Matchday Guide | Chicago Fire vs. LA Galaxy | Saturday, April 16

Chicago Fire FC is back at Soldier Field this Saturday for an eagerly-anticipated early season test against the LA Galaxy.

25,000+ fans are expected to be in attendance to watch the marquee matchup, so getting familiar with the stadium’s policies and arriving at Soldier Field early will help ensure a fun and smooth matchday experience.

Kickoff for Saturday’s matchup is set for 7 p.m. CT and fans are encouraged to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the opening whistle. Those 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:

SAVE $5 WITH PRE-PURCHASED PARKING: Fans are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase their discounted parking passes via Chicago Fire Account Manager in order to ensure a more seamless garage entry on busy 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 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 by clicking here to visit our Soldier Field Matchday Guide.

NO BAGS: No bags will be permitted in the stadium other than clear bags not exceeding 12” x 12”, 6” or smaller, 4.5" x 6" small clutch, ADA/medical bags and manufactured diaper bags.

#CHIvLAG MATCHDAY TIMELINE:

• 4:00 PM - Burnham Downs and parking lots open
• 5:30 PM - Stadium gates open
• 6:00 PM - Starting XI flags are raised outside Gate 7
• 7:00 PM - Kickoff vs. LA Galaxy

RED FLAG GIVEAWAY

The first 10,000 fans through the gates at Soldier Field on Saturday will receive a free red flag emblazoned with the Club’s new crest!

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.

FAN AREAS:

Fans are encouraged to visit each of our three fan zones set up at Soldier Field - The North Side Fan Zone, Burnham Downs, and the South Courtyard.

• At the North Side Fan Zone outside Gate 47 on McFetridge Dr., fans can find the all-new Fire Merch Truck parked and stocked with the latest Fire gear for purchase. In addition, games and live music will be regular features here all season long.
• Burnham Downs - the team’s premiere spot for pregame fun outside Soldier Field - opens up at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and is located outside Gate 0. The space includes various fan-focused activities, with Fire merchandise, soft drinks, Heineken and Revolution Hazy Pitch.
• This weekend, Burnham Downs will feature a live mural painting from local artist Penny Pinch, as well as a food truck from Café Tola.
• Inside Gate 0, the South Courtyard at Soldier Field features two brand new must-stop locations - The Chicago Fire Team Shop and the Second Star Pub. The new Chicago Fire Team Shop includes the widest variety of Fire gear among all merchandise locations in the stadium, while the Second Star Pub is a perfect place to grab a Hazy Pitch on the way to your seats. The South Courtyard also features photo booths, trivia, games, and - for our younger fans - our Kids Zone and Sparky’s Playhouse.

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

Help support the Chicago Fire Foundation's mission to positively impact Chicago's youth this Saturday and throughout the month of April!

Saturday’s match continues 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.

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 6:00 p.m.

FIRESTARTER:

Former Fire forward and MLS MVP Mike Magee will serve as the team’s “Firestarter” by signaling the team’s walkout with a new flag-waving tradition.

GMC Buick VIP Parking:

The Fire will debut a special new offer allowing Buick GMC owners to park in an exclusive area in the Waldron Deck at Soldier Field. Fans will see signage directing them to the exclusive parking area, along with parking attendants instructing them upon entrance into the Waldron Deck Parking Facility.

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. A full list of matchday concessions offerings can be found in the Chicago Fire Mobile App by entering the all-new “Soldier Field Mode” feature.

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.