Address: 3626 N Talman Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 327-3473
Website: Fire Pitch Website
Facebook: Fire Pitch Page‍
Hours Of Operation:
Monday - Saturday | 9 am - 10 pm
Sunday | 8 am - 10 pm‍
Last year, Plei expanded into our 7th market, Chicago, Illinois. đź’ś
We are proud to announce that we have officially partnered with Chicago Fire’s community soccer venue, Fire Pitch, and have already begun hosting pickup games there. Our first game was played on January 12, 2023, and we are excited to continue this partnership for many years to come!
As part of our new blog series, we will be highlighting all of our partner facilities in every region where Plei has touched down. 🛬
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A lot is to be expected from a facility that was founded and is overseen by an MLS club. Fortunately, Fire Pitch, Chicago Fire FC’s very own hybrid community soccer park located on the Northside of Chicago, checks all the boxes.
The Fire Pitch is essentially a large turf area with certain field configurations that change depending on the time of year. You’re probably wondering what this means, so don’t worry, we’ll explain.
From April to November, the fields are completely outdoor to stay in tune with the “warmer” Chicago weather. During these months, there are a total of six (6) pickup soccer fields that can be used. Two North fields and two South fields, each measuring 70 x 46 yards, are equipped for 5v5/6v6/7v7/8v8 play.Â
When the two North fields combine and the two South fields combine, they make two separate 100 x 70 yard full-size 11v11 fields.
When December comes around, things shift around a bit. Just in time for the holidays (and the harsh Chi-town winter weather that we have all come to love 🙂), a 100,000 sq. ft. air-supported dome rises up from the ashes to cover up the entirety of the Fire Pitch turf grass. All of a sudden, we have a perfectly-lit, temperature-controlled indoor facility that’ll keep everyone snug and warm...
…and probably even make you forget that it’s brutally snowing outside.
For the duration of this dome phase, the fields are arranged differently. There will be six fields total (like the outdoor months), but this time, 5 of the 6 pitches measure 50 x 32 yards, making them suitable for pickup games as small as 3v3 and as large as 7v7 or 9v9. Meanwhile, an even smaller 6th field (measuring 34 x 22 yards) comes into play, which is best for kids’ games as well as goalkeeper training.
While default field configurations during indoor months don’t include full-size, they can still be converted to accommodate 11v11 for special events or rentals.
Bleachers are available for spectators in both settings (refer to the red maps below for detailed field arrangements for indoor and outdoor).
Fire Pitch has been a huge hit in Chicago ever since its Dec. 2014 grand opening, welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually and offering various programs and amenities for all ages and skill levels. We also can't forget to mention that the field space is not just limited to soccer use, despite being designed for it, of course. Sports like flag football, lacrosse and rugby can also be accommodated.
When we said this facility checks all the boxes, we meant it.
Located within Fire Pitch is a full-fledged pub called Heineken Pub97. This place is quite literally everything you’d expect from a sports bar/restaurant experience. You got twelve (12) big screen 4K TVs, an experienced chef, passionate staff members, a fully-stocked bar, plenty of couches, tables and chairs, and most importantly, the ultimate soccer fan vibe, fit for all ages.
When it gets packed for Chicago Fire watch parties, it’s almost as if you’re watching from within Soldier Field!
Fire Pitch as a whole has plenty of parking sections, and they’re all located either inside or in range of the facility, so you won’t have to stress about finding a good spot or if there will be spaces available. (Parking map available below)
Heineken Pub97 is open 7 days a week: Monday - Friday from 4pm to midnight, Saturdays from 10 am to midnight and Sundays from 10 am to 9 pm.
Located right by the facility's main entrance is the official Chicago Fire Fan Shop. It actually has the honor of being the only place in the city where you can shop in person for CFFC gear, so you’ll want to make sure to snag some merch before you head home. (Hours: Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 9 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm)
Finally, Fire Pitch’s many spaces are completely open for rental. Everything from the pub to the turf fields and even a private party room; it’s all available for the purposes of birthday parties, corporate events, whatever special occasion you have in mind to celebrate.
For more information on amenities and programming at this facility, don’t hesitate to also visit their website. 🔗
You can also reach out to them directly via phone at (773) 327-3473. đź“ž
Plei first hosted a pickup game at the Fire Pitch on January 12, 2023 and we continue to play here today.
Convinced yet? Give Fire Pitch a try now! Download Plei now from the App Store or Google Play and sign up for a pickup game today. ⚽💜
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