Partnership Includes Shedd Takeover of a Fire Game on Earth Day Weekend
CHICAGO (April 19, 2024) – Chicago Fire FC and Shedd Aquarium today announced a new partnership to cross-promote the unique entertainment, cultural, and educational experiences available in one visit to Museum Campus. Together, the Fire and Shedd will collaborate to create unique programming and storytelling at both the aquarium and Soldier Field, including a Shedd takeover of the Chicago Fire match on Saturday, April 20 versus Real Salt Lake – just days ahead of Earth Day.
Together, the Fire and Shedd will work together to create experiential events, both at the aquarium and in-stadium at Soldier Field for fans, customers, and staff. Through email marketing, social media, digital advertising, and more, the Fire and Shedd will work together to digitally cross-promote upcoming events, exhibits, and programming. Both organizations will also benefit from on-site venue integration, with the Shedd receiving LED and videoboard signage, along with in-stadium activation space during select Fire home matches at Soldier Field, and the Fire receiving advertising on-site at Shedd and the ability to promote.
“Chicago Fire FC is extremely excited to be joining with the historic Shedd Aquarium on a new one-of-a-kind partnership,” said Chicago Fire FC President of Business Operations Dave Baldwin. “Together, we can create an alliance that offers expanded reach and unique programming, while growing our stewardship within the Chicago community and showing the world the best this wonderful city has to offer. Additionally, we’re thrilled to be unveiling this partnership during MLS Greener Goals Week of Service, where our Club has been able to support organizations such as Shedd in their conservation and sustainability efforts to offset the harm done to the environment.”
Additionally, the Fire and Shedd will work together to create a Shedd Aquarium takeover at Soldier Field. Shedd Aquarium Day will take place on April 20 during the Fire’s home match versus Real Salt Lake, chosen to align with the celebration of Earth Day on April 22. This year, Earth Day’s global theme is “Planet vs. Plastic,” so Shedd will share important conservation and plastic reduction tips from the aquarium’s Let’s Shedd Plastic program on the rotational video board and concourse television throughout the match and will also create a special, aquatic-themed halftime experience for select fans.
During the Shedd Aquarium Day match, the Club will embrace the plastic sustainability message by wearing the annual “One Planet” pre-match jerseys – unveiled each year by Major League Soccer and Adidas. The “One Planet” jerseys are made of a recycled material created from reimagined plastic waste, and are part of MLS’ Greener Goals campaign, a commitment to taking steps to address its environmental impacts and raise awareness of sustainability initiatives within local communities.
“In many ways, Earth Day is our World Cup – when the world turns its attention to our planet – and we are thrilled to partner with Chicago Fire FC to spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world through this dynamic partnership with our neighbors,” said Dr. Bridget Coughlin, president and CEO of Shedd Aquarium. “At the same time, we get the chance to showcase to our guests all the incredible ways that the Fire is getting Chicagoans outside and making soccer accessible to fans of all ages.”
Shedd Aquarium Day at Soldier Field will take place during the Fire’s match versus Real Salt Lake on April 20 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are available starting at $29 and can be purchased HERE via Ticketmaster.com or by calling 888-MLS-FIRE. The match will be broadcast globally on Apple TV, streamed in English on wlsam.com, and transmitted locally in Spanish on WRTO 1200 AM.
For additional information on Chicago Fire FC, including information on the 2024 MLS Season, please visit: chicagofirefc.com. For regular Club updates, follow Chicago Fire FC on Twitter (@chicagofire and @vamosfire using hashtags #CF97 and #VamosFire), Instagram (@chicagofire), TikTok (@chicagofire), and Facebook at facebook.com/chicagofire/.
About Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is a recognized leader in animal care, education, conservation and science that sparks compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. Every year, Shedd serves as a portal for millions of guests, bringing them eye-to-eye with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons, coral reefs, kelp forests and countless other species from around the world. An accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the organization is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and supported by the people of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Park District. www.sheddaquarium.org
