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Matchday Guide | Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC | Wednesday, Aug. 4

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Chicago Fire FC returns home for the first of three-straight matches at home on Wednesday night when they welcome New York City FC to Soldier Field.

Wednesday night's 7 p.m. CT kickoff is also the Club's "eSports Night," which will see various EA Sports FIFA and gaming elements incorporated into the matchday experience at Soldier Field.

Fans planning on attending the match can find the latest information on health and safety protocols as well as parking and directions to Soldier Field here:

  • HEALTH AND SAFETY: Click here to visit our Soldier Field Stadium Guide to view all the information needed to make your trip a smooth one, including the latest updates on our 2021 health and safety protocols, stadium entry policies, and more. Fans who are vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks.
  • PARKING AND DIRECTIONS: Click here to view parking information and directions to Soldier Field by car, public transportation, or rideshare.
  • 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.

Check out additional highlights of the unique items and activations fans in attendance can expect throughout Wednesday night's experience at Soldier Field below:

#CHIvNYC MATCHDAY TIMELINE:

  • 4:00 PM - Parking Lots and Burnham Downs open
  • 5:30 PM - Stadium gates open
  • 6:00 PM - Starting XI flags are raised outside Gate 6
  • 7:00 PM - Kickoff against New York City FC

ESPORTS NIGHT:

Jump on the sticks on Wednesday night as the South Courtyard inside Gate 0 is transformed to feature multiple gaming areas and a free personalized FUT card printing station. Plus, CFFC eMLS Competitors Kid M3mito & BITW7 will be on-hand to meet and greet fans in the south courtyard from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Keep your eyes on the jumbotron at halftime as well as Fire defender/midfielder Mauricio Pineda puts his FIFA Skills to the test.

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BURNHAM DOWNS:

Burnham Downs, the Fire's all-new pre-match tailgate outside Soldier Field’s southwest entrance, opens up three hours prior to kickoff on Wednesday night. The space includes various fan-focused activities, with Fire merchandise, food, soft drinks, beer and other beverages, available for purchase. Burnham Downs is free and open to the public and will provide fun and games for all remaining home games. Here's what fans can expect to see at Burnham Downs throughout the remainder of the 2021 season.

  • Games: Test your soccer skills at the speed shot station or try to improve your hand-eye coordination at the reaction game.
  • Food Trucks: Throughout the year various local food trucks will be spotlighted showcasing the many diverse eats around the city. This match will feature Arnold's Taco Truck.
  • Live Art: Local artist Kane1 will be on site creating a piece in real time. Swing by to check out his creation.
  • Heineken Airstream Bar: For fans 21-and-over, head over the new Heineken Airstream Bar for an ice-cold Heineken as you countdown to kickoff.
  • EA Sports FIFA: Head over to test your FIFA skills and take on opponents prior to the Fire match.

STARTING XI FLAGS:

Catch a new matchday tradition located outside Gate 6 on the southwest side of Soldier Field. Happening prior to every match, join Fire PA announcer Tico Fernandez and shout the players last names as the flags are raised 60 minutes before kickoff.

QUICK STRIKE MARKET:

An all-new way to grab exclusive, autographed Fire merchandise, match-worn gear, and more can be found at the Quickstrike Market at Soldier Field. Check it out it inside Gate 0 on your way into the match. New for this homestand are pins featuring the Club's new crest, which you can find not only at Quick Strike Market, but also in the United Club and Section 129, where you can get your photo taken with a larger than life sculpture of the logo. Kit customization will be available at Quick Strike as well.

MERCHANDISE:

A merchandise stand has been added to the concourse in section 128. Fans can now purchase in section 128 and section 150 on the Mezzanine Concourse, and in the South Courtyard at the Quick Strike Market. All merchandise is now 50% off.