Chicago Fire FC will adhere to the following media rules and protocols for all matches at Soldier Field during the 2023 season. Media members who refuse to follow these protocols will result in loss of stadium access and credential revocation.

CREDENTIALS

  • All media members must have a valid credential to access media areas Soldier Field.

ACCESS

  • Media access will begin two hours prior to kickoff.
  • Per MLS protocols, access to the field, locker room, concourse, stadium seats and clubs is restricted.
  • Print and online media members will be assigned a seat in the press box.
  • The photo work room will be located near the Northwest tunnel on field level.
  • Per MLS protocols, media members will not have direct access to players, coaches or Club delegation members at any point other than during the post-game press conference, and photographers are not allowed in the locker room at any time.
  • No cameras or media members are permitted on the field at any time.

PARKING

  • A parking pass is not guaranteed for a match. Media members who are provided a parking pass must show their parking pass to the garage attendant, either on their phone or via a printed copy.
  • TV crews must contact Soldier Field and the Chicago Fire in advance for any exterior or live hits. Any TV crews staying for the duration of the game are asked to park at their assigned pedestals.

MEDIA WILL CALL / ENTRANCE

  • Media Will Call will be located outside of Gate 10.
  • After credential pickup, media will enter via Gate 8.

MEDIA MATERIALS

  • All media information will be available online at the Chicago Fire FC Press Kit, the MLS Media Resources page and MatchCenter.
  • No printed information media materials will be available.
  • Lineups and stats will be emailed to media members in attendance at Soldier Field.
  • Game Information, including a link to the postgame press conference for home and away games, as well as game notes will be provided via email before each game.

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES AND POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE

Virtual media availability will be weekly via video conference calls. Additional information will be emailed to media members in advance of each call.

  • Pre-Match Media Availability
    • Head coach Frank Klopas and select players will be available virtually during a pre-match press conference prior to each game.
  • Postgame
    • Head Coach Frank Klopas and select players will be available via an in-person postgame press conference.
    • Media members attending the match at Soldier Field will be able to participate in the postgame conference. Media not in attendance are welcome to watch the post-game press conference via Zoom.
    • Players and coaches will be made available to media approximately 15 minutes after the final whistle of each match.
  • All press conferences will be recorded and distributed via a media assets email and online HERE. Fire Communications will also distribute a transcription in English shortly after the conclusion of each press conference.
  • All media members are prohibited from entering the home or visiting team locker rooms for interviews, filming or any other purpose except under the supervision of Chicago Fire personnel during designated media availability.

PRINT MEDIA GUIDELINES

  • Print and online media will be assigned a seat in the press box.
  • Wireless internet will be available in the press box.
  • The press box will be restricted to credentialed media members and select club personnel.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHER GUIDELINES

  • Photographers will be permitted on-site two hours prior to kickoff.
  • Photographers will have a designated photo workspace located in the photo work room with tables, power and wireless internet.
  • All photographers will be required to wear a bib provided by Chicago Fire FC. Bibs will be checked out in the photo work room and will be required to be used at every game attended. Photographers and videographers must return their bibs immediately following the game.
  • During pregame warmups and the match, photographers will be positioned behind the field boards on either endline near the corner flags. Photographers and ENG crews can choose which endline to shoot from after the coin toss and must head directly to their place. Photographers may not switch endlines during each half, only during halftime. Photographers and videographers cannot be in the tunnels during the game. Positions are subject to the minimum distance requirements.
  • Photographers must stay in a fixed position during the run of play and must maintain appropriate physical distance between themselves and others at all times. 

TELEVISION

  • Exterior hits may take place outside Gate 0. TV Crews MUST contact Soldier Field and the Chicago Fire in advance of any hits to coordinate location and parking.
  • Crews are only allowed to film the first 15 minutes of each half. After the 15-minute period, crews will be asked to return to their designated seat in the press box.
  • There will be no access to the field of play or player tunnel areas at any point.

Contact

Jhamie Chin
Senior Director,
Communications

Elizabeth Sanchez
Manager,
Communications

Rudy Hodgson
Coordinator,
Communications