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Chicago City Wire

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Chicago Fire FC marks Hispanic Heritage Month with new Gente Fina collaboration

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Dave Baldwin President of Business Operations | Chicago Fire FC Website

Dave Baldwin President of Business Operations | Chicago Fire FC Website

Chicago Fire FC has announced a series of events and initiatives to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to Chicago’s Latino community. The club is launching a limited-edition capsule collection in collaboration with local streetwear brand Gente Fina, founded by designer Emmanuel Cabrera. The collection will include co-branded t-shirts, knitted polos, and varsity-style letterman jackets that blend soccer culture with Chicago streetwear. These items will be available at an exclusive launch event on September 20 at the Endeavor Health Fire Pitch, where attendees can also watch the Chicago Fire FC play Minnesota United FC.

“Chicago Fire FC is proud to have one of the most diverse fan bases in Chicago,” said Chicago Fire FC President of Business Operations Dave Baldwin. “Through initiatives like Hispanic Heritage Night and partnerships like our collaboration with Gente Fina, we are excited to celebrate this community that brings so much energy and passion to our Club.”

Emmanuel Cabrera commented on the partnership: “It’s been both an honor and a dream come true working with the Fire. This collection is more than a fashion drop – it’s proof that amazing things can happen when you follow your passions, and I hope that this collection inspires the next wave of first generation American designers.”

The club’s annual Hispanic Heritage Night match will take place on September 27 at Soldier Field against Columbus Crew, presented by Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. Activities planned for the evening include cultural performances and activations focused on honoring Chicago’s Hispanic community. The first 5,000 fans entering Soldier Field will receive a clear fanny pack designed to comply with stadium policies.

The night will also feature a guest appearance by Sentrock, a Mexican street artist from Chicago, who will participate in the team’s pre-game ceremonial ritual. Additionally, participants from the Kicks for Kids program—an initiative aimed at providing underserved youth access to matches—will take part in the pre-match flag ceremony.

“Meridian is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of Chicago Fire FC’s Hispanic Heritage Night,” said Cristal Gary, Meridian Plan President and CEO. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building healthier communities by celebrating culture, fostering connection, and creating inclusive experiences that bring families together—on and off the field.”

Tickets for Hispanic Heritage Night start at $29 and are available through Ticketmaster or by phone at 888-MLS-FIRE. The match will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and locally in English on wlsam.com and in Spanish through Que Buena Fire via Uforia App. A replay will air on Marquee Sports Net on September 29.

Chicago Fire FC competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as one of its original expansion teams since 1998. The club has won several major domestic titles including an MLS Cup and multiple Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups. It also operates youth academy programs spanning ages U-13 through U-18 and supports local communities through its charitable arm—the Chicago Fire Foundation—which has contributed over $10 million to disadvantaged youth programs throughout Chicagoland.

Meridian Health Plan of Illinois provides managed care services under government-sponsored plans such as Medicaid and Medicaid-Medicare options for various populations across Illinois (https://www.ilmeridian.com/). Their YouthCare program specifically addresses healthcare needs for DCFS youth placed outside their homes.

More information about upcoming matches or club activities can be found at https://www.chicagofirefc.com/.