UIC Flames
The UIC Flames are the intercollegiate sports teams of the University of Illinois Chicago, based in Chicago. They compete in NCAA Division I and have been a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) since 2022–23. Their colors are fire engine red and Navy Pier blue, and the mascot is Sparky. The Flames’ name honors Chicago’s Great Fire, and their branding often features the city skyline.
UIC fields 18 varsity teams—8 for men and 10 for women. Men compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and others, while women compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and more.
Home facilities include the 8,000-seat Credit Union 1 Arena for basketball and the Flames’ other venues: Curtis Granderson Stadium (baseball), Flames Field (soccer and softball), Flames Natatorium (swimming), Flames Athletic Center, Flames Outdoor Tennis Courts, and the UIC Dorin Forum. The university also uses Cog Hill Golf and Country Club for some events.
Highlights include multiple postseason appearances across sports. The men’s basketball program has reached the NCAA tournament three times and the NIT once. Women’s basketball has appeared in the WNIT and WBI, with a 2024 WNIT appearance. The men’s soccer program is a frequent NCAA participant with a history of conference success, including an Elite Eight run in 2007. Notable alumni include Curtis Granderson (baseball) and Jay DeMerit (soccer), among others. The Flames have produced extensive success across several sports, including strong records in baseball, softball, volleyball, women’s tennis, and swimming & diving.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:44 (CET).