MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Enters Final Week of Preseason Training in Tucson, Ariz.

February 25, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO FIRE CONTINUE PURSUIT OF DESERT DIAMOND CUP

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club entered their final week of preseason training camp in Tucson, Ariz. as part of the Desert Diamond Cup.

Undefeated in six consecutive preseason matches, the Fire have scored 11 goals and conceded only one.

The Fire, who defeated fellow MLS side Colorado Rapids and USL-PDL side FC Tucson in Desert Diamond Cup play, next face long-time Eastern Conference foes New England Revolution on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 4:30 p.m. CT at the Kino Sports Complex. The match will be streamed live on www.chicago-fire.com/live.

Tickets for 2014 Desert Diamond Cup matches are available here.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER ANNOUNCES RESERVE LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Major League Soccer announced Monday the full 2014 MLS Reserve League schedule. The format of this year's reserve league features eight MLS teams competing in a single-table format.

Below is the Fire's 2014 Reserve League schedule:

Date Opponent Location Time (CT)

March 24 vs. New York Red Bulls Toyota Park Practice Field 10:00am

April 21 vs. Rochester Rhinos Toyota Park Stadium Field 11:00am

April 25 at Charlotte Eagles UNC-Charlotte 6:00pm

May 11 at New York Red Bulls Red Bull Training Facility 9:00am

May 18 vs. Richmond Kickers Toyota Park Stadium Field 4:30pm

June 21 at Wilmington Hammerheads Legion Stadium 6:30pm

August 17 at Montreal Impact TBD 9:00am

August 31 vs. FC Dallas Toyota Park Practice Field 10:00am

September 15 at FC Dallas Toyota Stadium Practice Field 10:00am

October 6 vs. Montreal Impact Toyota Park Practice Field 10:00am

The Reserve League schedule can also be found at http://www.chicago-fire.com/schedule/reserve

CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER CLUB NAMES WPWR MY50 CHICAGO AS OFFICIAL TELEVISION PARTNER FOR 2014

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Tuesday that WPWR My50 Chicago will once again be the official television broadcast partner of the Chicago Fire for the 2014 season. WPWR My50 Chicago will begin coverage of the Men in Red with the team's visit to take on the Portland Timbers at Providence Park Field in Portland, Ore., on Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m. CT.

In addition to the 26 matches available in HD on My50 Chicago, the Fire will appear on national broadcast partners NBC Sports Network (four games), ESPN (one game), ESPN2 (two games), Univision Deportes (one game) and UniMas (five games). Time Warner Cable SportsChannel is the "Wisconsin Television Home of the Chicago Fire" and will also carry 23 regionally telecast games in 2014.

Two familiar faces will return to the broadcast booth, with play-by-play announcer Dan Kelly who is returning for his fifth season, and color analyst Kevin Egan who is back for his second. There will be one new addition to the broadcast team in 2014 as Brooke Weisbrod will be introduced as the Club's new sideline reporter.

CHICAGO FIRE HOST OPENING DAY ON MARCH 23

The Fire will host 2013 MLS Supporters' Shield winners New York Red Bulls for Opening Day at Toyota Park, presented by Giordano's Chicago Pizza, on Sunday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. CT. The Men in Red will begin their 17th season two weeks prior on the road when they visit Chivas USA at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m. CT.

Single game tickets to the Fire's 17 MLS Regular Season home matches and to the July 26 international friendly against Barclay's Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur FC are now available via Ticketmaster and www.Chicago-Fire.com.

Throughout the season, Fire fans that enter Toyota Park early will have the first chance at exciting giveaways including a team poster on Opening Day, presented by Giordano's Chicago Pizza, a Fire scarf on April 19 vs. the New England Revolution, a Fire flag on July 19 at the Fire vs. Philadelphia Union match presented by Cricket Wireless, and dog tags for Military Appreciation Night, presented by TrueCar, when the Fire host the Columbus Crew on Aug. 2.

Fire fans can take advantage of concession discounts on select nights including $2 hot dogs on April 19, July 2 and Oct. 5. Fire fans 21 years and older can enjoy $2 beer on March 23, May 3 and Oct. 5.

Additional promotions and giveaways will be announced on a later date.

CHICAGO FIRE FOUNDATION TO HOLD 16TH ANNUAL SEASON KICKOFF LUNCHEON AND UNVEIL NEW PRIMARY KIT ON MARCH 4

The Chicago Fire Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, will hold its 16th Annual Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon on Tuesday, March 4 at 11:00 a.m. CT at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601).

The annual event, benefiting the Chicago Fire Foundation, offers Fire supporters the first opportunity to meet the 2014 Chicago Fire team and raise funds in the name of charity. In addition to interacting with Fire players, coaches and technical staff, the event includes a reception, lunch and silent auction where attendees can bid on autographed Fire and other sports memorabilia, gift certificates and much more.

In 2013, the Season Kickoff Luncheon raised more than $70,000 benefiting soccer and education programs for underprivileged Chicagoland youths.

The Fire will also unveil its new 2014 primary kit at the luncheon as part of the second annual MLS Jersey week. All event attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to both see and purchase the kit before its public release.

Tickets are on sale here or by calling (708) 496-6751. Individual tickets are $90 a person, with full tables for 10 guests at $850.

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