By now, you’ve seen the new Chicago Fire crest - inspired by the collective voice of more than 20,000 fans and supporters. You’ve made note of the modernized Florian cross, the return of a “C” with a six-pointed star at its center and the color palette reflecting the beautiful Chicago city flag. But, what did you miss in Friday’s announcement? Here are five things you’ll want to know - and may have missed.
1. The new crest won’t be in full use until early 2022
While the new identity has now been revealed, it won’t go into full affect until the 2022 preseason when the new crest will be on the team’s training and match wear. The team will continue to wear the current Fire Crown badge through the remainder of the 2021 season and, therefore, you’ll see it in use across the team’s website, social channels, broadcast, etc. All of those channels will be flipped after the 2021 season is completed.
2. All-new apparel is coming in October
The Club has been working behind the scenes with the likes of adidas, Fanatics, Mitchell & Ness, New Era and others. Matt Wolff, who designed the crest and full visual identity, has also designed a series of apparel items and hats that will be available for purchase in early October (to be sure you hear about new items and on-sale details first, sign up for the Club’s marketing alerts email list).
3. The team will return to red home kits in 2024
One of the other things that came through loud and clear during the crest project was fans’ desire for the team to return to red kits at home. It won’t happen as quickly as most would like due to design and production timelines, but it’s happening. Next year, the team will introduce a new navy kit that has been in production for more than a year and will be worn during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Design for the next home kit will begin midway through 2022 and be ready for the 2024 season.
4. One of the new secondary marks was inspired by a supporter
Understandably, most of the initial reactions from fans were about the new primary crest. But, the full identity package includes two additional marks - a stylized municipal device (with a nod to the original badge seen in the six star points) and a FIRE flag design that was inspired by a tattoo of longtime supporter Pattrick Stanton. In his research for the project, Wolff came across Stanton’s tattoo and it stuck with him through the process. After designing a modified and modern version, the Club spoke to Stanton who said it was a “real honor” that his tattoo inspired Wolff’s design.
“I got my Fire tattoo back in 2009 after seeing the flags my fellow supporter Liam Murtaugh designed,” said Stanton. “That my tattoo has now inspired Matt Wolff’s design of a new mark in 2021 is a real honor. I can’t wait to see it in use at Soldier Field.”
5. You can get your hands on the new crest on July 3
While you’ll have to wait for new apparel sporting the new crest, the Club has announced it will give away 10,000 woven patches at entry gates prior to the July 3 match vs. Atlanta United FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT and gates open at 5:30 p.m. CT. First come, first served.
BONUS: July 3 will see the introduction of the Club’s reimagined Soldier Field fan experience, including the unveiling of Burnham Downs, a pre-match tailgate hosted by the Club on the East Lawn. Burnham Downs will include live entertainment, concessions, lawn and soccer games, video games, giveaways and more. The July 3 pre-match experience will start at 2:00 p.m. CT and include the “Day of Futbol” celebration highlighting soccer matches across international tournaments and MLS on a big screen.
