Chicago Fire Soccer has announced that Chicago Fire players from the 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup-winning squad will be awarded their championship rings on Saturday, June 9. Fans may want to ensure they get to their seats early before the Chicago Fire-Chivas USA game (7:30 p.m. CT, Fox Soccer Channel), as the "Men in Red" will be honored prior to the start of the match, in celebration of the club's MLS-record fourth championship in the single-elimination knockout competition.
A highlight video tribute to the Fire's run to cup victory will be shown, with team President/CEO John Guppy on hand to present each winning player and coach with their rings. The Chicago Fire clinched their fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title on Sept. 27, 2006, defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 at TOYOTA PARK.
The 2006 U.S. Open Cup Championship ring was designed by Howard Kaplan, of Henry Kay Jewelers, and features the classic styling of the Chicago Fire crest with "2006" shown distinctly on top. Four jewels and four stars are embedded in the design, representing the Fire's four overall titles. With the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup logo on one side and a representation of TOYOTA PARK on the other, the ring has a strong, timeless look that, combined with each wearer's last name, will make a proud celebratory piece for years to come.
