The Wearing of the Green

By Todd McClamroch in News on Mar 17, 2006 2:00PM

Chicago's river is not the only thing that turns green around St. Patrick's Day. Many of Chicago's sports franchises are celebrating St. Patrick's Day by donning green uniforms.

The Chicago Bulls have a specially designed St. Pat's day uniform that will be worn when they take on the Miami Heat at 1pm on Saturday. The Bulls are dubbing the game "A Shamrock Matinee". Chicagoist got very excited when we heard that, assuming there was promotion with McDonald's and their elusive Shamrock Shakes. But alas, it is just a clever marketing name.

According to Executive Vice President of Business Operations Steve Schanwald "In Chicago, it seems as if everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, everyone gets into the St. Patrick's Day spirit, and this is our way of joining in on the fun and celebration." Of course green Bulls merchandise is being pimped on NBA.com as well.

On Sunday, soccer fans can see the Chicago Storm suit up in green when they take on the St. Louis Steamers. During the first half of that game, fans will be able to bid on the players' jerseys with proceeds benefiting the Kids-4-Soccer Foundation.

Earlier this week, the Chicago Wolves wore special green jerseys for three matches. The Wolves were not able to conjure up the luck of the Irish though, as they lost all three games. The Wolves auctioned off the jerseys to benefit Easter Seals.

No word yet from the Cubs or the Sox as to whether either team will wear green when they meet in a spring training match on Saturday afternoon in Tucson. But both the Cubs and the Sox have been known to slip on the green from time to time.