The Chicago Fire and Village of Bridgeview have agreed to an amended stadium lease, allowing the Fire to play future home games at venues outside of SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, the club announced Tuesday.
The deal includes "a significant contribution" from the Fire toward the development of a multi-sport recreation and entertainment center in Bridgeview.
“We are grateful to Mayor Landek and the residents of Bridgeview for our partnership,” Fire owner and chairman Andrew Hauptman said in a statement. “We’re glad we are able to strengthen our relationship while exposing even more fans to our Club and world-class soccer in a more centrally located Chicago stadium. Today marks the next chapter in the growth of the Club and the opportunity to play for more fans than ever in one of the world’s great cities."
The Fire will contribute $5 million per year to Bridgeview and have agreed to pay $60.5 million over the remaining term of the lease, with an upfront payment of $10 million.
“SeatGeek Stadium will now have year-round availability for consistent high-revenue generating entertainment events for years to come,” said Mayor Landek. “Additionally, the expanded recreation venue will create even more growth opportunities for the Village. I’m extremely excited about the benefits this agreement will bring to our community and for the future of a sports team that all of us in Bridgeview and the region have come to love.”
