HIGHLIGHTS
- 475,000-Square-Foot Soccer-Specific Stadium With 22,000 Seats
- 2,000-Person Dedicated Supporter Section
- A New Water Taxi Stop for Gamedays and the Workday
Challenge
The popularity of soccer in the United States is being fueled by a mix of international star power, youth development, and a rising cultural acceptance of the sport. Club owners are taking note, investing in new, soccer-specific stadiums that boast better fan experiences and stronger local identities, along with state-of-the-art training facilities to promote player development. To ensure long-term success, these 365-day, multipurpose venues are embedded within vibrant, mixed-use districts.
Solution
Gensler is partnering with McDonald’s Park to design a 22,000-seat, soccer-specific stadium. Inspired by Chicago’s brick-and-steel industrial heritage, the stadium brings fans closer to the action with an intimate seating bowl, exposed steel canopy, and a purpose-built supporter section. Premium clubs, suites, and flexible amenities enhance the game-time experience. Adjacent plazas and riverfront public spaces within The 78 extend the stadium’s role as a sports and entertainment hub.
Impact
McDonald’s Park supports soccer, concerts, festivals, and community events. The flexible, future-ready design activates the area beyond match days. Building upon the city’s reputation as a high-energy sports destination, the stadium is set to become a powerful catalyst for urban renewal and civic pride.
Areas of Expertise
Recognition
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NBC Chicago featured the groundbreaking of McDonald’s Park’s new $750 million stadium, designed by Gensler. Anchoring The 78, a new mixed-use development also designed by Gensler, it’s “one of the most ambitious stadium projects” in history, says Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber.
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Crain’s Chicago Business ranked Gensler as the largest architecture firm in Chicago in 2025, noting the firm’s relationship with local clients, including Related Midwest, McDonald’s Park, the city of Chicago, and the University of Illinois.
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Forbes shared that Gensler is leading the master plan and stadium design for Related Midwest’s The 78 mixed-use development. The 22,000-seat soccer stadium will be the new home of McDonald’s Park and will also create a mix of housing, parks, public spaces, and year-round activation.
Related Work
The 78
Chicago, Illinois
The 78 is a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that blends retail, offices, and housing with the Chicago Fire FC Stadium serving as a dynamic sports & entertainment venue and a community hub that activates the surrounding public spaces.
Petco Park, Western Metal Supply Co. Building
San Diego, California
Strategic upgrades to retail, hospitality, and rooftop spaces deepen fan engagement while honoring the historic character that defines Petco Park.
University of Maryland, Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center
College Park, Maryland
The new Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center provides both programs with dedicated, equitable training environments tailored to athlete development an
Mosaic
San Francisco, California
Mosaic transforms the retail podium into a lively, engaging amenity, reinforcing the relevance of San Francisco’s historic Embarcadero Center for today’s workplace.
BMO Stadium
Los Angeles, California
Gensler designed the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium in L.A.’s Exposition Park, anchoring the Figueroa corridor and capitalizing on great views of the downtown skyline.
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, Maryland
Gensler is partnering with the Baltimore Ravens to design a series of projects that will enhance the gameday and year-round fan experience at M&T Stadium.
Al-Ahly Stadium
Cairo, Egypt
Gensler has developed a concept design for a world-class, ground-up stadium for the Al-Ahly football club that redefines the fan experience, drives economic growth, and sets a new benchmark in sports architecture globally.
Lenovo Center
Raleigh, North Carolina
Gensler is leading a dramatic transformation of the Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena), elevating it to a premier destination for sports and entertainment.
Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center
Fayetteville, Georgia
A new headquarters for the United States Soccer Federation unites elite training and hospitality within a timeless campus designed to elevate the game for generations.
1010 S Wells Street
Chicago, Illinois
1010 South Wells, a new, 22-story residential tower in Chicago’s South Loop, combines nature-infused, riverfront experiences with the perks of urban living.
Neveseno Apartments
Chicago, Illinois
CMK Companies engaged Gensler to design Neveseno Apartments, a residential building in Chicago’s vibrant South Loop neighborhood.
Reimagining North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Gensler and a team of key real estate leaders studied the innovations and interventions that could elevate the North Michigan Avenue experience.
Further Reading
Blog
Atlanta: Defining the Future of Global Sports and Entertainment Districts
A new playbook for sports and entertainment districts is emerging — and Atlanta is building it in real time.
Press Release
Gensler Expands Sports & Entertainment Leadership, Strengthening Presence Across Asia Pacific & Middle East
Elliott Pears steps into a new role, driving the next chapter of sports and entertainment design across the APME region.
Blog
Designing Women’s Sports Facilities for New Fans and Sponsors
Gensler Sports designers explain how women’s sports facilities are evolving to serve new audiences and opportunities.
Blog
Designing Soccer Training Centers for Peak Performance
Athlete-centered, data-rich performance campuses redefine excellence in the world’s game.
Blog
How the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Challenges Assumptions About Sports Design
Milan–Cortina 2026 will be held across multiple cities and fragile landscapes, creating a new model for large-scale sporting events.
Blog
Trends to Watch Shaping the Future of Sports
Gensler’s Sports leaders explore the design trends redefining the next era of sports design, from fan-first districts to athlete-driven spaces.
Blog
How Journey Mapping Shapes Design Opportunities for the User
Journey mapping helps teams visualize how users move through systems, spaces, and services over time, capturing not just what users do, but how they feel, what they expect, and where they encounter friction or delight.
Blog
The New Economics of Sports Venue Design
From NIL-driven college athletics to multi-tiered VIP lounges and mixed-use districts, sports venues are evolving into dynamic business ecosystems.
Blog
Where Champions Train
For the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces, world-class training and practice facilities helped propel them to the top of their game — and the league.
Blog
Designing a 24/7 Entertainment Hub in Reno
The Grand Sierra Resort Reno Arena is more than a sports venue; it’s a fully integrated destination built around seamless entertainment.
Press Release
Gensler Strengthens Global Sports Vision With High-Impact Leadership Additions
The new leaders are based in San Francisco and Kansas City — bringing in a new generation of expertise to deepen its investment in sports design.
Blog
The Power of Clean Air in Sports-Centered Design
In arenas, training centers, and stadiums, air quality is not just a comfort factor — it’s a competitive edge, affecting athletes’ ability to train, compete, and recover.
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