Chicago’s sports scene is always smoldering — and the Chicago Fire Football Club know exactly how to turn up the heat.
The Chicago Fire have been a crucial part of the city’s sports community since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1998, stacking up U.S. Open Cup titles and drawing record-setting turnouts.
A Chicago Fire match means nonstop soccer action, songs and chanting from dedicated fan club Section 8 Chicago, and a crowd so fiery it turns Soldier Field into one of the Midwest’s most spirited soccer destinations.
Join the excitement and check out the Chicago Fire schedule to experience it all for yourself.
Guide to Chicago Fire FC
The Chicago Fire game day experience
From the first chant to the last roar, the energy of a Chicago Fire showdown at Soldier Field is unmatched. Find out what to expect on game day.
Participate in pre-kickoff fun
Sparky’s Courtyard
During home games, head to Sparky’s Courtyard beyond Gate 0 to enjoy photo ops with Chicago Fire backdrops, face painting, and a chance to meet Sparky, the Fire’s official mascot. Expect games and activities for all ages, live DJ sets, and interactive vendor booths. Swing by the official team shop for limited‑edition Fire gear available only on match day.
Soldier Field tailgating
At Soldier Field, tailgaters can set up on the upper level of the Waldron Deck and in the South Lot.
The official Section 8 Chicago tailgate takes place in the South Lot’s northeast corner, just south of the Waldron Deck garage.
March to the Match
Before each home game, supporters come together in the East Parking Lot an hour before kickoff for the official March to the Match. Expect flags, banners, musical instruments, and more as these loyal fans make a spirited procession into the stadium.
Match day in the stadium
Sound the Alarm
Before the players take the field, fans launch a signature match day ritual known as Sound the Alarm. About 20 minutes prior to game time, a special guest from the Chicago community steps onto the field to lead the tradition. Handed the supporters’ ceremonial ax, they break the glass and trigger the massive fire alarm.
That strike sets everything in motion: The alarm echoes through the stadium, flames erupt behind each goal, and the Fire’s hype video rolls as the team prepares to make its entrance. Arrive early each home match to see who will ignite the night during Sound the Alarm.
Supporter sections
Raise your voice alongside the most passionate supporter sections in the stadium.
Among the many fan clubs, Section 8 Chicago stands out for their unwavering dedication to the Fire. Their towering displays of color and relentless chants create a game day atmosphere you have to see — and hear — to believe.
Theme nights and giveaways
Each year brings a fresh lineup of theme nights — from retro throwbacks to pop‑culture spotlights — and the most popular nights bring exclusive giveaways and fan-favorite moments. Noteworthy theme nights include:
- Home Opener: Feel the stadium ignite when the Fire kick off the season at Soldier Field.
- Chicago Celebration: A full‑stadium salute to the city — come show off your Chicago pride.
- Hispanic Heritage Night: Light up the night with this annual tribute to the cultural legacy that shapes Chicago.
- Family Day: Soccer, kid-friendly activities, and all-ages fun — this match day made for families brings these all together.
- Fan Appreciation Night: Look forward to a celebratory evening dedicated to the fans who drive the Fire.
- Pride Night: Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community at the heart of Chicago, this yearly highlight champions diversity and inclusion.
Chicago Fire matches showcase the city’s grit, pride, and diversity alongside the global spirit of soccer. Game day is where longtime supporters and new fans all find their place — and where every match feels like a celebration of Chicago itself.
History of the Chicago Fire FC
Founded in 1997, the Chicago Fire officially joined MLS in 1998, carrying a name that honored the city’s resilience after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In their inaugural year, the club pulled off a rare feat by winning both the MLS Cup and the US Open Cup, becoming one of the few expansion teams in American sports to claim a championship in their first season.
The early 2000s reinforced the Fire’s status as a contender, with key achievements including:
- US Open Cup titles: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006
- Supporters’ Shield: 2003
- MLS Cup Final appearances: 1998 (win), 2000, 2003
The team’s Hall of Fame, known as the Ring of Fire, recognizes individuals who made a lasting impact on the club — players, coaches, and staff who forged the Fire’s identity through their contributions. Inductees like Frank Klopas, Peter Nowak, and Chris Armas formed the backbone of the club’s formative years.
Chicago Fire rivalries
The Brimstone Cup is an annual trophy contested between the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas, awarded to the team that earns the most points in their head‑to‑head meetings for that season. The Brimstone Cup Committee determines the winner based on all matches played between the two sides, including the regular season, playoffs, and US Open Cup.
In years when the teams don’t face each other, or if they finish level on points, the trophy stays with the previous holder. Supporters from both clubs — Section 8 Chicago and Dallas’s Inferno — created the trophy in 2001, though the team rivalry started in 1998. Its name nods to the teams’ original identities, dating back to when FC Dallas competed as the Dallas Burn.
Not every rivalry needs a trophy to spark some heat. As clubs move around and histories pile up, new matchups heat up while old ones simmer, giving fans plenty to debate every season. For many Fire supporters, the Columbus Crew and St. Louis City SC sit at the top of the rivalry list.
Chicago Fire stadium
The Chicago Fire play at Soldier Field, Chicago’s historic lakefront stadium.
History of Soldier Field
Debuting in 1924 and named in honor of U.S. service members, Soldier Field stands as a cornerstone of Chicago. Home to the Chicago Bears and considered the National Football League’s longest‑standing stadium, it carries more than a century of history.
In the early 2000s, a major renovation modernized the interior while preserving the stadium’s iconic colonnades. Today, this waterfront venue hosts a broad spectrum of sporting events and entertainment, from high‑stakes matches and championship games to concerts and community gatherings. The stadium welcomes over a million visitors every year.
