As part of their partnership with the Quaker Oats Company, the Chicago Fire have unveiled a new kit for 2012. The jerseys will feature the sponsor's name and have been completely redesigned. I am ambivalent about the new kit because it is not an improvement over last year, but the team needed the sponsorship. Both the team and MLS seem thrilled with the new jerseys and have recently placed them in the shops for fans to purchase.
The New Chicago Fire Jerseys
The new Chicago Fire jerseys feature the Quaker logo and the company's name on the front. Both the home and away kits have the sponsor name. The Chicago Fire even held a Quaker Jersey Launch with Andrew Hauptman, Jose Luis Prado and members of the team. The home jersey is red, includes a blue collar and a blue stripe that contains the Quaker name in white. The away jersey has light blue horizontal lines crossing a dark blue background with star details.
The Response from Fans
Since the new jerseys have become available for sale from the team and MLS shops for preordering, the response from fans has increased. In general, the new design has been met with mixed feelings. Some fans have expressed negative thoughts about the new kit in multiple MLS forums while others have embraced it. Although I am glad that the Chicago Fire have finally secured a sponsorship, I do not think these are the best jerseys for the team.
The return of the blue color to the Chicago Fire jerseys has upset some fans. They have correctly pointed that the blue makes the shirts resemble the New England Revolution. I have to agree and miss the distinction that the Chicago Fire had for not including blue in the kit. The disappearance of the white stripe from the home jersey has also upset many people. I dislike the addition of the collar because it is unnecessary and could actually be uncomfortable for the players. Fans have been asking for a jersey inspired by the Chicago flag for several seasons. Unfortunately, it seems their wishes will be ignored again.
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MLS is Coming to NBC in 2012: Fan View
Why MLS Will Continue to Compete for Players with China: Fan View
MLS Expansion Possibilities in 2012: Fan View
Lana follows MLS, UEFA and FIFA. She has been a faithful fan of the Chicago Fire since 1998. Follow @Lana_Bandoim on Twitter.
