McDonald’s and Chicago Fire Football Club announced on May 13 a new naming rights partnership that will see the Major League Soccer club’s upcoming $750 million privately funded stadium named McDonald’s Park, scheduled to open in 2028. The stadium will be located at The 78, a riverfront site in the heart of Chicago, and is intended to serve as a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, and community events.
This marks McDonald’s first-ever naming rights deal for a major professional sports venue in the United States. The agreement aims to bring together two prominent Chicago-based brands with deep local roots. Chris Kempczinski, Chairman and CEO of McDonald’s, said: “Together, we are creating more than a stadium. We are building a place that serves up joy, brings together community, delivers impact, and is designed to serve generations to come.” Joe Mansueto, Owner and Chairman of Chicago Fire FC, said: “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. 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.”
A key part of this partnership involves expanding youth soccer access through an enhanced P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth Soccer) Program operated by the Chicago Fire Foundation. Starting in 2027 with support from McDonald’s as presenting partner, free school-based soccer programming across under-resourced elementary schools within Chicago Public Schools will expand from its current reach of 70 schools (serving about 31,000 students) toward more than 280 schools over time—potentially impacting over 125,000 students.
The collaboration also includes initiatives beyond matchdays such as annual meal-packing efforts addressing food insecurity at the new stadium site. Ronald McDonald House Charities will feature prominently through donation opportunities at concessions stands and dedicated experiences for families facing serious illness.
When completed in 2028 along the riverfront at The 78 development site in South Loop—with seating for over 22,000 fans during matches—the new venue is expected not only to host soccer games but also concerts and other cultural events throughout the year.According to the official website, Chicago Fire FC competes professionally within Major League Soccer conferences; fosters regional soccer growth; uses Soldier Field for current matches; has earned victories including MLS Cup titles; supports youth development programs; and incorporates design elements inspired by city history.
