Liked the atmosphere last Saturday vs. New England? Want it to be even more intense for the Conference Final this Saturday? Fuel the Fire by donating to Section 8 Chicago's 1871 drive for tifo displays at the game. 1871 was, of course, the year of the Great Chicago Fire and we're looking to match that number in dollars and raise $1871 to fund banners, streamers, confetti, and other tifo plans to make this the most intense atmosphere for a Chicago Fire match in the history of the club.

Section 8 Chicago, the Independent Supporters' Association for the Chicago Fire, is a registered Illinois not-for-profit. You can donate securely here.

Here's what the players thought of Saturday's stadium-wide atmosphere:

“The fans were absolutely tremendous tonight. I was telling somebody earlier that they were out there already chanting when I was warming up. It gave me goosebumps just warming up because they were just fantastic. Hopefully we have that same atmosphere next weekend, we’re really excited to have that game here.” — Goalkeeper John Busch.

“I can’t remember seeing a crowd like that here. They were energetic from the start all the way through the end of the game, and all the players really fed off the energy they brought tonight.” — Midfielder John Thorrington.

“It was a special night. We had a full house. I think the guys understood what was at task, understood the moment from the get-go. We deservedly got the win. The crowd had a huge effect on us. Our guys fed off that for the whole 90 minutes and so hopefully next week we can pack the house like we did tonight.”" — Fire head coach Denis Hamlett.

“It’s great. It’s so awesome when the atmosphere [is like that]. The fans were great, they inspired the guys to fight for each other.” — Brian McBride.

Update: We did it! We've already raised our target of $1871. But as you all know, there is never, never enough tifo. We are thinking out of the box on what to do, and the more cash we have the more intense we can make this game. Please keep giving if you can!

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