MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire FC to Host Fans at Soldier Field Beginning with Home Opener on April 17

Published on March 24, 2021 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO - Chicago Fire FC and Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced plans to welcome soccer fans to Soldier Field beginning on Saturday, April 17, the team's home opener, as part of the City's "Open Chicago" efforts.

The Fire will face New England Revolution in its opening match, presented by Motorola, at Soldier Field on April 17. The match against the Revs is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on WGN-TV and Univision Radio Chicago.

Under limited capacity guidelines in compliance with the City's recovery plan, fans can expect to watch Fire games in-person this season. The decision follows evaluation of Chicago's remarkable progress in recent months with recovery efforts resulting in eased restrictions on COVID-19 mandates. Mayor Lightfoot, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Major League Soccer (MLS) and Chicago Fire FC, evaluated capacity and protocols to ensure fans will have a safe and fun experience when they return to the historic lakefront venue.

"One of the most exciting parts about our city being able to safely reopen is regaining our ability to get back to Soldier Field to cheer on beloved teams such as Chicago Fire FC," said Mayor Lightfoot. "This announcement was made possible by the many months we have spent planning, strategizing and evaluating how to welcome fans back into the stands and we will continue to work in close partnership with the Chicago Fire FC team to prioritize fans' health and mitigate risk."

Chicago Fire FC will take a phased approach by first opening the 100 and 200-level sections of Soldier Field, while maintaining safe social distancing between each seating pod in keeping with guidance provided by MLS. As a part of today's announcement, the Club will have the ability to increase attendance up to 25 percent of Soldier Field's capacity, which is consistent with the State of Illinois' "Restore Illinois" Phase 4 guidance.

"Today is an exciting day for the Club," said Fire Owner and Chairman Joe Mansueto. "We'd like to thank Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Governor J.B. Pritzker for their leadership and guidance throughout the past year. We are looking forward to April 17, when fans will be able to cheer on the team in-person at Soldier Field. We welcome all Chicagoans to come see a game this year."

All guests at Soldier Field will be required to wear masks or facial coverings except when they are eating or drinking at their seat. Additionally, social distancing will also continue to be practiced and emphasized throughout the concourse and all public areas of the venue.

"Fans are what it's all about," said Fire Head Coach Raphael Wicky. "We train hard and play hard for you. What's beautiful about football is our fans are from all walks of life. This is a sport that brings people together and we can't wait for our supporters to be cheering us on at Soldier Field. We're going to need them too. They're the home field advantage that is so crucial in sports. I can promise our fans that every player on our team will give their all to make you proud."

Additional health and safety protocols include staggered entry times and designated entry gates for guests, pre-determined and socially-distanced seating pods in groups of one, two, four or six seats, hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility, and rigorous and frequent cleaning processes throughout the venue.

All Chicago Fire ticket holders will receive an email later today from the Club with more information on how to purchase seats for the April 17 match. Season ticket, partial plan and group ticket buyers will get pre-sale access to purchase before the general public.

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