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Matchday Guide | Chicago Fire vs. FC Dallas | Saturday, April 2

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Coming out of the FIFA international break, Chicago Fire FC returns home this Saturday for a visit from FC Dallas at Soldier Field.

Still unbeaten through the season’s first four matches, Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson will look to keep the momentum going against their Western Conference counterparts and retain the historic Brimstone Cup trophy they’ve held since 2019.

Kickoff for Saturday’s nationally-televised matchup is set for 2:30 p.m. CT. Fans planning to attend can find the latest information parking, safety, and stadium policies below, as well as additional highlights of what to expect throughout their Soldier Field experience in this week's Matchday Guide, presented by The Blackstone Hotel:

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 Policies.

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.

#CHIvDAL MATCHDAY TIMELINE:

  • 11:30 AM - Burnham Downs and parking lots open
  • 1:00 PM - Stadium gates open
  • 1:50 PM - Starting XI flags are raised outside Gate 7
  • 2:30 PM - Kickoff vs. FC Dallas

RAISE FOR P.L.A.Y.S.

Help support the Chicago Fire Foundation's mission to positively impact Chicago's youth this Saturday during Raise for P.L.A.Y.S. Night and throughout the month of April!

Among the many P.L.A.Y.S.-themed activities, Saturday’s match begins a month-long 50/50 raffle with a guaranteed minimum jackpot of $20,000! The winner will be announced following the Fire’s April 30 home match against the New York Red Bulls. Get your tickets in person at Soldier Field or online by visiting www.fire5050.com.

Fans in attendance will also see members of our P.L.A.Y.S. Program take part throughout the matchday experience, which includes the announcement of our P.L.A.Y.S. Coach of the Year, accompanying Saturday’s Firestarter - former Fire defender Eric Gehrig - and at Burnham Downs for a special Speed Kick Competition.

FREE SHUTTLES TO SOLDIER FIELD

We have partnered with Tuk Tuk Chicago to provide shuttles from the Roosevelt CTA stop to Soldier Field before each match. Shuttles will run starting two hours out from kickoff, with the last scheduled shuttle leaving Roosevelt 30 minutes before kickoff.

BURNHAM DOWNS:

Burnham Downs - the team’s premiere spot for pregame fun outside Soldier Field - opens up at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. The space includes various fan-focused activities, with Fire merchandise, soft drinks, beer and other beverages, available for purchase.

This weekend, Burnham Downs will feature music from DJ Archi from 11:30-2:30 p.m. In addition, DJ Cabrera will be spinning in the North Side Fan Zone from 1:00-2:30 p.m., while DJ Tess will be appearing in the Second Star Pub inside Gate 0 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. and also during halftime.

As previously mentioned, don’t miss Saturday’s special Speed Kick Competition supporting Raise for P.L.A.Y.S.!

STARTING XI FLAGS:

Catch a matchday tradition located outside Gate 5 on the southwest side of Soldier Field. Happening prior to every match, join Fire PA announcer Tico Fernandez for the first glimpse of the Fire’s starting lineup when it’s revealed at 1:50 p.m.

PREGAME CEREMONIES:

Upon taking their seats at Soldier Field, fans will notice the team’s brand new banners commemorating the Club’s historic wins in the U.S. Open Cup (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006), MLS Cup (1998), and Supporters Shield (2003) now on display in the stadium’s 200 level.

Former Fire defender Eric Gehrig will serve as the team’s “Firestarter” by signaling the team’s walkout with a new flag-waving tradition.

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 FIRE 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 Fire Mobile App. Use the app’s new “Soldier Field Mode” 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 visit the new flagship Chicago Fire FC Team Shop at Soldier Field near Second Star Pub in the South Courtyard. In addition, the Fire Merch Truck will be parked at the North Side Fan Zone outside the stadium on McFetridge Dr.

April 2 | Raise For P.L.A.Y.S.

April 2 | Raise For P.L.A.Y.S.

The Chicago Fire Foundation's third annual fundraiser, “RAISE for P.L.A.Y.S.”, takes place on April 2 and will be dedicated to celebrating the Chicago community and raising awareness and resources to fuel the Foundation’s sports-based youth and direct-service programs in our City.