CHICAGO, IL (Feb. 6, 2012) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club and Nicor Gas, a subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS), announced Monday a strategic multi-year partnership to support Nicor Gas’ Energy Efficiency Program and help guide consumer behavior toward more efficient uses of energy. Together, the Chicago Fire and the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program have created the “Take the Pledge” campaign in which Nicor Gas customers, contractors, Fire partners and fans pledge to reduce the ways they consume energy in their daily lives by small activities such as changing your furnace filter, using less water and reducing unnecessary heating and cooling.
“The Fire is excited to join forces with Nicor Gas this season,” said Fire President Julian Posada. “Nicor’s local campaign to raise consumer awareness about the importance of energy efficiency will surely inspire community leaders, business partners and Fire fans to become involved and make a difference.”
The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers cash rebates and energy efficiency tools to help Nicor Gas customers and businesses save energy and money. The “Take the Pledge” campaign reaches consumers of all ages with soccer clinics, creative kids’ contests and interactive volunteer activities in the Chicagoland community. As consumers make a commitment online to reduce their consumption, they become eligible for Program and Fire benefits.
As part of the partnership, Nicor Gas will provide educational opportunities at Toyota Park, and will be the presenting sponsor of “Take The Pledge Night” when the Fire take on Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. CT. “Take the Pledge” will be a major feature for passionate Fire fans that evening as the campaign gets underway.
“Our partnership with the Fire will provide the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program with a unique opportunity to engage with the 1.2 million soccer enthusiasts in the Chicagoland region, as well as businesses and other outstanding partners associated with the Fire” said Kevin Kirby, Vice President Energy Efficiency. “Like many families, my kids grew up playing soccer, and we see this as a great vehicle to bring the message of Energy Efficiency to those children’s families through the sports platform that is the Chicago Fire.”
The Fire host Opening Day at Toyota Park against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 24 at 7:30 PM CT. Chicago Fire Season Tickets are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473), via Ticketmaster or by heading to the club’s official website at Chicago-Fire.com.
