Chicago Fire, Versiti Partner for Community Blood Drive

Chicago Fire FC and the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois are partnering to host the Fire Up Blood Drive, a community donation event scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Endeavor Health Performance Center in Chicago.

The event aims to boost local blood donations and will offer several incentives, including limited-edition Chicago Fire merchandise for all donors. Participants will also have the chance to meet Chicago Fire players and Sparky the Dalmatian mascot, and enter drawings for tickets to a 2026 home match and a VIP pre-game warm-up experience.

“Give blood, save lives, and show your Fire pride at this impactful community event,” organizers said.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), be in good health, and present a government-issued photo ID that includes their birth date. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-786-4483 or visiting Versiti.org, though walk-ins are welcome.

Versiti noted that blood donation is safe and typically takes about an hour from start to finish, with the actual donation lasting roughly 15 minutes. The organization supplies blood products and services to more than 85 hospitals across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana through its network of donor centers and annual drives.

Founded in 1943, Versiti operates as a not-for-profit based in Aurora, Illinois, running more than 2,000 blood drives each year in hospitals, schools, businesses, churches, and community centers throughout the region.

Chicago Fire FC, founded on Oct. 8, 1997, competes in Major League Soccer and has won six major domestic titles, including the MLS Cup. The club supports youth development programs and leads charitable efforts through the Chicago Fire Foundation.