The Chicago Fire announced Monday the development of a year-round soccer center that will be built in downtown Chicago.
Set to be built at the site of a vacant manufacturing building in the area of Addison Street and Talman Avenue, the 140,000 square-foot soccer center will sit on 4.7 acres of land and include two regulation size soccer fields and an air-supported dome -- the first of its kind within Chicago's city limits, according to Fire officials.
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According to the Fire, the center was created as an initiative to recognize and invest in the diverse soccer community and drive the soccer conversation in Chicago. The center will also provide access to neighboring schools, universities and recreational sports leagues. The development will include a 15,000-square-foot building for mixed-use field management offices, restaurant, retail and training.
“We are investing in this site to increase awareness of the organization and create more accessibility for both new and existing soccer fans," Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman said in a statement. "We want the Chicago Fire brand to have a positive impact on the community.”
The center is slated to open in the summer of 2014.
