You've seen them at the games -- singing, drumming and waving flags -- our most die-hard fans and supporters. This section is dedicated to these special Fire Supporter Groups:
SECTION 8 CHICAGO INDEPENDENT SUPPORTERS' ASSOCIATION
Chicago Fire supporters' groups mostly occupy an area in TOYOTA PARK known as "Section 8" stemming from its original location at pre-renovated Soldier Field. The name has stuck, despite changing stadiums and section numbers. At TOYOTA PARK Section 8's physical section numbers are 117/118. Fire supporters are well known domestically for their non-stop chanting, colorful tifo displays and undying support of the club - showing a spirit and devotion typically associated with fans of large clubs worldwide.
Section 8 Chicago, the Independent Supporters' Association (ISA) for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, works on behalf of all fans - affiliated supporters' groups and independent fans alike - to foster a true soccer community. The vision of the ISA is ". . . to unite all Chicago Fire fans, to create a dominant in-stadium force unseen in any American team sport and to establish a home field advantage whenever the Chicago Fire play."
The ISA exists to supplement the efforts of independent fans, coordinate between the supporters groups and act as liaison between all fans and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. As a non-profit organization, a board of directors is elected yearly at the Annual General Meeting in February by the assembled supporters.
In 2008 the ISA had an operating budget of just over $100,000, using money raised and donated to offer discounted road trip packages to encourage fans to support the team away from TOYOTA PARK, produce section related merchandise, pay for in-stadium tifo displays and made considerable charitable donations as platinum donors to FWFK and Nothing But Nets.
For complete and up-to-date Chicago Fire supporters information please see section8chicago.com.
Media note: Delineation should be made between "Section 8 Chicago" (the ISA) and "Section 8" (the physical section supporters occupy on match days).
2009 ISA Board of Directors (with Supporter Group affiliation)
Chairman: Benjamin Burton (Independent)
Vice-Chairman: Tom Dunmore (WBO5)
Director of Communications: Jenn Jarmula (Independent)
Director, Marketing: Melissa Hamming (URS)
Director of Finances: Mario Ortega (The Last Ward)
Director of Operations: Michael Giacometti (Independent)
Director of Merchandise: Jim Schifeling (URS)
Media Contact: Jenn Jarmula (jenn@section8chicago.com or communications@section8chicago.com)
Website: http://www.section8chicago.com
AFFILIATED SUPPORTERS GROUPS
ARSONISTS
Established in 1998, the Arsonists originally occupied Section 16 at old Soldier Field. They have come and gone several times from Section 8 proper, but remain a respected fan group to this day.
Contact: Rich Balabuszko, rich_balabuszko@baxter.com
BARN BURNERS 1871
The oldest and largest group, established in 1997 before the Chicago Fire club was founded. Original occupants of Section 8 at old Soldier Field. Only a portion of BB1871 remains in Section 8 at games.
BLITZER MOB
Blitzer Mob is the consummation of passion for the City of Chicago, industrial music and the beautiful game. In this industrial city we raise our voices in the day to celebrate soccer, and we raise them in the night to the pulsating sounds of industrial music. Blitzer Mob drowns in the perfect union between these harmonious worlds to create a fortress of game chanting, club dwelling, and concert dancing.
Contact: Dave Hansen, creativefire@gmail.com
Website: http://www.blitzermob.com
FIRE ULTRAS '98
The most notorious of Fire supporters' groups, they occupied Section 9 at Soldier Field when established in 1998 before permanently moving in with Section 8 at the beginning of the 2000 season. FU98 is a Polish group of Fire fans dedicated to supporting their club in the traditional 'Ultras' style common in continental Europe.
Contact: Andy Proczka, fireultras98@op.pl
Website: http://www.fireultras98.com
MIKE DITKA STREET CREW
First recognized as a supporter group in 2002, MDSC members are Fire fans with a decided skin/mod influence not unlike the fans of the St. Pauli club in Germany and an abiding love for their city; and count former Fire GM Peter Wilt as a member.
Contact: Andrew Mason, amason@gmail.com
Website: http://www.mikeditkastreetcrew.com
PARTISANS
The Partisans are a group of Chicago Fire supporters that also takes an active interest in leftist politics. Approximately 10 members currently, but would love any unaffiliated supporters who are interested in our group to contact either Ian or Will [preferably both, for the quickest response] for more information.
Contacts: Will Smith, will@partisanschicago.com, Ian Blackwood, ian@partisanschicago.com
Website: http://www.partisanschicago.com
RED SCARE
The Red Scare established in 2006 with origins (but not limited to) the Joliet area. Hardcore Fire supporters that live for Saturday. "Beer in our bones, Fire in our hearts, and Pride in our crew."
Contact: Brandon Vonesh, bvonesh@yahoo.com
SECTOR LATINO
Sector Latino (est. 2005) is a Central/South American 'barra' style group of Hispanic Fire fans that inject a Spanish flavor into S8.
Contact: Walter Arredondo, walter_s8c@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.myspace.com/sektorlatino
SHANDY SISTERS
The Shandy Sisters are a group that shares not only a passion for the Fire, but a common interest in music, ideals, aesthetics, etc. -- "... it's not just boys' fun!"
Contact: shandysisters@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.myspace.com/shandysisters
THE LAST WARD
We welcome one and all. We support the FIRE by any means necessary. If anyone thinks they can come to Chicago and take points from the Fire they must go through us, all of us. All Chicago. All Together.
We are involved in numerous activities outside the stadium including pre-game tailgates, organizing road trips, section outings, and busses from The Globe Pub to all home games (1934 W Irving Park, Chicago).
Website: http://lastwardchicago.com
Contact: thelastward@gmail.com
THE WESTERN FRONT
The Western Front was formed in 2006 to organize supporter activities for Fire fans from Oak Park to Naperville and all points in between. Our primary mission is to provide opportunities to share your passion - from parties and tailgating to participating in section 8 as ultras, TWF will be there! Looking for new members and volunteers for chapters in Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Lombard and Oak Park.
Contact: Jim Kline, twf@cyberonic.com
Website: http://www.twfchicago.com
ULTRAS RED-SIDE
Inspired by FU98 to bring the ultras spirit to fans of other nationalities, URS was formed in 2003. Heavily influenced by the supporting styles of Spain, France, Italy, and Scandinavia; URS formally introduced the concept of organized visual support (referred to as "tifo") to Section 8 and Chicago Fire fans through the mass use of flags, streamers, and more.
Contact: Matt Bono, urs@ultrasredside.com
Website: http://www.ultrasredside.net/
WHISKEY BROTHERS AUGHT FIVE
Established in 2004. Wasted potential, lucky strikes, whiskey, foreign policy, and the beautiful game. Not necessarily in that order. Closed membership. By invite only.
Contact: Karl G. Schuster, KGSchuster@gmail.com
REGIONAL SUPPORTERS CLUBS
EAST BANK FIRM (St. Louis)
East Bank Firm are a collection of Fire supporters from St. Louis and the surrounding region.
Contact: big_fish_1986@yahoo.com
OHIO FIRE FANS (Ohio)
Established in 2000, OFF are Fire fans located throughout Ohio with the largest contingents being in Columbus and Dayton. Our group makes regular trips to Chicago, is at every Columbus game and most S8OT events.
Contact: Matt Coyle, ohiofirefans@yahoo.com
BREW CITY FIRM (Milwaukee)
Brew City Firm are a loosely organized group of Fire Fans from Wisconsin, but are based in Milwaukee.
