Fleet Fields stands out by offering completely free, first-come, first-served access. The space is typically open from 8 am to 11 pm, seven days a week. This ensures anyone, from youth athletes to working adults, can drop in to train, compete, or simply enjoy the game. With no formal gate or fence, the courts blend naturally into the urban park space around Lincoln Yards.
Programming for All Ages and Levels
Throughout the year, Fleet Fields hosts a range of programming. Local nonprofits and community groups organize youth clinics, 5-a-side tournaments, and skill development sessions. On evenings and weekends, the fields draw pickup groups using informal scheduling apps or open community invites. Pop-up coaching events and city-led youth outreach programs are also regularly held on-site.
Pickup Soccer Culture Thrives
Fleet Fields has helped foster a new chapter in Chicago’s pickup soccer scene. Players come from all over the city, some bringing cones and small goals, others jumping into quick 3v3 or 5v5 games. Community Instagram groups post updates about evening meetups, and there’s often a mix of seasoned players and total beginners sharing the court. The court size, energy, and setting make Fleet Fields feel more like a neighborhood gathering place than a traditional sports facility.
Designed for Durability and Fast Play
The SoccerGround Advanced system used at Fleet Fields includes high-strength rebound boards and a smooth, sport-specific surface ideal for futsal and street soccer. This setup encourages a fast-paced game that’s both fun and skill-building, whether you're playing one-touch passes or honing your dribbling in tight spaces.
Community-Driven and Developer-Funded
This project was funded and activated by Sterling Bay as part of the broader Lincoln Yards development. The goal was to give something back to the neighborhood immediately, long before the rest of the surrounding infrastructure is built. By transforming underused land into a vibrant community hub, Fleet Fields has become a model for public-private partnerships in urban sports development.
A Template for Urban Soccer Activation
Fleet Fields proves that even temporary or transitional spaces can become long-lasting assets. Whether you're walking your dog along the river, watching a weekend tournament, or jumping into a game after work, the mini-pitches at Lincoln Yards have created a special rhythm of community, sport, and connection in Chicago.
Product info: 2 x SoccerGround Advanced 68' x 42' incl. goals 9'8'' x 6'5''