Bradley University and Chicago Fire FC Partner to Expand Student Opportunities

Bradley University is proud to announce a dynamic new partnership with Chicago Fire FC, one of Major League Soccer’s most recognized teams. This collaboration positions Bradley as a featured sponsor at four key matches each season, significantly expanding the university’s national visibility and offering students unparalleled experiential learning opportunities with a top-tier professional sports organization.

Through this initiative, Bradley students will have access to exclusive internship opportunities with Chicago Fire FC, gaining hands-on experience in matchday operations. These immersive roles offer students behind-the-scenes exposure to the inner workings of a major league sports franchise, including select opportunities to attend high-profile home games at Soldier Field. This season, those matchups include contests against Los Angeles, New York City, and Toronto – some of the most competitive teams in the league.

“This partnership represents a powerful alignment of values,” said Angie Cooksy, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications at Bradley. “Like the Chicago Fire, Bradley is committed to excellence, innovation, and delivering unforgettable experiences. By working together, we’re not only raising national awareness for Bradley, but we’re also creating meaningful pathways for students to apply what they’re learning in real-world, professional environments.”

As a featured sponsor, Bradley will receive prominent brand recognition during these nationally broadcast matches, extending the university’s reach to fans across the country and reinforcing its presence as a leading institution for students seeking both academic excellence and immersive, career-building experiences.

The partnership underscores Bradley’s ongoing commitment to expanding experiential learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom – especially in fields like sports communication, digital media production and marketing.

“This is more than a sponsorship,” added Cooksy. “It’s a platform for our students to explore possible career paths, build their networks, and gain invaluable skills that will serve them long after graduation. We’re excited to see how this partnership will continue to grow and benefit the entire Bradley community.”

Bradley students interested in applying for one of the Chicago Fire FC internship opportunities can click here for more information and application requirements.