Fire supporters challenged to beat Columbus Crew in a Nov. 14 Chicago blood drive in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois
Chicago Fire FC and Versiti Blood Center of Illinois are partnering for their annual blood drive and raising the stakes this year with an inaugural Blood Battle hosted by Chicago Fire FC and Columbus Crew. Timed around the Saturday, Nov. 7 Major League Soccer match between the two Clubs, the friendly competition will challenge fans of both Clubs to roll up their sleeves, rally behind their team and donate blood in their respective communities.
The rivalry kicks off Thursday, Nov. 5, when Columbus Crew supporters make the first move at their blood drive in Columbus, Ohio. The excitement builds as the two Clubs face off in a regular-season MLS match on Saturday, Nov. 7. On the heels of matchday, Chicago Fire FC will call on its own community to turn its passion for soccer into lifesaving action and give Columbus a run for its money. Chicago fans can register for the blood drive, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT at the Endeavor Health Performance Center (1532 W. 14th St., Chicago, Ill.).
“At Chicago Fire FC, we're committed to using the power of soccer to make a meaningful impact in our community,” said Goyo Perez, Chief Partnership Officer at Chicago Fire FC. “Our partnership with Versiti gives Fire fans, partners and staff an opportunity to come together and support those in need across the Chicagoland area. We’re proud to help create another avenue for giving back and to foster a friendly competition with the first-ever Blood Battle.”
Every eligible unit of blood collected counts toward each Club's total, with the team collecting the most units claiming the inaugural Blood Battle title. The blood drive is open to eligible donors, including first-time donors and fans. All participants will have the opportunity to interact with Chicago Fire FC players and Sparky the mascot, and will be entered for a chance to win one set of tickets to an upcoming Chicago Fire FC playoff match, as the team prepares for its first back-to-back postseason run since 2009.
The Blood Battle champion will be announced Monday, Nov. 16, giving fans one more reason to compete for bragging rights. But the biggest win won't be decided on the pitch or the scoreboard. Blood donations help patients who are undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from traumatic injuries, facing surgery or managing other medical needs. No matter which Club takes home the title, every donor can make a lifesaving difference for patients and families.
“Chicago Fire FC fans know how to bring the heat, and now they have a chance to bring that same energy to the blood drive by donating blood and saving lives in their community,” said Shelley Whitsey Mitchell, senior director of blood services at Versiti Blood Center of Illinois. “We love a good rivalry, especially when everyone wins. Whether you're cheering from the stands or rolling up your sleeve, this is a chance to show your team spirit and make a lifesaving difference. The bragging rights are fun, but helping patients is the real goal.”
Chicago Fire FC Blood Battle
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
- Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT
- Location: Endeavor Health Performance Center (1532 W. 14th St., Chicago)
- Registration: https://versiti.org/get-involved/featured-blood-drives/crew-vs-fire-blood-battle
For regular Club updates, follow Chicago Fire FC on X (@chicagofire using the hashtag #cf97), Instagram (@chicagofire), TikTok (@chicagofire), Facebook (@chicagofire), Threads (@chicagofire) and Bluesky (@chicagofire.bsky.social).
For more information on Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, visit versiti.org or follow on LinkedIn, Facebook (@VersitiBloodCenterofIllinois), and Instagram (@VersitiBloodCenterofIllinois).
About Chicago Fire Football Club
Chicago Fire FC is entering a defining new era in its history. Founded in 1997 as one of Major League Soccer’s first expansion franchises, the Club is currently undergoing a historic transformation under the ownership of Joe Mansueto. In recent years, the Fire have returned to iconic Soldier Field, opened the $100 million state-of-the-art Endeavor Health Performance Center, established their headquarters in the landmark Wrigley Building, and broke ground on McDonald’s Park, a privately-funded, soccer-specific stadium downtown that will redefine the fan experience and cement the Club’s future in the heart of the city.
In both 2025 and 2026, the First Team clinched back-to-back postseason runs for the first time since 2009. Established on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire have won six major domestic trophies, including the 1998 MLS Cup, four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups in 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006, and the 2003 Supporters’ Shield. The Club’s development pathway includes Chicago Fire II, which competes in MLS NEXT Pro, and the Chicago Fire Academy, featuring five teams from U-13 to U-18.
Off the field, the Chicago Fire Foundation, internationally recognized as ESPN’s 2019 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, has invested more than $10 million back to the community to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth throughout Chicagoland. For more information, visit chicagofirefc.com.
About Versiti Blood Center of Illinois
Versiti Blood Center of Illinois is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Aurora, IL that specializes in blood products and services and provides expert medical and technical support. Founded in 1943, it is the oldest blood center in Illinois and serves patients at more than 85 hospitals in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. It operates 12 donor centers and conducts nearly 2,200 blood drives annually at area hospitals, churches, businesses, schools and community centers. To learn more, visit Versiti.org.
