In what has come to be kow as "the great flaring of aught nine," Section 8 fans launch deep red flares behind the goal.
The practice has since become controversial with the village of Bridgeview authorities and the team's ownership.
At their first match in their new, Bridgeview home Toyota Park, the Chicago Fire slide past the New York Red Bulls 2-0.
See Section 8 welcome the team to their new venue with a "Fire" chant.
The Chicago Fire play their home opener against the Tampa Bay Mutiny in front of a crowd of 36,444 at Soldier Field.
The Barn Burners, the team's first official fan group, are designated to sit in Section 8 of Chicago's Soldier Field, which later became the name of the team's fan group, Section 8.
On the 126th anniversary of the Chicago fire, the name of the team, their uniform and logo are unveiled at Navy Pier.
Source: Chicago Fire Web site
Read an open-letter from first Chicago Fire General Manager Peter Wilt, on the team's 12th birthday. http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2009/10/07/happy-birthday-to-the-chicago-fire/
Chicago businessman and financier Lee Stern launches the National American Soccer League's Chicago Sting, who won the national championship in 1981 and 1984. In their first season, the team averaged only a several thousand fans each game. They play at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field and Comiskey Park.
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