McDonald’s Park Begins to Go Vertical at The 78 in South Loop

CHICAGO - Construction on McDonald’s Park is starting to go vertical at The 78 in the South Loop, marking a more visible phase for the future home of Chicago Fire FC.

The stadium, planned near Roosevelt Road, the South Branch of the Chicago River, and downtown Chicago, is expected to open in 2028. It is designed as a soccer-specific stadium with seating for more than 22,000 fans during matches and up to 31,000 for concerts and special events.

Construction Is Now Rising Above Ground

McDonald's Park is starting to show out at The 78. — Photo by Daniel Schell

The most visible progress is happening on the west side of the stadium site, where the west tower crane has already been installed and structural work is beginning to rise above ground.

As of the latest construction update, the east tower crane had not yet been erected. However, yellow Liebherr crane parts were already staged on the southeast corner of the site, signaling that the second crane could be assembled soon.

The east crane permit was issued by the city on June 5, while the stadium’s superstructure permit was issued on June 3. The full stadium permit also appeared in the Chicago Data Portal on July 10.

Why This Matters for South Loop

McDonald’s Park is one of the first major anchors of The 78, a long-planned riverfront redevelopment site that could reshape the area between the Loop, South Loop, Chinatown, and the riverfront.

As the stadium rises, the neighborhood will start to see the project become real in a way that renderings and approvals could not fully capture. A completed stadium could bring more foot traffic, events, restaurant demand, retail interest, and broader attention to this part of the South Loop.

It could also influence how buyers evaluate nearby condo buildings, riverfront access, views, transit, parking, and long-term resale potential.

For more neighborhood context, read Best Chicago Condo Buildings Near The 78 Development.

The Takeaway

McDonald’s Park is no longer just a future concept for The 78. With the west tower crane active, structural work beginning to rise, and east crane equipment staged on site, the future Chicago Fire FC stadium is entering a more visible phase of construction.

The project still has major work ahead, but this is an important milestone for the South Loop. As McDonald’s Park moves toward its expected 2028 opening, buyers, sellers, and residents should continue watching how The 78 changes the neighborhood’s skyline, activity, and long-term real estate conversation.

This construction update is based on reporting and site photos by Daniel Schell for Chicago YIMBY, which documented the latest vertical progress at McDonald’s Park and the staging of crane equipment at The 78.

Looking to Buy Near The 78 or South Loop?

Major developments can influence lifestyle, demand, traffic patterns, views, and long-term value. If you are comparing condos, lofts, townhomes, or investment opportunities near The 78, South Loop, Printer’s Row, or the downtown riverfront, connect with The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for local guidance on finding the right property and strategy.

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