purchased HERE via Ticketmaster or by calling 888-MLS-FIRE. For additional information on Chicago Fire FC, including information on the upcoming 2025 MLS Season, please visit: Stay tuned for additional offerings from the World of Hyatt and Chicago Fire FC collaboration. Not a World of Hyatt member yet? Sign up for free at The term "Hyatt" is used in this release to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Chicago Fire FC The Chicago Fire Football Club (Chicago Fire FC) is an American professional soccer club that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top U.S. domestic league. Founded on October 8, 1997, on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Club began play as one of the League's first expansion franchises. The Fire have won six major domestic titles, including the 1998 MLS Cup; the 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups; as well as the 2003 MLS Supporters' Shield. Chicago Fire FC's affiliate team, Chicago Fire II, plays in MLS NEXT Pro, a professional league that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT, the youth academy programs, through to MLS. The Chicago Fire Academy currently features five teams ranging from U-13 to U-18. The Club's charitable arm, the Chicago Fire Foundation, was recognized as ESPN's 2019 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, and has made significant contributions to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth throughout Chicagoland, providing nearly $10 million back to the community. The Fire train at the Endeavor Health Performance Center, a $100M state-of-the art-facility, and play their home matches at historic Soldier Field. For more information, visit About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of December 31, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,400 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, and Alua Hotels & Resorts®; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit About World of Hyatt World of Hyatt is Hyatt's award-winning guest loyalty program uniting participating locations in Hyatt's Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, and me and all hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, and Alua Hotels & Resorts®; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove. Lifestyle Portfolio brands The Standard®, The StandardX and Bunkhouse® Hotels will participate in World of Hyatt in the future. Members who book directly through Hyatt channels can enjoy personalized care and access to distinct benefits including Guest of Honor, confirmed suite upgrades at time of booking, diverse wellbeing offerings, digital key, and exclusive member rates. With 54 million members and counting, World of Hyatt offers a variety of ways to earn and redeem points for hotel stays, dining and spa services, wellbeing focused experiences through the FIND platform; as well as the benefits of Hyatt's strategic loyalty collaboration with American Airlines AAdvantage®. Travelers can enroll for free at download the World of Hyatt app for android and IOS devices and connect with World of Hyatt on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Meredith Beyer, Hyatt, Emily Mekstan, Hyatt, Chicago Fire FC Communications – firecommunications@ El comunicado en español sigue a la versión en inglés.
