Chicago Fire’s New Stadium at The 78 Will Officially Be Named McDonald’s Park

CHICAGO- Chicago Fire FC and McDonald's announced a historic naming rights partnership that will bring McDonald’s Park to Chicago’s South Loop when the club’s new stadium opens in 2028.

The deal marks the first naming rights agreement McDonald’s has ever signed for a major professional sports stadium in the United States, tying one of Chicago’s most recognizable global brands to one of the city’s biggest future developments.

And based on the details released Wednesday, this is shaping up to be much bigger than a logo on a building.

A $750 Million Stadium Anchoring The 78

The future stadium is part of The 78, the massive riverfront development planned along the South Branch of the Chicago River.

Backed by Fire owner Joe Mansueto, the privately funded $750 million stadium is designed to become a year-round destination centered around sports, entertainment, food, and community programming.

The venue will seat:

More than 22,000 fans for Chicago Fire matches
Up to 31,000 guests for concerts and special events

Plans also call for:

Public plazas and outdoor gathering spaces
Riverfront access and pedestrian connectivity
Restaurants, retail, and entertainment components integrated into the district

The stadium is expected to anchor continued development at The 78 while serving as a catalyst for economic activity and job creation in the South Loop.

More Than a Naming Rights Deal

Unlike traditional stadium sponsorships, McDonald’s is expected to play an active role in shaping the entire fan experience at the venue.

According to the announcement, McDonald’s Park will include:

A permanent McDonald’s flagship restaurant
Immersive fan experiences throughout the stadium
Culinary activations and branded experiences
In-game entertainment elements tied to the partnership

The goal is to create a venue that feels active even outside of matchdays.

“Together, we are creating more than a stadium,” said Chris Kempczinski, Chairman and CEO of McDonald’s. “We are building a place that serves up joy, brings together community, delivers impact, and is designed to serve generations to come.”

Mansueto echoed that sentiment in the club’s announcement.

“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,” Mansueto said. “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 naming rights agreement runs through at least 2040.

Community Impact Is a Major Part of the Plan

One of the biggest pieces of the partnership centers around expanding youth soccer access across Chicago.

Beginning in 2027, McDonald’s will become the presenting partner of the Chicago Fire Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S. Program (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer), which provides free soccer programming through Chicago Public Schools.

The initiative currently serves approximately 70 CPS schools and 31,000 students.

Under the expanded partnership:

The program footprint is expected to grow to 140 schools by 2028
More than 60,000 students could be reached by the time the stadium opens
Long term, the goal is to expand access to over 280 under-resourced CPS elementary schools, impacting more than 125,000 students

The partnership will also provide schools with free co-branded soccer starter kits that include:

Soccer balls
Goals
Cones
Training materials

The broader mission is to remove financial barriers that often prevent students from participating in organized sports.

Beyond Soccer: Year-Round Events and Entertainment

While McDonald’s Park will serve as the new home for Chicago Fire FC, the venue is being designed for much more than MLS matches.

Plans include hosting:

International soccer events
Rugby matches
Concerts and festivals
Trade shows and conferences
Community events year-round

That year-round model reflects how newer stadium developments are evolving nationally, functioning more like entertainment districts than single-purpose sports venues.

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