CHICAGO (June 11, 2014) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced on Wednesday its plans to capitalize on the 2014 World Cup, including releasing a schedule of viewing parties in partnership with U.S. Soccer, rolling out a new local TV advertising campaign to air locally during the World Cup, as well as the launch the Fire’s online hub for the all things World Cup in Chicago, //www.chicago-fire.com/worldcup.
“With all eyes on Brazil for the next month, the 2014 World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the Fire,” said Chicago Fire Chief Operating Officer, Atul Khosla. “As fans of the global sport engage with us in-market, see our ads on TV or visit our website for news about the tournament, we hope to generate new interest in the Fire and attract more fans to Toyota Park for the rest of the season and beyond.”
Experiential viewing activations will be the focal point of the 2014 campaign and the Fire will join U.S. Soccer at Grant Park for the United States’ three games in the group stage and will activate at additional viewing parties at a variety of locations throughout the city. On Monday, June 16, U.S. Soccer and the Fire will be at Arvey Field in Grant Park from noon – 8 p.m. CT as the U.S. open their World Cup campaign against Ghana. Reigning MLS MVP Mike Magee and ESPN 1000 personality Carmen DeFalco will be guest bartending in the Bud Light tent from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Other Fire players and coaches are also scheduled to make appearances throughout the event.The festivities continue at Arvey Field from noon – 8 p.m. when the U.S. faces Portugal in their second match on Sunday, June 22 and concludes at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. when the U.S. wraps up group play against Germany.
Additionally, the Fire and the Fire Foundation have partnered with The Chop Shop (2033 W. North Ave.) and will activate at five viewing parties at the Wicker Park locale, beginning on Saturday, June 14 with the England vs. Italy and Uruguay vs. Costa Rica matches, and will conclude with the final on Sunday, July 13. Viewing locations will include select appearances by Fire players and activations including the Fire’s street team vehicle, Engine 97, complete with TVs and the opportunity to play 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil edition, raffles for autographed memorabilia, ticket giveaways and more. For more information on where the Fire will be activating during World Cup viewing parties, please visit //www.chicago-fire.com/worldcup/viewingparties.
In addition to the experiential elements of the campaign, the Fire will look to capitalize on the projected record-setting television audience by airing Fire commercials locally during World Cup broadcasts on ESPN. The Fire will also continue its expansive digital, social and Out of Home campaign that began earlier this season. For all Fire/World Cup-related information, please visit the newly launched//www.chicago-fire.com/worldcup.
Chicago Fire World Cup Viewing Activations:
<b>Date</b> |
<b>Match</b> |
<b>Match Times (CT)</b> |
<b>Event</b> |
<b>Location</b> |
<p class="p1">Sat., June 14</p> |
<p class="p1">England vs. Italy<br>
Ivory Coast vs. Japan</p> |
<p class="p1">5 p.m.<br>
8 p.m.</p> |
<p class="p1">Viewing Party</p> |
<p class="p1">The Chop Shop</p> |
<p class="p1">Sun., June 15</p> |
<p class="p1">Switzerland vs. Ecuador<br>
France vs. Honduras</p> |
<p class="p1">11 a.m.<br>
2 p.m.</p> |
<p class="p1">Viewing Party</p> |
<p class="p1">The Chop Shop</p> |
<p class="p1">Mon., June 16</p> |
<p class="p1">USA vs. Ghana</p> |
<p class="p1">5 p.m.</p> |
<p class="p1">U.S. Soccer Viewing Party</p> |
<p class="p1">Grant Park – Arvey Field</p> |
<p class="p1">Sun., June 22</p> |
<p class="p1">USA vs. Portugal</p> |
<p class="p1">5 p.m.</p> |
<p class="p1">U.S. Soccer Viewing Party</p> |
<p class="p1">Grant Park – Arvey Field</p> |
<p class="p1">Thurs., June 26</p> |
<p class="p1">USA vs. Germany</p> |
<p class="p1">11 a.m.</p> |
<p class="p1">U.S. Soccer Viewing Party</p> |
<p class="p1">Grant Park – Petrillo Bandshell</p> |
<p class="p1">Tues., July 8</p> |
<p class="p1">Semifinal #1</p> |
<p class="p1">3 p.m.</p> |
<p class="p1">Viewing Party</p> |
<p class="p1">The Chop Shop</p> |
<p class="p1">Wed., July 9</p> |
<p class="p1">Semifinal #2</p> |
<p class="p1">3 p.m.</p> |
<p class="p1">Viewing Party</p> |
<p class="p1">The Chop Shop</p> |
<p class="p1">Sun., July 13</p> |
<p class="p1">Final</p> |
<p class="p1">1 p.m.</p> |
<p class="p1">Viewing Party</p> |
<p class="p1">The Chop Shop</p> |
Viewing Party Location Details:
Grant Park – Arvey Field
Northeast corner of Columbus Drive and Roosevelt Road
Grant Park – Petrillo Music Shell
Northeast corner of Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard
The Chop Shop
2033 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
http://www.chopshopchi.com
Chicago Sports Complex
2600 W. 35th Street
Chicago, IL 60632
http://www.chicagosportcomplex.com/
