The Chicago Bears have been forced to leave the Windy City to land public funds, but the Fire have been more fortunate.
NFL fans could soon be streaming over the boarder to Indiana as the franchise packs its bags and leaves Soldier Field for a dome.
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Soccer is staying put, however, with MLS’ Fire picking a downtown site to lay down roots.
The Chicago Tribune’s Brian J. Rogal reports that Chicago City Council’s Finance Committee voted to devote $424 million in property tax revenue toward infrastructure.
Pending approval from the full council, the money will help pay for new roads and pedestrian walkways.
The $750 million stadium, being built at The 78, is being privately financed.
Per the report, the developer Related Midwest will get “reimbursed for building new roads that link the vacant former rail yard to surrounding neighborhoods, along with a walkable riverfront and other pedestrian walkways.”
A “city-owned, 1,200-space parking garage and a public plaza above it” is reportedly the most expensive addition, covering around half of the outlay.
The Fire broke ground in March and hope to move in for the 2028 season.
Infrastructure work is not expected to be completed for another three years after the stadium opens.
Chicago Fire and McDonald’s announce stadium partnership
The 22,000-seater arena is set to be called McDonald’s Park.
It is the first time the fast food giant, which boasts a market capitalization of $191 billion per Yahoo Finance, has been a naming-rights partner for a U.S. sports franchise.
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A permanent flagship location will be based within the concourse.
“As we take the next step on our journey to build a world class club, our commitment to Chicago is at the center of everything we do,” Fire owner Joe Mansueto said in a statement. “That’s why McDonald’s is the perfect partner – an iconic global brand with deep Chicago roots and shared values in supporting our community.
“McDonald’s Park will be the stadium that Chicago deserves.”
The Fire currently play at Soldier Field, which is in need of an overhaul.
A proposal has been put forward to spend a massive $630 million turning the ancient arena into a world-class entertainment venue.
“It’s time for new audiovisual. Also, if the Bears leave, we have to rework the back of the house spaces they use for their offices, their locker rooms,” Chicago Park District leader Carlos Ramirez-Rosa told NBC5 Chicago.
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“$500 million of the $630 million is for ingress and egress, improving the ways that people get in and out of Soldier Field, making it easier for people to enjoy concerts there.”
“Soldier Field is a public asset, and so we want to make sure we’re taking care of that asset because it generates major revenue,” Ramirez-Rosa added. “It creates good jobs. It’s an engine for the local tourism economy.
“Ultimately, we want to keep the Bears in Chicago, but we have to be prepared for any circumstance that may occur.”
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