Flames Field's long history of hosting top-level international sides continued last week, as UIC's home pitch served as the training site for Manchester City ahead of their International Champions Cup fixture Friday night.

The reigning Premiere League and Carabao Cup champions played Borussia Dortmund at Soldier Field Friday night, the lone International Champions Cup game to be played in Chicago.  City availed themselves of Flames Field's natural grass pitch for training sessions Tuesday through Friday this week to prepare for their ICC opener, and returned to the facility Saturday for a final, light workout before adjourning to New York for their next match.  The side also utilized UIC's weight room and pool for additional conditioning.
 

• Watch: The Blues arrive at Flames Field

The City – Dortmund match was the opening game of the Cup's single-table, 18-team event.  Each team will play three games between July 20 and August 11 in venues across the United States, Europe, and Singapore.  The team with the highest point total after the schedule is complete will be crowned champions.  With high importance attached to each match, Man City needed a facility that would meet their standards and enable them to fully prepare for BVB.  Flames Field was the natural choice for their needs.
 

• Related: Man City Enhances Flames Field's History of Training Champions

The facility is the only full size, professional level natural grass pitch in Chicago, and as such is hardly new to the world's top players.  National teams from no fewer than 14 countries have played international friendlies or trained on Flames Field for Gold Cup or Copa American competition.  Legendary club teams including AC Milan, FC Barcelona, and AS Roma have all showcased their talents there.  And just last summer, the MLS All-Star Team trained on Flames Field before the league's All-Star Game at Soldier Field.