MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago's Own Jim Belushi To Be Featured Guest At 2009 Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon

March 5, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (March 5, 2009) - The Chicago Fire announced today that Chicago native Jim Belushi-venerable comedian and television, film and music star-will be a special guest at the 2009 Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon on March 24, 2009 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel. The annual event introduces Fire players to fans for the upcoming MLS season and serves as a fundraiser for the club's FireWorks for Kids Foundation.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Chicago native Jim Belushi as our special guest at the 2009 Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon," said Chicago Fire President Dave Greeley. "Jim is a true Chicago sports fan and a tremendous supporter of the Fire. He is an extraordinarily talented and funny entertainer and is sure to bring new energy and excitement to this year's program, making this the most exciting season kickoff in our 11 year history."

A proud Chicagoan, Belushi has been a favorite of film, television and stage audiences for more than 30 years, one of the great leading actors equally at home in drama and comedy, and a gifted performer who can also hold a room as a front man of the rhythm and blues band.

Born in Chicago, Belushi grew up in Wheaton, Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University. Belushi spent four years as a resident member of Chicago's famed The Second City Theater and was later a cast member on NBC's Saturday Night Live. He currently serves as executive producer, music composer, director, and star in the ABC hit show According to Jim. Just having wrapped 182 episodes for its eighth and final season, the family favorite series also hit a milestone when it launched into off-net syndication in 2007. Belushi has also starred in numerous feature films, including About Last Night, Curly Sue, The Principal, Thief, and Return to Me, amongst many others. Most recently, Belushi traveled to Berlin to shoot the part of a hard-talking publisher in Roman Polanski's The Ghost. Additionally, Belushi has leant his voice to hundreds of animated television shows and features including The Wild, Hoodwinked,The Mighty Ducks, The Tick, AAAHH! Real Monsters, Scooby Doo, and Superman. Belushi also enjoys performing with his band, the Sacred Hearts.

Tickets for the 2009 Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon are $65, with tables of 10 priced at $600, with all proceeds benefiting the FireWorks for Kids Foundation. As in the past, the first 20 full tables of 10 purchased will have the opportunity to sit with a Chicago Fire player. For more information about the 2009 Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon, please visit www.chicago-fire.com. To purchase tickets for the event, please call 708-496-6740.

The Chicago Fire begin their 12th season of play in Major League Soccer against FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park on Saturday, March 21 and host the New York Red Bulls for their exciting home opener at TOYOTA PARK on Sunday, April 5 at 2 p.m. CT. Season Ticket Packages and Ten Game Plans are available now by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE, e-mailing ticketsales@chicago-fire.com, or clinking on the TICKETS link of the club's official website, www.chicago-fire.com.

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