CHICAGO, IL–Chicago Fire FC, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) have begun preliminary discussions on a proposed new performance and training facility in the Roosevelt Square area on the Near West Side.
“The Chicago Fire, which is one of our city’s greatest sports teams, deserves to have a high-quality training facility that not only meets their needs but fosters the growth of talented athletes,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This potential new facility will not only fulfill this need, but also provide the surrounding West Side community with job, recreational and other incredible opportunities in the future. I look forward to discussing this exciting project further with the Fire, Alderman Ervin, and the CHA in the coming days.”
The discussions will explore using approximately 30 acres of vacant CHA land as a headquarters and training center for the Fire. As part of a long-term lease agreement, the Fire would develop the multi-million-dollar facility and provide a variety of community benefits and public investments into neighboring public housing sites, long-term employment for community members, and recreational opportunities for youth. The proposed site is generally bounded by Roosevelt Road, Ashland Avenue, 14th Street and Loomis Street.
“I am excited to join Mayor Lightfoot, CHA, and the Chicago Fire Football Club to explore using this open space to support affordable housing, employment, and recreation on the Near West Side,” said Alderman Jason Ervin, 28th Ward. “I am committed to working closely with the Fire and the residents of the 28th Ward to ensure that this opportunity for economic investment creates a long-term positive impact on our community.”
A public engagement process to discuss the proposal, including community meetings, will begin in March. Meetings will be hosted or co-hosted by the CHA, Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the Fire, and Alderman Jason Ervin (28th Ward). More information on the public meetings will be forthcoming. The Fire also plans to meet with multiple community organizations in the weeks ahead.
The Fire had sought land on the North Side of the city near Hansen Park, but negotiations fell through there. The area in question is near the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“The Chicago Fire Football Club is committed to making a difference in the lives of young people and communities through soccer,” said Chicago Fire FC President Ishwara Glassman Chrein. “In neighborhoods across the city, soccer brings people together, fostering a strong sense of history and community while showing immense passion for the game. We look forward to presenting the project to the local community, hearing their feedback, and creating new opportunities for residents of the Near West Side to enjoy the game.”
Tentative plans include world-class practice fields and a performance center where team members prepare for matches. The facility would also house the Fire’s Youth Academy.
A training facility inside the City has been a priority for the club since returning to Soldier Field in 2020. The team currently trains at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