Soldier Field offers two different stadium tours, giving fans a chance to explore the stadium beyond the seating bowl. The Classic Tour leads visitors through highlights such as the skyline suite, the south courtyard, the historic colonnades, and more. The VIP Tour builds on that experience with added perks, including a 15‑minute on‑field session and an exclusive look inside the stadium’s video control room.
As for the seating, Soldier Field’s steep bowl keeps fans close to the action. Lower‑bowl sections sit right on top of the pitch, while upper‑level seats offer wide, panoramic views of the field and Lake Michigan. Premium clubs, suites, and accessible seating options round out a layout designed to support a wide variety of fan experiences.
Soldier Field has served as the Chicago Fire’s original home base since the club’s founding until 2006, when they moved to SeatGeek Stadium. The team eventually returned to Soldier Field during the 2020 MLS season, reestablishing the venue as their primary base. Expected to open in 2028, the Fire’s privately funded stadium in The 78 will become the club’s next home.
With Soldier Field perched right on the waterfront, a match at this storied venue is unforgettable, thanks to skyline views, lake breeze, and a stadium that comes alive when the Fire push forward.
Where to eat before or after a Chicago Fire match
South of downtown Chicago and tucked away on the Museum Campus, Soldier Field is within walking distance of many notable places to eat and stay.
Fans can grab casual bites, full sit‑down meals, and more, with options for every palate and appetite. Popular picks include:
- Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar: A neighborhood gem offering hearty pizzas, refreshing drinks, and a laid‑back vibe.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant: A refined steakhouse offering elevated American fare in a historic restored firehouse setting.
- Chicago Oyster Bar: A go‑to for fresh seafood, oysters on the half shell, and coastal flavors in a relaxed setting.
- Nepal House: A warm, welcoming spot serving flavorful Nepalese and Indian dishes with rich spices and traditional recipes.
- Apolonia Chicago: A stylish Mediterranean‑inspired restaurant known for inventive plates and polished, modern dining.
- Cafe Bionda: A cozy, old-school Italian spot dishing up homestyle pastas and the classics.
- Tapas Valencia: A lively Spanish eatery featuring shareable small plates, timeless entrees, and weekend brunch specials.
Take your pick from trendy hotspots, long-standing local favorites, and everything in between — there’s no shortage of restaurants near Soldier Field.
Where to stay near Soldier Field
The area boasts a strong lineup of hotels within a mile or two of Soldier Field, especially throughout the South Loop and downtown. Accommodations range from boutique-style stays like Le Méridien Essex Chicago to major brands and high‑rise hotels, such as Hilton Chicago, Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place, and Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Many hotels highlight easy access to Grant Park, Lake Shore Drive, and the stadium itself, making them convenient for visitors attending games. Discover more places to stay nearSoldier Field.
How to get to Soldier Field
The stadium’s lakefront location is accessible by public transit, car, and bike:
– By CTA: Roosevelt ‘L’ station — served by the Green, Orange, and Red Lines — puts you a quick half‑mile from Soldier Field. From there, it’s an easy 10 – 15 minute stroll. Or you can enjoy direct service to Soldier Field by riding the 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus.
After the match, riders can catch the 146 on the west side of the Transportation Center at McFetridge and Museum Campus Drive, just northeast of the stadium.
By Metra train: Metra’s Electric District trains make a stop at the Museum Campus/11th Street station.
By bike: There are Divvy bicycle stations throughout the Museum Campus. Additionally, bike racks are available near Gates 7 and 14, as well as by the Waldron Deck and Field Museum.
By water taxi: On select game days, take the scenic route to the game with the Shoreline Sightseeing water taxi. Hop on at Navy Pier and hop off at the Museum Campus stop.
By rideshare: Drop-off and pick-up zones are at the 18th Street turnaround west of Lake Shore Drive and on Balbo Drive at Columbus Drive.
By car: Prepaid parking is offered online for the North Garage, Waldron Deck, and South Lot, all of which can be reached from McFetridge Drive, Waldron Drive, or the 18th Street exit off Lake Shore Drive.
Lots open three hours before game time. Parking at the venue is very limited, so securing a spot in advance is strongly encouraged.
Schedule and tickets for the Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire play a full MLS regular season from late February through early November, featuring 17 home matches at Soldier Field and 17 on the road.
The schedule mixes weekend and midweek games, with key rivalry matchups and conference opponents spread throughout the season.
Tickets are available for single matches, premium suites, full-season memberships, groups, and students. All visitors ages 2 and up must have their own ticket for admission.
All Chicago Fire home game tickets are digital, so be prepared to access and scan them from your mobile device when you arrive. On matchdays, the box office — located on the stadium’s southeast side — opens three hours before kickoff. For additional assistance, head to the customer service booth at Gate 2.
Between family‑friendly seats and spots close to the action, there are Chicago Fire tickets for every type of fan. Supporter-section tickets offer the most charged atmosphere, brimming with nonstop excitement and anticipation, while midfield and club sections provide a more traditional, sit-and-watch experience.
Check the Chicago Fire schedule early to reserve tickets for home and away games. For visitors driving in, secure your parking spot at Soldier Field by buying a parking pass in advance.
Where to watch the Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire diehards who can’t make it out to the game will find plenty of riveting soccer action at fan bars across the city. Inside the Chicago Fire Pitch facility, Heineken 2nd Star Tavern is a hub for soccer fans. The spot offers watch parties with food and drink specials, community events, and a lively ambiance. Or catch an away game at The Embassy Public House in Little Italy.
You can also watch a match with fellow fans at Weather Mark Tavern near Soldier Field in the South Loop or U.S. Soccer Bar of the Year winner The Globe Pub in the North Center neighborhood. Other top Chicago soccer bars include AJ Hudson’s Public House in Lakeview and Cleo’s Bar and Grill in West Town.
