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.

It's decision some on the Section 8 forums have expressed concerns about, but the Fire's VP of Communications, Gregg Elkin, defended the location when asked about it by Backdraft. "The reason we are playing this game in Peoria is to enhance our brand," Elkin asserted, pointing out that other MLS teams such as DC United and Chivas USA have recently played home Open Cup games away from their own stadiums (he could also have added that Fire have also done so in past years).

"Peoria is not that far from Chicago," Elkin added, "and if we can get a strong fan base there it helps us to expand the league as well. Playing there helps us do that."

Backdraft inquired if closer, larger metropolitan locations such as Milwuakee had also been considered as hosts for the game, but Elkin would only say that "Bradley and the city of Peoria stepped up and showed a willingness to host the game."

For those who want to travel to Peoria from Chicago for the game, you can join many Section 8ers on a luxury bus organized by the Windy City Wanderers to the match for $25. Sign up for the bus to Peoria on the forums here. Backdraft hopes to see you all there!

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2 Comments

FIRExNECK May 15, 2008	Rockford seems like a better place to me!!!
Ben May 15, 2008	Iggy's Pizza in Rockford rocks.