MLS New York Red Bulls

Major League Soccer Announces Continuation of Play in MLS Home Markets

August 8, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


HARRISON, N.J. - Major League Soccer announced today plans for the continuation of the MLS season with matches in home markets. The next phase of the regular season will feature six regionalized matches, with the Red Bulls slate of games kicking off against New York City FC on Thursday, August 20. The return to play in home markets will feature comprehensive health and safety protocols, including regular testing of players, coaches and essential staff for COVID-19.

Each club will play 18 additional regular season games in a phased approach, culminating with Decision Day on Sunday, Nov. 8. In an expansion of the postseason for 2020, 18 clubs will compete in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs -- up from 14 teams last year. MLS Cup will be played on Dec. 12.

MLS announced today the initial phase of the league's revised schedule with each U.S. club playing six matches by Sept. 14. The Red Bulls will host NYCFC, D.C. United and Philadelphia Union, with trips to D.C., Philadelphia and New England scheduled as well. The full schedule is below.

Red Bull Arena will also be the host venue for New York City FC's home matches.

For the health and safety of all involved, and in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community, matches at Red Bull Arena will resume without fans.

"Our fans are at the center of everything we do, and while we miss seeing them at Red Bull Arena, the safest thing for everyone involved is to limit the opportunities for exposure in our community," said General Manager Marc de Grandpre. "We are all excited about getting back on the field, but we must do so in the safest and most responsible way possible."

MSG Networks will broadcast five of the six matches, while the Red Bulls will play on FS1 once, a meeting with the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, August 29. Red Bulls Radio will carry all matches as well.

New York Red Bulls schedule

DATE OPPONENT VENUE Time (ET)

Thursday, Aug 20 (MSG) NYCFC Red Bull Arena 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug 25 (MSG) Philadelphia Union Subaru Park 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug 29 (FS1) NE Revolution Gillette Stadium 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept 2 (MSG) D.C. United Red Bull Arena 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept 6 (MSG) Philadelphia Union Red Bull Arena 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept 12 (MSG) D.C. United Audi Field 7:00 p.m.

MLS plans to announce the balance of the regular season schedule by early September as the league continues to work with infectious disease experts, league and club medical personnel, and government officials in all markets in charting a course for the completion of the 2020 season.

As with the MLS is Back Tournament, COVID-19 testing protocols will again play an important role in MLS' competition framework. MLS continues to work closely with the league's infectious disease advisors as well as advisors for the MLSPA on the plan for testing. All clubs are forming testing partnerships with a local certified lab, and all players, technical staff, and essential club staff will be tested every other day, including the day before each match day. Also, guidelines will be provided to players, coaches and essential staff to avoid the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 during their time away from club facilities.

In addition to adhering to health, safety and medical protocols, another focus of the new schedule is efficient travel. Teams will take chartered flights, and for the majority of road trips will arrive in the host market on matchday and depart after the match later that evening.

The continuation of Major League Soccer's 25th Season will air nationally in the U.S. on ESPN, FOX Sports and Univision platforms, as well as regionally through individual club broadcast partners. All matches not aired by an English-language network will be streamed live in English on Twitter. Canadian broadcast schedules will be announced at a later date.

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