FIRE SIGN LEASE ON ROOSEVELT PARK GROUND: On Monday, Chicago Fire FC signed a lease with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) in Roosevelt Park for a new training facility. As part of the long-term lease agreement, the Fire will finance the development of the multi-million-dollar facility and provide an $8 million community investment to be used for the rehabilitation and preservation of nearby CHA housing and the creation of indoor and outdoor community spaces. Additionally, the Fire will provide long-term employment for community members, resources for minority and women-owned businesses, free sports programming for local youth, community green spaces, and more. The 23.3-acre site is generally bounded by Roosevelt Road, Ashland Avenue, 14th Street, and Loomis Street.
“The Chicago Fire, one of our city’s greatest sports teams, deserves to have a high-quality training facility that not only meets their needs but fosters the growth of talented athletes,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “This potential new facility will both fulfill this need and provide the surrounding West Side community with job opportunities, recreational activities, and community gathering spaces. Additionally, the millions of dollars in rental income generated by this project will support the CHA’s efforts to rehabilitate and build affordable housing in the surrounding areas.”
The new facility will feature a 53,000 square-foot, two-story performance center, two-and-a-half hybrid grass pitches and three synthetic turf pitches, providing a world-class training environment for the Fire’s professional and Academy players and staff. The hybrid grass pitches will feature a hydronic heating system, and the turf pitches will be protected by an insulated dome from November to March each year.
“Being a part of and giving back to Chicago is at the heart of the Chicago Fire Football Club ethos, and we are excited to put down roots on the Near West Side in the Roosevelt Square community,” said Chicago Fire FC Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto. “The development of our new facility will provide a state-of-the-art training environment for our players, coaches, and sporting staff. Our facility will also serve as a community programming home to the next generation of Chicagoans, bringing our city together through the sport of soccer. We look forward to getting underway and continuing our work with local residents on this project.”
Construction is set to begin later this Spring.
FIRE SIGN DEFENDER ACEVES ON LOAN: On Wednesday, the Fire signed defender Alonso Aceves on loan from Liga MX side Pachuca for the rest of the 2023 season with an option to purchase. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Aceves, 22 on March 28th, will fill an Under-22 initiative roster spot as well as an international spot. Last season, Aceves went on a loan spell with La Liga 2 side Real Oviedo.
CHICAGO FIRE II FIXTURE LIST RELEASED: On Tuesday, Chicago Fire II, the Fire’s MLS NEXT Pro side, announced its 28-match fixture list for 2023. They begin their season on Sunday, March 26th at Inter Miami II. Their home opener will be five days later against Toronto FC II at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. CF2 are managed by Ludovic Taillandier , alongside assistant coaches former Fire forward Patrick Nyarko and Gerson Pérez.
