The White Sox’s bid to build a new stadium on the site known as “The 78” appears to have stalled. On Tuesday, the Chicago Fire announced plans to construct a privately financed $650 million soccer stadium on the property.
The Fire says the 62-acre site, located along the Chicago River near Roosevelt Road, will provide a “world-class home” and help transform the largely vacant area into a South Side version of Wrigleyville.
The new stadium is expected to hold 22,000 people, with plans to break ground in the fall and begin hosting games by the start of the 2028 Major League Soccer season. The team currently hosts matches at Soldier Field, after recently inking a three-year extension.
The 78 has already been pre-approved by the city of Chicago for stadium use, however, the Fire will still need the city council to sign off on the project.
White Sox Still Hope for Dual-Stadium Vision
However, the White Sox are still hopeful that there is room for both stadiums on the property.
“Related Midwest first approached the White Sox about building a new ballpark on a piece of property they were developing, and we continue to consider the site as an option. We believe in Related Midwest’s vision for The 78 and remain confident the riverfront location could serve as a home to both teams,” the White Sox wrote in a statement. “We continue to have conversations with Related Midwest about the site’s possibilities and opportunities.”
In February 2024, the White Sox unveiled renderings of their proposed new stadium during an exclusive feature on WGN. Partnering with Related Midwest, the team presented a comprehensive pitch that included detailed ballpark designs, a master site plan, and projections of the project’s economic impact.
High-Profile Support—and Political Resistance
The proposal received strong backing from several high-profile figures. Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, called the project “very exciting for the city,” while both MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson voiced their support.
As part of the plan, White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf requested that state legislators authorize the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to extend or issue new bonds. The proposal would use the existing 2% hotel occupancy tax—currently dedicated to repaying bonds from the construction of Guaranteed Rate Field—and would not involve any new taxes. Instead, it aimed to either lengthen the repayment period or issue additional bonds.
However, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker pushed back on the plan, calling it “a billion-dollar investment in a private business for a private business.” In an interview with ABC 7 News in October, he added, “Don’t we have other uses for that capital?”
That statement came after Pritzker told reporters last February that he would be reluctant to fund any stadium projects unless the investment yields a long-term return for taxpayers.
A Familiar Playbook
Rumors were then leaked that Reinsdorf was in conversations with Dave Stewart about selling the team. The former All-Star pitcher was part of the Music City Baseball Group, an organization dedicated to bringing an MLB franchise to the Nashville area.
In February, Reinsdorf predicted during an interview with Crain’s that Chicago would lose the White Sox without a new stadium. Reinsdorf said that after his death his son Michael “will have an obligation to do what’s best” for other investors. This likely means selling the team, which in Reinsdorf’s eyes will be worth more if they are located downtown.
Many have speculated that Reinsdorf is using the rumors about moving the team to Nashville as leverage as he did in 1991 when he threatened to move the White Sox to St. Petersburg, Florida, before financing came together at the last minute to fund a new stadium which was built directly across from the original Comiskey Park.
I am glad to see a team owner step up to the plate and put his own money where his mouth is…. Kudos for the Chicago Fire.
I just hope the politicians don’t get any bright ideas and buy into Ebenezer Reinsdorf’s B/S. If he wants a shinny new toy at the 78… then make him pay for it himself.