Chicago Construction News staff writer
Chicago Fire FC has selected Boldyn Networks to design and deploy the communications infrastructure for McDonald’s Park, the club’s new soccer-specific stadium under construction in Chicago’s South Loop.
The privately funded stadium is scheduled to open in 2028 and will serve as the anchor of The 78, a major mixed-use development in the South Loop. The venue is planned as a year-round entertainment destination in addition to being the new home of the Major League Soccer club.
Boldyn will build a converged network designed to support wireless connectivity, venue operations, broadcasting, security and digital services throughout the stadium.
The deployment will include a neutral-host 5G distributed antenna system (DAS) capable of supporting all major wireless carriers, along with high-density Wi-Fi throughout the seating bowl, suites, clubs, concourses and outdoor gathering areas.
A converged fibre backbone will connect the stadium’s technology systems, supporting broadcast operations, security systems and fan-facing digital services. The network architecture is also being designed to accommodate 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Internet of Things (IoT) applications and emerging digital technologies.
Boldyn will also provide integrated network management capabilities for real-time visibility, performance monitoring and reliability across the system.
“As we prepare McDonald’s Park to become a new landmark for the city, having the right connectivity partner will be critical in delivering a world-class experience,” Goyo Perez, chief partnership officer at Chicago Fire FC, said in a statement. “We are confident that we’re in the best hands with Boldyn Networks, who brings the expertise and innovation needed to elevate our new stadium.”
The network is being designed as long-term infrastructure rather than a system limited to the stadium’s opening-day requirements. According to Boldyn, the architecture is intended to remain scalable for more than a decade, allowing the club to add technologies as connectivity requirements evolve.
The infrastructure will also support the stadium’s commercial and operational systems, including digital concessions and merchandise, premium experiences, sponsorship opportunities and fan-engagement applications.
“Chicago is one of the most important sports and entertainment markets in the United States and the continued growth of soccer here demands a venue built for the future,” Jason Caliento, Boldyn Networks’ chief commercial officer for the U.S., said in a statement.
Boldyn is an established connectivity supplier to MLS stadium projects. Its work includes distributed antenna system deployments at Inter Miami CF’s new Nu Stadium and BMO Stadium, home of LAFC. The company is also working on Etihad Park, the upcoming home of New York City FC, which is scheduled to open in summer 2027.
McDonald’s Park is part of a broader development underway at The 78. Chicago Fire FC recently began construction on the stadium, which will replace Soldier Field as the club’s home.
The stadium is being developed as a soccer-specific venue and is expected to become a year-round facility, with its technology infrastructure designed to support both sporting events and other entertainment uses.
Chicago Fire FC currently plays at Soldier Field and trains at the Endeavor Health Performance Center, a $100-million training facility that opened in 2025.
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