Construction on McDonald's Park—the Chicago Fire's new $750 million privately funded, 22,000-seat stadium in the South Loop's "The 78" development—is actively underway. Ground was broken in March 2026, and heavy machinery, tower cranes, and foundational concrete work are shaping the lower seating bowl ahead of a planned 2028 MLS season opening.

Current Construction Status

Vertical Progress: Heavy civil work and foundation framing are moving across the site, with stepped concrete for the lower seating bowl visibly rising along the west and south sides.

Equipment on Site: Major lifting operations are underway utilizing tower and crawler cranes managed by Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group, and A.L.L. Construction.

City Approvals: The Chicago City Council approved a complementary $424 million TIF-backed public infrastructure and surrounding street/transit improvement package in July 2026 to support the site. 

Project Details & Partnerships

Name: McDonald's Park (following a landmark naming-rights agreement announced in May 2026)

Location: The 78 development along the Chicago River in the South Loop

Capacity: 22,000 for soccer matches; expandable up to 31,000 for concerts and special events

Construction on McDonald's Park—the Chicago Fire's new $750 million privately funded, 22,000-seat stadium in the South Loop's "The 78" development—is actively underway. Ground was broken in March 2026, and heavy machinery, tower cranes, and foundational concrete work are shaping the lower seating bowl ahead of a planned 2028 MLS season opening.

Current Construction Status

Vertical Progress: Heavy civil work and foundation framing are moving across the site, with stepped concrete for the lower seating bowl visibly rising along the west and south sides.

Equipment on Site: Major lifting operations are underway utilizing tower and crawler cranes managed by Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group, and A.L.L. Construction.

City Approvals: The Chicago City Council approved a complementary $424 million TIF-backed public infrastructure and surrounding street/transit improvement package in July 2026 to support the site. 

Project Details & Partnerships

Name: McDonald's Park (following a landmark naming-rights agreement announced in May 2026)

Location: The 78 development along the Chicago River in the South Loop

Capacity: 22,000 for soccer matches; expandable up to 31,000 for concerts and special events

Colorful, Flying Creatures Invade Wabash

August 2, 2018 / 6:23 PM CDT / CBS Chicago

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CHICAGO (CBS) -- On Wabash Avenue, in the heart of the Loop, colorful additions can be seen hanging around and blowing in the wind.

45 flying creatures made out of papier-mâché surround the rumble of the "El."

"I love how each one is completely different," stated  Erin Cramer, an artist and teacher.

The creatures are the work of students from Chicago and the suburbs. The flying creatures are living on a stretch of Wabash Avenue from Washington Street to Randolph Street, brightening up Jewelers Row spreading five blocks.

"I think it looks awesome," said Monica Anderson, a sophomore at Hyde Park Academy.

"If you put your heart and mind to it, you can create anything," she said after seeing her dragon on display for the first time. "It's so amazing, all these people walking by every single day."

"Awesome, maybe a little afraid, maybe a little curious," said Cramer about how she hopes the public responds to the artwork. "Maybe they'll want to look at all of them up and down."