At long last, Chicago Fire FC returns to Soldier Field for Saturday’s 2022 Home Opener against Orlando City SC.
As part of our season kickoff celebration, fans can expect giveaways, special events, and all-new elements set to enhance the experience on matchday.
Fans attending Saturday’s match can find the latest information on parking, safety, and stadium policies below, as well as additional highlights of what to expect throughout the Opening Day experience in this week's Matchday Guide, presented by Chicago's Blackstone Hotel, located on Michigan Avenue just down the road from the Fire's home at Soldier Field for those looking to make a weekend out of the festivities.
PARKING AND DIRECTIONS: New for 2022, fans are encouraged to pre-purchase their parking passes via Chicago Fire Account Manager in order to ensure a more seamless garage entry on matchdays. Parking passes can be purchased online for $35 for vehicles (plus applicable fees) by clicking here.
Click here to view parking information and directions to Soldier Field by car, public transportation, or rideshare, as well as details on our new free shuttle from the Roosevelt CTA station on matchdays.
STADIUM SAFETY: View all the information needed to make your trip to Soldier Field a smooth one, including our stadium entry policies, safety information, amenities, guest services and more. Click here to visit our Soldier Field Matchday Guide.
CLEAR BAG POLICY: NO bags will be permitted in the stadium other than clear bags not exceeding 12” x 12”, 6” or smaller, ADA/medical bags and manufactured diaper bags.
#CHIvORL MATCHDAY TIMELINE:
- 2:00 PM - Burnham Downs and parking lots open
- 3:30 PM - Stadium gates open
- 4:00 PM - Starting XI flags are raised outside Gate 7
- 5:00 PM - Kickoff against Orlando City
FREE CTA SHUTTLES TO SOLDIER FIELD
We have partnered with Tuk Tuk Chicago to provide shuttles to Soldier Field from the Roosevelt CTA stop before each match. Shuttles will run starting two hours out from kickoff, with the last scheduled shuttle leaving Roosevelt 30 minutes before kickoff.
OPENING DAY FESTIVITIES:
Upon entering Soldier Field on Saturday, fans in attendance can grab one of 10,000 red or blue flags commemorating the start of our year-long 25th season celebration. Wave them proudly during our pregame ceremonies, at kickoff, and after every Fire goal!
The nods to our Club’s rich history continue as the team’s U.S. Open Cup trophies (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006) and MLS Cup trophy (1998) will be on display in the South Courtyard near Second Star Pub from 3:30-4:30 p.m., with special appearances from Fire alumni!
Our special guests will then unveil the Club’s various championship banners in the stadium’s 200 level during a ceremony held prior to kickoff, before Fire and U.S. Men’s National Team legend DaMarcus Beasley serves as the inaugural “Firestarter” by signaling the team’s walkout with a new flag-waving tradition.
BURNHAM DOWNS:
Burnham Downs - the team’s premiere spot for pregame fun outside Soldier Field - opens up at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The space includes various fan-focused activities, with Fire merchandise, food, soft drinks, beer and other beverages, available for purchase.
STARTING XI FLAGS:
Catch a matchday tradition located outside Gate 7 on the southwest side of Soldier Field. Happening prior to every match, join Fire PA announcer Tico Fernandez as the Fire’s starting lineup is revealed.
HAZY PITCH AND HEINEKEN:
Both of the Club’s partner beers will be available throughout Soldier Field. Find them at the Second Star Pub (inside the South Courtyard at Gate 0), The Midway Club, and at locations throughout the stadium.
USE THE CHICAGO FIRE FC MOBILE APP:
Alongside housing tickets, parking passes and an all-new interactive Soldier Field map, fans can be a part of the matchday experience from the palm of their hands with the Chicago Fire FC Mobile App. Use the app to choose a winner in our halftime L-Train Race on the video board. Fans who choose the winning train will win a special Fire-branded one-day Ventra pass! Be sure to turn your notifications on to receive the alert after the race.
In addition, fans can use the mobile app to vote on which Fire player they think deserves to be the Heineken Man of the Match. Voting becomes available following the start of the second half during each match.
Lastly, help set the tone for the second half by participating in our “Sounds of Chicagoland” vote that will determine which song will be played during the team’s return to the field.
MERCHANDISE:
Fans can soon visit the new flagship Chicago Fire FC Fan Shop at Soldier Field in the South Courtyard. In addition, the Fire Merch Truck will be parked on the north side of the stadium. Once inside Soldier Field, find Fan Shop locations throughout the main concourse outside sections 117, 128 and 150.
ONLINE 50/50 RAFFLE: Illinois residents can participate in the Chicago Fire's 50/50 raffle online! Enter at Fire5050.com or within the Chicago Fire FC Mobile App for your chance to win while supporting the work of the Chicago Fire Foundation.
