McDonald's buys Chicago Fire stadium naming rights, a U.S. first

The Chicago Fire's McDonald's Park, which is scheduled to be completed in 2028, is seen in a 2026 rendering. Photo by McDonald's/Chicago Fire FC

May 13 (UPI) -- The Chicago Fire and McDonald's entered a naming-rights partnership, marking the first time the fast-food giant's name will front a major U.S. sports stadium, the parties announced Wednesday.

McDonald's Park, a $750 million privately-funded facility, is to open in 2028. The 22,000-seat stadium will be situated in The 78, a 62-acre, mixed-use development near the Chicago River in the city's South Loop neighborhood. Construction began in March.

A permanent McDonald's flagship restaurant will be built inside the stadiumy, which will feature year-round programming.

"Together, we are creating more than a stadium," McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a news release. "We are building a place that serves up joy, brings together community, delivers impact, and is designed to serve generations to come."

Starting in 2027, McDonald's also will serve as presenting partner of the Fire's P.L.A.Y.S. (participate, learn, achieve, youth, soccer) Program, which supports free, school-based soccer programming in Chicago Public Schools. The program prioritizes elementary schools with limited access to soccer.

The stadium will feature concessions with donation opportunities for the Ronald McDonald House, a nonprofit program that provides housing, meals and other support services for families with children receiving treatment for serious illnesses or injuries. McDonald's Park also will offer a section for Ronald McDonald House families.

The Fire also will host family night, with a 50-50 raffle benefitting Ronald McDonald House and pre-match meet-and-greets and other special experiences for Ronald McDonald House families.

"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," Fire owner Joe Mansueto said. "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."

The Fire, founded in 1997, have played at Soldier Field for the majority of their existence. They also spent time at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview Ill., from 2006 to 2019.

The Fire (5-2-4), who sit in fourth place in the MLS' Eastern Conference standings, will take on fifth-place D.C. United (4-4-4) at 7:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Washington, D.C.