What is it like to be part of one of the Fire's most dedicated, positive and vibrant supporters' groups and yet to face continual, racially motivated abuse from security at Toyota Park? Ask Sector Latino, who have been targeted since their emergence in 2005 by Monterrey Security, and who received disgraceful racist abuse from guards at the last home game against Chivas USA.
Following this, Section 8 Chicago called a series of meeting to explore the details of the situation and put together a course of action to resolve the problem. In sum, it was determined that Section 8 must stand in solidarity with SL and that Monterrey's racist guards can no longer be present in the section.
Backdraft was present and offers a full report on proceedings below.
We are trying to raise some money for Diego Gutierrez's Nothing But Nets campaign and we're offering a special deal to help you contribute (online only) and get some special Section 8 gear while you're helping fight malaria.
For those of you that don't know, Diego Gutierrez and Nothing But Nets are raising money to purchase mosquito nets to fight malaria across Africa and Section 8 Chicago would like to help. See the latest information on the program here.
The Deal
Our Collector's Scarf normally costs $20, and our Chicago Fire Flag is $10. For a limited time if you buy our Scarf/Flag combo it's $30 (plus $5 shipping) and we'll donate $10 to buy a net for every Scarf/Flag combo you purchase. So buy them together for $30 and get a net sent that will save a life.
If you already have a scarf or flag, why not end them as gift packages to relatives? (Father's Day is coming up soon, after all) Tell your neighbors, or buy them for the kid down the street. Actually, buy a set to decorate your favorite pub. GUILT TRIP ALERT: Wouldn't you feel good going into your favorite bar and seeing the scarf and flag on the wall, knowing it represents one more life saved?
Seriously though, it would be fantastic to raise $1000 for this cause. If you can give, we love you. If you can't, no worries. We'll still do all we can to get it done.
How to Help
Feel free to visit our store and select the option for "One Flag/Scarf/Net". Remember, buying the combo means we'll donate $10 towards Nothing But Nets.
The Fire will be playing in Peoria, Illinois against either Real Salt Lake or Columbus Crew on Tuesday June 10th at Bradley University's Shea Stadium.
It's a home game for the Fire that will decide who will advance to the last sixteen of the U.S. Open Cup, but it's being played 157 miles from the Fire's home ground, Toyota Park. Backdraft talked to the Fire about the selection of Peoria as host for the game.
4-0? Not bad. Despite the promises of the official game guide, the Fire were unchanged from last Saturday and every player who disappointed against Real Salt Lake made amends last night. A brilliant performance, and Backdraft will be updated later with further reaction, analysis and highlights.
Section 8 also showed up in force. According to one longtimer on the Section 8 forums, the turnout of well over 1,000 in Sections 117 and 118 marked the largest supporters' gathering ever at a Fire home game. The overall attendance of 15,552 was also solid for the earliest ever home opener, on a frigid cold and wet Thursday night.
Below are a few more photos of Section 8 before the game. We will add more from during the game later on; if you have any for us to use, please add them to the Section 8 Flickr group .
Update, April 9th: Many new official Section 8 photos added below.
Backdraft is written by Fire supporters for Fire supporters. Thanks to access provided by Section 8 Chicago, Backdraft is able to provide an original stream of news, interviews and views on the Chicago Fire soccer club.
If you're interested in contributing to Backdraft, please email communications at section8chicago.com
The Fire will be playing in Peoria, Illinois against either Real Salt Lake or Columbus Crew on Tuesday June 10th at Bradley University's Shea Stadium.
