The home of the Chicago Fire (MLS) and Chicago Red Stars (NWSL) will soon have a new name, as it is set to become SeatGeek Stadium.
Though it has been announced by the SeatGeek and the Village of Bridgeview, the naming-rights agreement does not take effect until after the Fire’s final home match in 2018 (regular season or postseason), so most fans will notice the change when the 2019 season begins. Once it goes into effect, the venue currently known as Toyota Park will feature new SeatGeek Stadium branding.
“We’re thrilled to align ourselves with SeatGeek as our new naming rights partner,” said Village of Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek. “We’re excited about SeatGeek making a meaningful and long-term investment in the stadium and our community.”
Already home of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club & Chicago Red Stars, the Village of Bridgeview and SeatGeek will work together to bring more live programming to the venue, including premier concerts, music festivals and international sporting events, with assistance from new venue management partner Spectra.
“Throughout the years our Club – and most importantly our fans – have helped create memorable moments at this stadium,” said John Urban, COO of Chicago Fire Soccer Club. “We look forward to having SeatGeek add to our home-field advantage.”
SeatGeek is an official partner of Major League Soccer and has club partnerships with Los Angeles Football Club, Minnesota United FC, Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders FC and Sporting Kansas City. SeatGeek also recently announced partnerships with the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints as well as the National Basketball Association’s New Orleans Pelicans. SeatGeek Stadium is the first naming rights partnership for SeatGeek, which was founded in 2009.
“Chicago is an incredible city for live events, and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to SeatGeek Stadium,” SeatGeek co-founder Russ D’Souza said.
Bridgeview and the area surrounding the stadium are undergoing an extensive transformation, including a 109-room Hampton Inn and Suites at SeatGeek Stadium and a mixed-use retail center featuring fast-casual restaurants and a variety of other businesses.
The naming rights partnership with SeatGeek for SeatGeek Stadium – where the Fire went 12-2-3 in 2017 – was secured by W Partners.
Image courtesy Chicago Fire.