Chicago Fire Closer to Playoff Game at SeatGeek Stadium

Bridgeview, IL — The Chicago Fire is on the verge of hosting a playoff game at SeatGeek Stadium for the first time since 2017, but several factors must align for this to happen. With a current record of 15 wins, 11 draws, and 7 losses, the Fire sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, holding 52 points. The top seven teams qualify for the playoffs, while the eighth and ninth-place teams will face off in a wild-card game on October 22.

This past weekend, the Fire had a break but must secure their playoff fate in their final regular-season match against New England on October 18 at 5 p.m. Currently, just three points separate the Fire from ninth-place Columbus (51 points) and sixth-place Nashville (54 points), leaving the playoff picture still uncertain.

Ticketmaster began selling tickets for the potential wild-card game on October 12, but in a surprising twist, it listed SeatGeek Stadium as the venue instead of Soldier Field, the Fire’s usual home. Interestingly, no scheduling conflicts with the Chicago Bears exist, leading to speculation about why SeatGeek was chosen. Some believe that logistic considerations for a quick playoff turnaround may have influenced this decision.

The Chicago Fire has had a strong performance at SeatGeek Stadium this season, going unbeaten with a record of 2 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss. They notably defeated Detroit 4-0 in the U.S. Open Cup on May 7. In comparison, their record at Soldier Field stands at 4 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses. Fire defender Andrew Gutman, a native of Hinsdale, expressed his appreciation for SeatGeek Stadium, which he remembers as Toyota Park. “It’s a soccer-specific stadium, so the fans are a little bit more on top of you. It creates a better environment for us being the home team,” Gutman stated.

In other local sports news, the Chicago Stars tied their NWSL-leading 11th match of the season on October 10, finishing 1-1 against Louisville. Jameese Joseph scored for the Stars late in the game, and they are set to visit San Diego on October 18.

Additionally, St. Xavier’s football team secured its fourth consecutive victory with a 26-20 win over Siena Heights on October 11. They will face St. Francis (Illinois) on October 18. The Chicago Fire II will kick off their MLS NEXT Pro playoffs on October 19 against the New England Revolution II.