Hello, Fire fans! I'm Chris from your friendly neighborhood Colorado Rapids blog, Burgundy Wave. A while back, my girlfriend and I decided that we wanted to take a vacation to Chicago in August. She's only been once and I haven't been for a while -- though since my Dad lived there a while I've been several times -- so we already got a big ol' list of things to do in the Windy City from my Illinois friends.

The first thing I said when the idea was pitched was that I wanted to head down to Toyota Park to take in a Fire game, so we're going to be at the August 18th match vs. New England. Other than going to Rio Tinto Stadium and rooting for the Rapids against Real Salt Lake, this will be our first venture outside Colorado to see an MLS Match.

That said, I have a few questions as a neutral heading down to Toyota Park -

* She and I are big fans of supporters sections (you'll spot us in the Rapids supporters terrace every week). We were hoping to stand in Section 8 if possible, are 'neutrals' allowed in that section? I ask only because the Supporters Terrace at DSGP doesn't allow people wearing opposing colors in most of the time and we'll probably have some manner of Rapids paraphernalia on. (We will be rooting for the Fire to win the match, naturally.)

* In that same vein, how hard are tickets to get for there, it always looks mighty full on the broadcasts I see. Do we need to buy them from supporters groups straight up and is there assigned 'seating'?

* How's the parking situation, are the lots usually full? We've heard rumors of supporters buses, Is it a better idea to just take those to get to the park, considering Bridgeview is a bit of a hike from Chicago?

Thanks a bunch, and see y'all in August!