CHICAGO (February 16, 2024) – After several seasons in navy blue, Chicago Fire FC and Carvana unveiled the “Return to Red” Kit during an event at Moonlight Studios last night ahead of the 2024 MLS regular season.
The official unveiling event marked the start of a new era and the Fire’s widely anticipated return to its iconic kits in red – a color deeply embedded in the team's identity and hearts of its supporters since its inaugural season in 1998 when the Club won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup, earning the “Double” and gaining the nickname “Men in Red.”
The Fire’s 2024 “Return to Red” kits are available now on MLSStore.com and will be available for purchase on Saturday Mar. 2 at Soldier Field for the Club’s home opener. For the Fire’s most passionate fans who are looking to get a head start on cheering on the Men in Red, “Return to Red” kits will be on sale at the Fire Pitch (located at 3526 N. Talman Ave.) beginning today at 10:00 a.m. CT.
For media assets from the Official “Return to Red” Launch Event, CLICK HERE.
The choice to return to the classic red kits embodies the fiery spirit and collective determination of Chicago Fire players, fans, and the City of Chicago. A mix of the historic red look, with a modern flare to reflect the current team, the jersey symbolizes Chicago's pride and forges a bond that extends beyond soccer. Returning to red is not just about a return to the Club’s roots; while serving as a nod to the Fire’s glorious past and a celebration of a passionate fan base, the return to red is a commitment to getting the Club back to where it belongs. The “Return to Red” kit represents a legacy reborn – the Men in Red are back, and here for all Chicago.
The “Return to Red” kit is heavily influenced by early Chicago Fire FC kits – a fire red base, a prominent white bar across the front of the chest with Chicago flag blue borders, and white stripes across the shoulders, around the sleeves, and around the neck. What distinguishes the “Return to Red” kit from its predecessors is detailing under the arms, along the sides, and along the bottom edge of the kit, featuring a deep red star pattern, honoring the Second Star representative of the Great Chicago Fire, the Club’s namesake.
Originally launched in October 2021 along with a new brand identity, “A Crest for All Chicago” was designed in collaboration with the Club’s fans and integrates colors from the city’s official flag. The crest includes one of the four stars – the Second Star – in the center of the crest.
“Chicago Fire FC is extremely excited to officially launch the ‘Return to Red’ kit,” said Chicago Fire FC President of Business Operations Dave Baldwin. “We’ve heard our fans and understood their desire to return to the Club’s roots as we move forward into a new era. The Club also couldn’t be prouder to partner with Carvana and to wear their name across the front of our kits for years to come.”
"Working closely with adidas and MLS, we’ve designed a jersey that not only represents our return to the beloved red but also encapsulates the spirit and energy of Chicago," said Chicago Fire FC Chief Marketing Officer Dan Moriarty. “We are thrilled to finally share the ‘Return to Red’ Kit with our fans who have been eagerly awaiting our return to our historic roots and see this as a continuation of A Crest for All Chicago.”
In December 2023 the Fire announced that Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used vehicles online, joined as the primary sponsor for a multi-year partnership. Carvana joins the Fire as their Front Kit Partner, as well as being named the Club’s Official Online Auto Retailer Partner and Presenting Partner of the Chicago Fire FC Regular Season. Through the multiyear agreement, Carvana will become an integral part of the Fire’s 2024 campaign, appearing across the First Team, MLS NEXT Pro (Chicago Fire II), and Chicago Fire Academy team jerseys, and working with the Club to bring new community engagement, youth sports and school programming initiatives, and special experiences for local residents and Chicago Fire Season Ticket Members.
Chicago’s 2024 regular season campaign, driven by Carvana, will begin on the road against the Philadelphia Union at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. The following weekend, the Fire will open at home, hosting 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati on March 2 at 7:30 p.m. CT at Soldier Field. Tickets are available starting at $29 and can be purchased hereviaTicketmaster.comor by calling 888-MLS-FIRE.
For additional information on Chicago Fire FC, including information on the upcoming 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/.
