McDonald's has become the naming rights sponsor of the new stadium for Chicago Fire FC. Rising in Chicago’s The 78 district, McDonald's Park is expected to become not only a modern MLS venue, but also a year-round hub for sports, entertainment and community activity in the heart of the city.

McDonald’s and Chicago Fire FC join forces

This is the first naming rights agreement in United States history involving McDonald's and a major professional sports stadium, making the project one of the most talked-about developments in both sports and marketing.

The partnership between McDonald’s and Chicago Fire FC goes far beyond simply placing a corporate name on the stadium. Representatives from both sides emphasized that the goal is to create a new year-round gathering place for the people of Chicago, combining sports, culture, food, and community engagement. McDonald’s is expected to play an active role in shaping the fan experience and commercial areas inside the stadium. Plans include a permanent full-scale McDonald’s restaurant within the venue, dedicated fan experience zones, interactive attractions, and special events during matches and concerts.

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that the project is meant to symbolize joy, community, and social connection across the city. The company wants the stadium to become more than a matchday destination and instead serve as a year-round social hub. According to current plans, McDonald’s Park will regularly host family events, concerts, festivals, and local community initiatives.

© Chicago Fire FC | Chicago Fire FC and McDonald's have announced a historic naming rights partnership for the club’s new stadium in The 78 district. McDonald’s Park is set to become a year-round hub for sports, entertainment and community events in downtown Chicago.

Major youth project linked to the McDonald’s Park partnership

An important part of the collaboration between McDonald’s and Chicago Fire FC will be a large-scale social program aimed at children and teenagers. Starting in 2027, McDonald’s will become the main partner of the club’s P.L.A.Y.S. initiative in Chicago public schools. The program uses soccer as a tool to support children’s physical, educational, and social development. It currently operates in around 70 schools, but thanks to the new partnership, its scale is expected to expand dramatically.

In the coming years, the project is expected to reach more than 280 elementary schools and over 125,000 children across Chicago. McDonald’s and Chicago Fire FC aim to remove financial barriers preventing access to sports, with schools receiving training kits including footballs, goals, cones, and coaching materials.

© Chicago Fire FC | The future home of Chicago Fire FC will officially be called McDonald’s Park following a landmark deal with McDonald's. The stadium will seat more than 22,000 fans and become the centerpiece of Chicago’s massive The 78 development.

Ronald McDonald House to be part of McDonald’s Park

Ronald McDonald House Charities will also play a key role in the project. The charity is expected to become integrated into stadium operations during both sporting and community events. Special seating sections will reportedly be reserved for families supported by the foundation, while fundraising initiatives and special events involving Chicago Fire FC players are also planned.

City officials emphasized that the partnership between McDonald’s and Chicago Fire FC could become a model for future collaborations between business and professional sports organizations in the United States. Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson stated that the project is intended to genuinely support local communities and create safe spaces for children and young people.

© Chicago Fire FC | McDonald's has become the first naming rights sponsor of a major professional stadium in the United States. The new McDonald’s Park for Chicago Fire FC is expected to open in 2028 as part of a $750 million project.

The 78 to become Chicago’s new sports and entertainment district

The new Chicago Fire FC stadium is expected to cost around $750 million and become one of the most modern soccer venues in Major League Soccer. Club officials confirmed that the stadium will be privately financed by Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto. The city will contribute by developing surrounding infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public spaces.

The stadium is scheduled to open in 2028 and will be built in the The 78 area on the south side of Chicago along the Chicago River. It is currently one of the largest urban development projects in the city. The venue will become the centerpiece of a modern mixed-use district combining residential, commercial, office, and recreational functions. New restaurants, shops, public plazas, and riverside walkways are expected to emerge around the stadium in the coming years.

According to city officials, the project is expected to attract new residents, tourists, and private investors. McDonald’s Park will operate not only as a soccer stadium but also as a year-round entertainment venue hosting concerts, festivals, international football matches, rugby games, trade fairs, and business conferences.

Capacity and modern McDonald’s Park design

The new Chicago Fire FC stadium will hold more than 22,000 fans for MLS matches. For concerts and large-scale events, capacity is expected to increase to approximately 31,000 spectators. The stadium is being designed specifically for soccer, with stands positioned very close to the pitch in order to create a more intense atmosphere than at Soldier Field.

Plans also include premium hospitality areas, VIP suites, an expanded food and beverage offering, and multiple supporter sections. Designers emphasized that the venue is intended to provide excellent sightlines from virtually every seat in the stadium.