One of the marquee events on the annual Chicago Fire calendar, the Season Kickoff Luncheon is a unique event that brings together Fire fans, sponsors and the first team to officially kick off the season while raising much needed funds for the Chicago Fire Foundation. Entering its 16th year, the Chicago Fire Foundation is the non-profit organization that helps the Chicago Fire contribute to the community.
Now in its 15th edition, the Season Kickoff Luncheon has grown from a 400 people affair that raised $22,000 in its first year to the 2012 edition, in which the Chicago Fire Foundation hosted its largest luncheon to date, with a sellout crowd of nearly 800 people raising more than $80,000 to benefit soccer and education programs for underprivileged Chicagoland youths.
With the entire First team schedule to attend, the Luncheon is a unique opportunity for fans to interact with Fire players and coaches just days before Opening Night at Toyota Park.
In addition to interacting with Fire players, coaches and technical staff, the event includes a reception, lunch and silent auction where attendees can bid on autographed Fire and other sports memorabilia, gift certificates and much more, including a trip to Hawaii.
This year, U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati will deliver the keynote address to help kick of the Fire’s 16th season. Gulati, who former USSF president and MLS founder Alan Rothenberg called “the single most important person in the development of soccer in this country,” was elected as president of U.S. Soccer in March 2006, continuing a career in soccer in the United States that has spanned more than 30 years
Tickets for the 2013 Chicago Fire Season Kickoff Luncheon are still available but are going fast. Tickets start at $80 a person, with full tables for 10 guests at $750. The first 20 tables purchased for $850 will be seated with a member of the Fire first team or coaching staff. Tickets are available here or by calling (708) 496-6751.
