CHICAGO - The Chicago Fire has announced that it has partnered with the nation's leading Spanish-language network Univision Radio, to broadcast all 32 of the Fire's MLS matches via the network's local affiliate, WRTO "La Tremenda"1200 AM. The Fire has also announced that the club will once again team up with Polish language radio station WNVR 1030 AM Polskieradio for the eighth consecutive season. Additionally, for the second straight year, the Fire will broadcast all its games in English via the team's official website www.Chicago-Fire.com.
"We're very excited to once again team up with WRTO and WNVR," said Chicago Fire Director of Marketing Trent Sheridan. "The Fire is very committed to the Hispanic and Polish communities and this year marks the eighth consecutive year that we broadcast our games in both languages. We're thrilled with the addition of former Club America and Cruz Azul standout Adrian Camacho and sideline reporter Enrique Fernandez to our Spanish broadcasts, as they will bring a refreshing and insightful approach to our listeners."
"We're also pleased that, for the second straight year, we will be reaching out to our fans worldwide through our English-language broadcasts via the Fire's official website at Chicago-Fire.com."
For the first time in the club's history, the Fire has gathered a three-man crew for its Spanish radio broadcasts. Oscar Guzman, the "Voice of the Fire," returns as play-by-play announcer for the third consecutive season, while Enrique Fernandez returns for his second season on WRTO 1200 AM. Fernandez will be in charge of sideline reporting duties, getting exclusive commentary from the team during games and at the halftime mark.
The Fire is pleased to announce the addition of former Mexican international and Mexican First Division standout Adrian Camacho as the club's new color commentator. Camacho, a native of Mexico City, began his professional playing career with Cruz Azul in 1977, making an immediate impact by helping the "Cementeros" to back-to-back Mexican League Finals in 1977-78 and 1979-80 and scoring 63 goals during his nine-year tenure with the Mexico City club. In 1986 he joined Mexican powerhouse Club America, helping the "Azul Cremas" capture their 11th Mexican League title during the 1987-88season.
Camacho, 48, made 30 appearances with the Mexican National Team from 1980 to 1986, with the highlight of his international career coming in 1986 when he played at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico. He made his debut with the Mexican National Team in 1980, scoring two goals in a 5-1 win against the United States.
"I'm honored and excited to join such a fine soccer institution," said Camacho, who has lived in Chicago for 12 years. "The Fire is one of MLS's premier clubs and a team I've followed closely since its inception. I have a very good feeling this will be a great season for the team, based on several off-season acquisitions and with the arrival of so many international players. I'd like to thank the Fire for making me feel like part of the family already and for giving me the opportunity to return to professional soccer by way of the broadcasts. I look forward to an exciting season with the team."
The Fire has also announced that it has partnered with another Univision Radio affiliate, WVIV 103.1 FM and 93.5 FM "Viva" to handle the promotional end, while WRTO serves as the radio voice of the team. The promotional agreement between the Fire and WVIV will allow the station to conduct radio remotes from Soldier Field, featuring live cut-ins during programming. The live broadcasts on WRTO 1200 AM also include 15-minute pre and post-game shows.
Owned by Polnet Communications - the biggest Polish broadcaster in the United States - WNVR 1030 AM will serve as the team's official Polish language broadcast partner in 2005, carrying all 32 MLS matches. Jacek Zielinski will be broadcasting Fire matches for the eighth straight season. As part of the rights package, WNVR has announced that all 32 Fire broadcasts can be heard around the world via the internet at www.Polskieradio.com.
