Get tickets
CHICAGO - The Chicago Fire and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) have announced the public on-sale for the upcoming Mexico vs. Paraguay international friendly, to be held next month at Soldier Field. Tickets for the match between the two 2006 FIFA World Cup contenders will go on-sale beginning on Friday, Feb. 24 at 10:00 a.m. The match, set for Wednesday, Mar. 29, will kickoff at 8:00 p.m. from Soldier Field.
In an effort to celebrate the pre-World Cup match between the two Latin American countries, the Fire has introduced a special two-game package that includes tickets to the Mar. 29 friendly as well as a regular season Fire game during the clubs inaugural season in Bridgeview. For information on the Fire's two-game package, available now, please call 1-888-MLS-FIRE.
Fans can purchase tickets beginning Feb. 24 by calling Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Fire offices at 980 N. Michigan, Suite 1998 in Chicago Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com.
Mexico's visit to Chicago is part of the third consecutive edition of the Coca-Cola Presents Real Mexican Soccer Tour and will mark Mexico's fourth U.S. stop this year. Following last night's 1-0 loss to the Republic of Korea, the Tricolores will next face African power Ghana on Wednesday, Mar. 1 in Dallas at Pizza Hut Park. The Mexican National Team's last visit to Chicago came on Apr. 27, 2005, as the squad faced Poland in a 1-1 draw before 54,427 fans at Soldier Field.
Fire Joins Forces with Mexican World Cup Legend Enrique Borja
The Chicago Fire also announced today that it has teamed up with former Mexican World Cup star Enrique Borja and his firm, ProSport, to promote this year's inaugural Primer Torneo Mexicana, a soccer tournament to be held in 15 U.S. cities, including Chicago. The round-robin tournament will consist of 24 male and 24 female teams (ages 15-19) competing in each of the 15 U.S. cities with the finals culminating in Mexico.
"The Fire is delighted to work with Mr. Borja and his team at ProSport on this important project that will help young, aspiring soccer players come closer to their dreams," said Fire President/CEO John Guppy. "We are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Primer Torneo Mexicana and look forward to helping identify and promote tomorrows soccer stars."
As part of the partnership, a member of the Fire's coaching staff will help scout talent during the tournament in Chicago, to be held in April and May at Moraine Valley Community College in Chicagos Southland region. The winning Chicago teams (male and female) will also be recognized prior to a Fire game at the clubs new home in Bridgeview this summer.
One of the most beloved and talented strikers in Mexican soccer history, Mr. Borja enjoyed a brilliant career with two of the most storied Mexican franchises, UNAM Pumas and Club America. Mr. Borja, who represented Mexico at the 1966 (England) and 1970 (Mexico) World Cups, is a former President of the Mexican Soccer Federation and former president of Mexican First Division powers Necaxa and Tigres. He also served on FIFAs Organizing Committee during the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup.
"We are honored and encouraged by the Fires participation in our very first Primer Torneo Mexicana," said Enrique Borja. "The talent in this country is growing every day and we feel that it is important that we help scout and reward these talented, young players. It's an exciting year for soccer, and we could not be more pleased to have one of Major League Soccers elite teams helping us with our efforts."
For more information, please visit the tournaments official website, www.torneomexicana.com.
