Chicago Fire FC is just over one-third into their 2023 season. Things have gotten off to a bit of a rocky start.
The Fire have a record of 3-6-4 in their first 13 matches. That puts them near the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference and a regular underdog on Illinois soccer betting odds board.
However, it isn’t all bad news. They are only a few wins away from getting into contention for a spot in that series for the final playoff spot in the conference. There is a lot of season left to go for this club to turn things around. And there are plenty of opportunities to bet on Fire games through one of the seven Illinois sports betting sites.
There are also plenty of opportunities for soccer fans in Chicago to catch the Fire make a run toward the MLS Cup. Soldier Field has loads of great promos and events to draw folks in to watch the action. We’ve got your guide to checking out a home match for the Chicago Fire.
Chicago Fire FC 2023 theme nights
Chicago Fire FC is inviting fans to experience how the club makes matchdays at Soldier Field special in 2023. There will be theme nights with unique events and giveaways all season long.
So far, fans have already enjoyed Chicago Sports Day and Kid’s Night. There are still seven amazing nights on the schedule that should present a great night out for families in the Windy City.
| Date / Time | Opponent | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| June 10, 7:30 p.m. | Columbus Crew | Pride Night |
| July 8, 7:30 p.m. | Nashville SC | Heroes Night |
| July 12, 7:30 p.m. | CF Montréal | Star Wars Night |
| July 15, 7:30 p.m. | Toronto FC | 80's Night |
| Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. | Orlando City SC | Military Night |
| Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. | New England Revolution | Hispanic Heritage Night |
| Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. | Charlotte FC | Fan Appreciation Night |
A few of the notable theme nights include the club’s annual Pride Night at Soldier Field on June 10. Throughout the evening, there will be special events, a flag giveaway, and activities to recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to soccer and beyond.
Sci-fi fans should get a kick out of Star Wars Night on July 12. A special Stormtrooper bobblehead will be given away to the first 2,500 fans to enter the stadium. Throughout the match, folks will also be treated to unique Star Wars-themed entertainment.
Closing out the season, the club will showcase how the fans are the heart and soul of Chicago Fire FC. Oct. 7 will be Fan Appreciation Night at Soldier Field. A special lapel pin and concessions discounts will highlight an evening of special surprises.
The Fan Experience on Matchday at Soldier Field
It isn’t the type of ‘football’ Chicago sports fans have grown accustomed to over the years. However, Chicago Fire FC has generated a large amount of support since it began play in the MLS in 1998. In fact, the club won the MLS Cup as well as the U.S. Open Cup in their first season as an expansion team.
However, the team has struggled recently, having not made the playoffs over the past five seasons. But that hasn’t stopped fans from making their way to Soldier Field to cheer the team on.
The club makes matchday at Soldier Field special. One of the most anticipated moments of any matchday is the Starting XI Flag Raising. That’s when the starting players for the Fire are unveiled. If fans are inside Gate 0 in the Southwest Courtyard before every home match, they’ll get to join Fire PA announcer Tico Fernandez to shout the players’ last names as the Starting XI flags are raised 60 minutes before kickoff.
The South Courtyard is also the home of the Fire Team Shop. There, fans can get their hands on the latest Fire merchandise. You can also check out ‘the Fire merch truck,’ parked outside Gate 47 on the stadium’s north side.
Of course, there is plenty for the kids as well. Folks can head over to the Chicago Fire Gaming Zone on the north concourse. There you can challenge your buddies to a game of EA Sports FIFA 23 or relax on the comfy couches. Kids can also visit Sparky’s Courtyard inside Gate 0 & sign up for the Chicago Fire FC Kids Club. It is a free way for kids ages 12 and under to have a fun and unique experience at Fire matches.
Planning a trip to Solider Field
Like any big sporting event, you will want to plan ahead before making your trip to Soldier Field. Chicago Fire FC has details for fans planning their routes to their next CFFC matchday.
Fans can book convenient and affordable parking in advance through the parking reservations app SpotHero. To reserve your parking spot, click here to visit the Chicago Fire SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot. Additional Parking options can be pre-purchased online for $35 (plus applicable fees.)
Parking passes on matchday can be purchased using cash or credit for $40 for vehicles and $160 for buses. Season Ticket Holders have access to discounted $30 parking passes.
For those using public transportation, there are several options. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) can get you to Soldier Field by way of the #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus. When departing the Soldier Field area after the match, board #146 buses along the west side of the Transportation Center at the corner of McFetridge and Museum Campus Drive, just northeast of the stadium.
Meanwhile, fans beginning their matchdays in Chicago’s surrounding suburbs can take advantage of the Metra rail lines to reach Soldier Field. You can also use any rideshare app of your choosing. Bicycle Parking is also available near Gates 7 & 14, by the Waldron Deck & Field Museum.
