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MLS Chicago Fire FC

LaSalle Bank Extends Fire Partnership; Becomes First Partner to Commit for First Two Seasons at New

March 20, 2003 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (Thursday, March 20, 2003) -- The Chicago Fire today announced that LaSalle Bank will continue to serve as the "Official Bank of the Fire" through the 2005 season. With the agreement, LaSalle Bank becomes the first partner to commit to the Chicago Fire for the team's first two seasons at the renovated Soldier Field.

LaSalle Bank has been one of five "Fire Community Partners" since the team's 1999 campaign. Key elements of LaSalle's relationship with the Fire include:

* Sponsorship of many Fire youth programs, including the LaSalle Bank Youth Tunnel, where young soccer players salute both teams before every game.
* Monthly LaSalle Bank Family Nights, when families enjoy an all-you-can-eat pre-game buffet and game tickets for just $20/person.
* Two title nights/season, including Team Photo Night and this year's Tribute to Peter Nowak.
* Stadium & media presence, including television, radio and print advertising.

"The Fire has always believed that the Fire's community and business opportunities would be fulfilled by a limited number of quality community partners," said Assistant General Manager Steve Pastorino. "We are grateful to LaSalle Bank for their ongoing commitment to soccer and the Fire."

In 2003, LaSalle Bank intends to increase the Hispanic focus of its partnership. LaSalle Bank will provide shuttle service on each of its two title nights from its brand-new Pilsen branch at 30th & Kedzie, with the goal of offering expanded service to the new Soldier Field beginning in 2004.

"LaSalle Bank is pleased to extend our partnership with the Chicago Fire and to be a part of the team's first few years at the renovated Soldier Field," said John Tomick, LaSalle's Group Senior Vice President - Head of Retail Marketing. "This relationship gives the LaSalle name excellent exposure while providing unique opportunities for children and families that come to watch this great Chicago sports franchise."

Entering its sixth Major League Soccer (MLS) season, the Chicago Fire was founded on October 8, 1997 as an expansion team. The Fire captured the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in the team's inaugural season in 1998. The Fire also won the 2000 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and 2000 and 2001 MLS Central Division titles.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 20, 2003


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