Avondale Collective - Winter Pop-Up Bazaar

I attended the recent Crossbar Collective Winter Pop-Up Bazaar in Chicago, and once again, it was a beautifully curated space that reflected the group's passion for football. So many things caught my eye—here are a few of my favorites!

First off, I loved the retro gaming setup. You really feel at home when you sit down and fire up the PlayStation One with FIFA '05. The vintage TV is a perfect touch, and when paired with the era-specific Nike posters, it feels like stepping into a time warp.

The foosball table is another great addition. It’s centered within the installation, so you naturally move between two racks of exclusive vintage styles just to sneak in a quick game. Directly behind it is the storefront display window, showcasing an assortment of kits provided by Crossbar, Stay True Supply, and Sidewalk FC.

Along the far side wall, you’ll find a collection of Section 8 banners, representing the most passionate supporters group of the Chicago Fire FC. My personal favorite is the Beavis with the blic banner—but honestly, there are so many iconic pieces to choose from.

Section 8 Chicago

The Independent Supporters’ Association (ISA) for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club—includes several affiliated supporter groups and countless independent fans. Their vision is clear: unite all Chicago Fire fans to create a powerful in-stadium presence unlike anything else in American sports, and to establish a true home-field advantage wherever the Fire play.

There are too many little gems scattered throughout this eclectic, collective space to name them all, but one last highlight is the mini indoor turf. Most afternoons you’ll see people of all ages chasing a soccer ball around—just be careful not to get your ankles broken by a 9-year-old.

As you can see, the mission to make football visible and accessible to everyone in Chicago is alive and thriving. Unique spaces like this help curate not only a mood but an entire culture. And as much as I strive to capture these emotions in words—or even in video—you really need to experience it in person to truly feel it.

Avondale Collective
3406 W Diversey
Through March 30th
2 PM – 6 PM