End of an era

The Fire’s last MLS game in Bridgeview is generating mixed emotions for fans, former players and executives.

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On Sunday, the Fire are likely playing their last MLS game at SeatGeek Stadium.

Brian Sandalow/For the Sun-Times

For the last 10 years of their time in Bridgeview, the Fire did more losing than winning.

Still, 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, but fans, players and executives created memories in Bridgeview. Whether it was career highlights, dramatic wins or lasting friendships, the stadium was home to happy moments that will linger.

“I think from the overall conversations that I’ve had with supporters, we’re actually all kind of, aside from maybe a positive next step, a little sad that this is our last time,” Section 8 chair Nicole Hack said. “I know somebody who’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 that bonded over its love for a 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 into the playoffs. When he attended the Fire’s Sept. 14 game 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 about 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 its own stadium with excellent sight lines, hopefully ensuring future success.

Of course, that didn’t happen.

Under Andrew Hauptman, the Fire lost games 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 re-energized those fans and generated hope that the move to Soldier Field will work.

Former Fire general manager 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 stadium.

Like many, Wilt is conflicted about the move from Bridgeview: melancholy because of all 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.” 

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