On Tuesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the Federal Transit Administration would invest $100.3 million into public transit systems “within host cities preparing to welcome millions of fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
We should have been one of those. We should have had some of that. We should be about to welcome some of those millions (assuming they still plan to come).
That’s especially true since the federal monies apparently are designated for “operating expenses,” meaning more trains, longer trains, cleaner stations, better security and extended operation hours. Those are all good things and things for which it is notoriously difficult to secure federal largesse. To most riders on the Chicago Transit Authority, though, they are far more important than the fancy new station going up at State and Lake at a cost well in excess of $400 million and, anyone now can witness, years of ugly disruption to Chicago’s pivotally important State Street corridor.
Instead, Chicago passed and the World Cup is going to Kansas City, which effectively pitched itself as “one of the soccer capitals of the U.S.,” and as the Guinness World Record holder for “the loudest crowd roar at an outdoor stadium.” Kansas City got six games for its efforts with huge economic benefits — presumably including an injection of cash for its modestly scaled KC Streetcar line, which carries all of about 1% of the riders who take to the CTA. Not bidding for the World Cup has proved to be an expensive mistake for Chicago, the full scale of which only now is becoming clear.
Still, the good news this week in Chicago was the groundbreaking for the new Chicago Fire stadium, privately funded to the tune of some $750 million by the Chicago Fire’s owner and chairman, Joe Mansueto.
The city owes Mansueto a debt of gratitude.
He understood that to have a world-class soccer organization, you have to develop your own stadium and he set about doing so, not politicking until the eleventh hour. This one will be the first new, major stadium in the city limits for decades. We think it will have a hugely positive impact on the Fire’s fanbase. Especially in the wake of the coming World Cup frenzy.
Tuesday also marked a new beginning for The 78, the new home of the Fire and a huge tract of land that (as we have lamented on this page for years) offers a pivotal connection to existing neighborhoods but has remained dormant for years. “For too long this stretch along the river has been empty,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, “yet it has been filled with so much potential.”
Quite right, Mr. Mayor. Don’t let those kvetching about so-called gentrification or the usual NIMBY concerns spoil your celebration. Community benefits will accrue. A vibrant 78 is crucial to the future growth of this great sporting city, especially heading south from the Loop. Now you have an anchor.
The stadium will only use a portion of the available space. We look forward to the announcements of Mansueto’s new neighbors.
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