For the last decade of their time in Bridgeview, the Fire did more losing than winning as the franchise went backward.
Yet Sunday’s match against Toronto, which is expected to be the final MLS game at SeatGeek Stadium, will be bittersweet.
Sure, the Fire’s move to Soldier Field heralds a new era for the franchise, but fans, players, and executives all created memories in Bridgeview. Whether it was career highlights, dramatic wins, or building friendships, the stadium was home to happy moments that will linger.
“I think the overall conversations that I’ve had with supporters is that we’re actually all kind of, aside from maybe a positive next step, we’re all a little sad this is our last time,” said Section 8 chair Nicole Hack. “I know somebody that’s flying in just to come to the game. Despite us facing hard times there with the team not being great, I think that a lot of us are (melancholy). There’s a melancholy-type feeling.”
As Hack pointed out, the Fire have spent more than half of their existence at SeatGeek Stadium. For her, the arena was home to a community of supporters who bonded over their love of their team.
Mike Magee enjoyed a career year there in 2013. Acquired in May of that season from the Galaxy, Magee scored 15 goals in 22 MLS games and earned league MVP honors for almost dragging the Fire to the playoffs. When he attended the Fire’s Sept. 14 match against FC Dallas, Magee said the “incredible” memories he had there kicked in.
“Obviously, I’ve known all along and wanted the team to be downtown,” Magee said. “I have no complaints there. I’ll be a little bitter that I won’t get to play at Soldier Field next year. Kind of reminiscing, and how special a year (2013) was, even though our goals fell short. That season will be the year I remember the most. It’ll be bittersweet for sure, to say the least.”
Logan Pause, a teammate of Magee’s, experienced more winning in Bridgeview. A member of the 2006 U.S. Open Cup winners – the only Fire team to claim a trophy while playing in Bridgeview – Pause was philosophical about the impending move back to the city.
“It’s the people that fill it,” Pause said. “Sharing wonderful memories with teammates, with fans, lifting trophies in that building, winning games, competing. Those are the great memories that happened in a brick-and-mortar building, but surpassed any sort of physical structure.”
When the Fire moved to Bridgeview in 2006, it represented an important step. The franchise had found their own stadium with excellent sightlines, ensuring its future success.
Of course, that didn’t happen.
Under Andrew Hauptman, the Fire lost matches and fans. The stadium’s location became an albatross, and supporters bitter about the team’s regression had more reason to bolt.
But Hauptman is gone, replaced by Joe Mansueto. The new ownership has reenergized those fans and given hope the move to Soldier Field will work.
Peter Wilt, who brokered the deal to get the Bridgeview stadium, was also at that Sept. 14 game, a day after Mansueto took over. That afternoon, Wilt felt a “palpable” change in attitude around the arena.
Like many, the idea of the Fire leaving Bridgeview seems to bring Wilt conflicted feelings: Melancholy because of the good times, eager for the next phase.
“(SeatGeek Stadium) served its purpose very well,” Wilt said. “At the same time, I’m excited for the team to be able to go back downtown and get closer to an important part of its fan base. I think there will be a lot to look forward to next year.”
