Chicago Fire open ‘Dear Chicago’ Experience Center as new stadium groundbreaking set for next week

Chicago Fire have opened an immersive sales and marketing space in the Wrigley Building designed to drive premium sales and partnership activity for the club’s planned new stadium, with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project scheduled for next week at The 78 site.The club’s ‘Dear Chicago Experience Center’ is intended to give fans, corporate buyers and sponsors a preview of the matchday experience in the planned 22,000-seat stadium, which is due to open in 2028. The centre includes high-end hospitality mock-ups and visualisations aimed at converting interest into suite and club-seat commitments.Chicago Fire president Dave Baldwin described the space as: “Part showroom, part command center.” He added: “The idea is that this will allow our fans to actually put themselves in the new stadium.”The experience centre launch lands as the club move the stadium project into its next delivery phase. Chicago Fire have confirmed they will host a groundbreaking ceremony next week at The 78, with speakers set to include Mayor Brandon Johnson, Ald. Pat Dowell, owner and chairman Joe Mansueto and Baldwin.When the stadium plan was announced, Mansueto said: “We’re proud to announce our plans for a new, privately funded, soccer-specific stadium and entertainment district at Roosevelt and the river. "We expect to open in Spring 2028. This new home for the Chicago Fire Football Club will anchor the city’s future 78th neighborhood and serve as a catalyst for job creation, economic development and vibrant community life.”