CHICAGO (September 20, 2023) – Chicago Fire FC today announced the launch of the Hispanic Heritage Commemorative Jersey Auction, with all proceeds benefitting the Chicago Fire Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program. The jerseys, which will be worn by Fire players during the Club’s Sept. 23 Hispanic Heritage Night match versus the New England Revolution, and autographed post-match, feature limited-edition, specially designed numbers on the back of the jersey, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Auction opened this morning at 10:00 a.m. CT and will close at the end of halftime during the Sept. 23 match.
Designed in the Fire’s red, white, and blue color scheme, the jerseys feature intricately designed numbers, with a motif consisting of florals, guitars, candles, sombreros, and crosses, inspired by the calaveras (skulls) of Día De Los Muertos. Widely observed in Mexico, Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, in remembrance of friends and family members who have died; a holiday where mourning is exchanged for celebration. Día De Los Muertos is often recognized for its brightly and elaborately decorated calaveras – sugar skulls – placed as ofrendas – offerings – to loved ones. The Fire’s Commemorative Jerseys have been designed to honor the City of Chicago’s large Mexican population and their rich culture and heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month.
All proceeds from the Hispanic Heritage Commemorative Jersey Auction will benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation to support the organization’s ongoing work in the Chicagoland community and will be used to support the Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S. Program. The Chicago Fire Foundation P.L.A.Y.S. Program is committed to enhancing the academic performance and development of key social and emotional (SEL) skills of elementary school students through a sports-based curriculum, curriculum, serving more than 1,200 youth annually. The P.L.A.Y.S. Program not only teaches soccer skills, but also explicitly teaches SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) traits and values such as emotional control, goal setting and attainment, cooperation and respect and communication and teamwork.
The Hispanic Heritage Commemorative Jersey Auction, officially launching today and running through the end of halftime during the Sept. 23 match, will feature jerseys from all First Team players. Fans can visit jersey.givesmart.com or text “jersey” to 76278 to place a bid or can visit the Chicago Fire Foundation’s table located at Section 138 near the Midway Club during the Sept. 23 match, where Foundation staff will be onsite to assist in bidding. All payments will be processed through an online system – no cash, checks or onsite payments will be accepted. Winning bidders who will be present at the match will have the opportunity to have their jersey signed in-person by the corresponding player. Winning bidders who are unable to attend the match will have their autographed jersey mailed to them. For more information on the Hispanic Heritage Commemorative Jersey Auction, please click here.
The Fire return to the lakefront on Sept. 23 as the Club hosts the New England Revolution at Soldier Field at 7:30 p.m. CT. Join the Fire for the Club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night during the Sept. 23 match against New England. One of this season's most anticipated giveaways, the first 5,000 fans to enter Soldier Field will receive a Fire-themed Luchador Mask as part of the night's festivities! Be there as the Fire recognize the incredible contributions and rich culture of Chicago's Hispanic community. The match will be broadcast on Apple TV, transmitted locally on WLS-AM 890 in English and in Spanish on TUDN 1200 AM. Tickets for the Fire’s Sept. 23 Hispanic Heritage Night match versus New England are available for purchase here.
