Partnership kicks off at Sept. 27 match
CHICAGO – [September 25, 2025] – Versiti Blood Center of Illinois has officially joined Chicago Fire FC as a Proud Partner, uniting two Chicago institutions in a shared mission: to make every drop count and save lives in our city. This partnership kicks off with a special matchday activation on Sept. 27, when the Chicago Fire face the Columbus Crew. Fans attending the match will be able to engage with Versiti, learn more about how they can make a difference and make an appointment to donate.
This collaboration marks the launch of the first-ever team-sponsored blood drive in Chicago Fire history, with the “Bleed Red Blood Drive” scheduled for Dec. 6 at the Endeavor Health Performance Center. Donors will have the chance to win exclusive Chicago Fire swag, including scarves, T-shirts and match tickets. Throughout the season, Versiti and the Chicago Fire will host additional events and giveaways, including free tickets to the Sept. 27 match for donors at select mobile blood drives.
“From the pitch to the patient, this is Chicago showing up for Chicago,” said Gretchen Jameson, Ed.D., executive vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for Versiti Blood Centers. “Partnering with Chicago Fire lets us meet new supporters where they are and invite them to roll up a sleeve. Together, we’ll build a stronger, more reliable blood supply for every patient who counts on it.”
Chicago Fire FC echoed the excitement around the partnership. “We’re thrilled to welcome Versiti as a Proud Partner,” said Goyo Perez, Chicago Fire FC senior vice president of corporate partnerships. “This partnership combines our passion for the sport with our passion for the community, giving our fans an opportunity to help people in need through blood donation.”
Join the Movement
Your chance to save lives is right around the corner. Find a blood drive or donation center near you and give blood to support Chicago patients in need. Visit Versiti.org/IL to learn more.
Give Blood. Help Chicago win — with the Fire and Versiti.
About Versiti Blood Center of Illinois
Versiti Blood Center of Illinois is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Aurora, Illinois. 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.
About Chicago Fire FC
The Chicago Fire Football Club (Chicago Fire FC) is an American professional soccer club that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top U.S. domestic league. Founded on Oct. 8, 1997, on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Club began play in 1998 as one of the League’s first expansion franchises. The Fire have won six major domestic titles, including the 1998 MLS Cup; the 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups; as well as the 2003 MLS Supporters’ Shield. Chicago Fire FC’s affiliate team, Chicago Fire II, plays in MLS NEXT Pro, a professional league that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT, the youth academy programs, through to MLS. The Chicago Fire Academy currently features five teams ranging from U-13 to U-18. The Club’s charitable arm, the Chicago Fire Foundation, was recognized as ESPN’s 2019 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year and has made significant contributions to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth throughout Chicagoland, providing over $10 million back to the community. The Fire train at the Endeavor Health Performance Center, a $100M state-of-the art-facility and play their home matches at historic Soldier Field. For more information, visit chicagofirefc.com.
