The full Major League Soccer schedule was announced on Thursday and now Chicago Fire fans can make their plans for the 2016 season.
As was previously announced, the Fire are opening on Sunday, March 6 against New York City F.C. at 1 p.m. and the match will be televised on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The following game will take place on Friday, March 11 at Orlando.
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Future broadcast information will be available at a later date. CSN Chicago is the home for Chicago Fire.
Here are some facts and notable dates from the schedule:
- Three of the Fire’s first four games and five of the first seven will be at Toyota Park.
- The first seven games and nine of the first 10 will take place against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Patrick Nyarko will first return to Toyota Park with D.C. United on April 30.
- The reigning MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers come to Toyota Park on May 28.
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- MLS will break during the Copa America Centenario. After the Portland match, the Fire will next play on June 18 at Colorado.
- Former Fire captain Jeff Larentowicz will return to Bridgeview with the LA Galaxy on Aug. 24.
- Toronto FC, featuring U.S. national team stalwarts Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, will visit Toyota Park on Sept. 10, four days after the U.S. hosts Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup qualifier.
- Just like in 2015, the Fire will play back-to-back games against Columbus, although a Fire bye week will sit in between the two October matches.
- Teams that will not travel to Toyota Park in 2016: Colorado, Dallas, Real Salt Lake, Seattle, Vancouver
- Teams the Fire will play three times in 2016: Columbus, - The Fire will host three midweek games, two on Wednesday and one on a Thursday.
Check out the full 34-game schedule below: