McDonald's and the Chicago Fire Football Club have announced a historic naming rights partnership that will christen the club's new stadium McDonald's Park, slated to open in 2028. The agreement marks the first time a global fast‑food brand has lent its name to a major soccer venue in the United States.
A Multi‑Use Destination for Sport and Culture
The 22,000‑seat arena will be designed to host a wide array of events, from MLS matches to concerts, festivals and corporate conferences. With a flexible capacity that can swell to 31,000 for special occasions, the stadium will serve as a year‑round hub for entertainment and community gatherings.
McDonald's will play an active role in shaping the fan experience, overseeing a flagship restaurant that showcases the brand's culinary heritage and creating immersive zones that blend food, technology and interactive play for visitors of all ages.
Expanding Opportunity Through the P.L.A.Y.S. Program
Central to the partnership is the expansion of the Chicago Fire's P.L.A.Y.S. Program, which uses soccer‑based curricula to improve academic performance and social‑emotional development for under‑resourced students. The initiative will reach more than 280 Chicago Public Schools, and by 2028 its footprint is expected to double, engaging roughly 140 schools and over 60,000 students.
The stadium's community impact will also address food insecurity through an annual meal‑packing and distribution effort, while a dedicated partnership with Ronald McDonald House will integrate charitable activities across matchday and broader community platforms.
A Shared Commitment to Youth and Community
Chris Kempczinski, chief executive of McDonald's, and Joe Mansueto, chairman of the Chicago Fire, joined club officials in unveiling the vision, emphasizing a joint dedication to sport, education and social responsibility. The Chicago Fire Foundation, already known for its work with disadvantaged youth, will leverage the new venue to amplify its outreach and philanthropic initiatives.
Beyond the stadium, McDonald's operates more than 45,000 restaurants in over 100 countries, underscoring the global reach of a partnership that ties a iconic American brand to one of the nation's most passionate soccer communities.