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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Host Orlando City SC in Home Opener on Saturday Afternoon at SeatGeek Stadium

March 4, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club will begin a three-game homestand this weekend when the Club hosts Orlando City SC in its home opener on Saturday, March 9 at SeatGeek Stadium. Beginning at 12:00 p.m. CT, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and transmitted locally on Univision Radio WRTO AM 1200.

Saturday's contest will mark the 10th meeting between both clubs since Orlando City joined the league as an expansion side in 2015. Entering Saturday's match, the Fire leads the regular season head-to-head series against Orlando City with a 3-2-4 record, including three straight victories since June 24, 2017. The Fire also lead the regular season series in goals scored (16-9) during that stretch.

In the most recent meeting between the two clubs, the Fire recorded a 4-0 win over Orlando City at SeatGeek Stadium on Sept. 16, 2018, which tied the Fire's largest margin of victory over the Lions in league play. The Men in Red previously recorded a 4-0 win over Orlando City at SeatGeek Stadium on June 24, 2017.

Orlando City enters Saturday's game after producing a comeback 2-2 draw against New York City FC in its home opener on March 2 at Orlando City Stadium. Forwards Tesho Akindele and Chris Mueller each scored in the draw for the Lions, while the club's new signing, Nani, recorded an assist in his debut.

Following Saturday's match against Orlando City, The Fire will return to SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday, March 16 to take on Western Conference side Seattle Sounders FC. The match against Sounders FC is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+, Univision Radio WRTO AM 1200).

Chicago Fire's 2019 Kickoff Week, presented by SeatGeek

The Chicago Fire's 2019 Kickoff Week, presented by SeatGeek, is currently underway, featuring a series of events and promotional activities in advance of the team's 2019 MLS home opener.

Below are the events scheduled for the week of March 4-9:

Tuesday, March 5:

Social Media Giveaway Day

The Fire will conduct a series of giveaways on the Club's social media channels from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, March 5, including official gear, autographed apparel, match tickets and more. Fans are encouraged to follow the club's official accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to track the day's giveaways. For more information, click here.

Thursday, March 7:

SeatGeek Stadium to hold official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Two days prior to the Fire's home opener, a brief ceremony will be held to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of SeatGeek Stadium, formerly known as Toyota Park. Set to occur outside of Gate D at 10:30 a.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium, the ceremony will feature remarks from Chicago Fire President and General Manager Nelson Rodrίguez, the Mayor of the Village of Bridgeview Steven Landek, Co-Founder of SeatGeek Russ D'Souza and Chicago Red Stars Owner Arnim Whisler.

Bash at the Blackstone

The Fire is inviting fans to the Blackstone Hotel (636 South Michigan, Chicago, IL, 60605) on March 7 to celebrate the new season with some of the newest members of the team. The event will feature music, drinks, appetizers and a meet-and-greet with select players and Club mascot Sparky. To attend the Bash at the Blackstone, fans must RSVP. There is no charge to attend the event.

Friday, March 8:

Pub Partner Parties

On the eve of the 2019 home opener, several Chicago Fire pub partners will offer a variety of food and drink specials for anyone wearing Fire apparel on March 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Check out the Chicago Fire FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from March 4, 2019


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