With a devoted group of soccer fans, the Chicago Fire draw plenty of attention in the Midwest. Chicago Fire tickets enable spectators to enjoy the best in pro soccer competition.
Chicago Fire Tickets: Historical Overview
The Chicago Fire became a member of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1998. Initially, the Fire competed at Soldier Field. Since the middle of the 2006 campaign, the club has played its home outings at Toyota Park (capacity of 20,000) in Bridgeview, Illinois. The soccer-specific stadium is an outstanding venue for fans to enjoy all of the exciting MLS action.
In 13 years of MLS competition, the Fire has reached the playoffs on 11 occasions. The club has averaged about 15,000 fans per game at home since joining the league.
Chicago Fire Tickets: Memorable Highlights
In 1998, the Chicago Fire promptly won the MLS Cup in its first season of competition. At the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the Fire knocked off two-time defending MLS champion D.C. United by a final of 2-0. Standout offensive performer Piotr Nowak assisted on both goals in the victory. On defense, goalkeeper Zach Thornton blanked the United.
Chicago also reached the MLS Cup in 2000 and 2003. In the 2000 MLS title game, the Fire dropped a 1-0 decision to the Kansas City Wizards. Three years later, the club fell to the San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS Cup.
Over the years, several star players have emerged for the Fire. From 1998-2001, Nowak won three team MVP awards for the squad.
Ante Razov has been the most explosive offensive player in the history of the Fire. He won five Golden Boot (awarded to team leader in goals scored each season) trophies from 1998-2003. His 76 career goals are the most for any Fire player. Nowak has recorded the most all-time assists (48) for Chicago.
Longtime defenseman C.J. Brown leads the Fire in games and minutes played, while Thornton has posted the most shutouts in franchise history with 57.
In 2003, the club established a "Ring of Fire" to honor notable figures in the history of the organization. Nowak was selected as the first member of the group.
Chicago Fire Tickets: 2011 Schedule
In 2011, star defenseman Logan Pause will try to get the Chicago Fire back on the winning track. The club's home schedule will feature 17 contests this season. Chicago Fire tickets are always a big hit.