Chicago Fire releases 2016 schedule

The Chicago Fire released their 2016 schedule Thursday, which features a home heavy start to the season and little national exposure.

The Fire will open the season with six of the first eight games at home, including the season opener on March 6 against New York City FC. The schedule also seems to feature more early start times, which I fully support (nothing beats a 2 p.m. game at Toyota Park). Only one of their first eight home matches has a start time later than 4 p.m. and that is on May 28 at 7:30 p.m. against Portland.

After the home heavy start, Chicago will play six of its next nine on the road, which includes a difficult three-game stretch that will take the team from Vancouver to New England and then New York against the Red Bulls in the span of eight days.

The Fire will not see much of national TV this season. Chicago will play on FS1 on April 10 at New York City FC and on ESPN2 against Orlando City on Aug. 14. All four Friday games will be televised on UniMas.

Notable games April 30 at home to DC United where Patrick Nyarko could make his Toyota Park return if he is fit and playing. On Aug. 24, a Wednesday night, Jeff Larentowicz and possibly Mike Magee will come to town with L.A. Galaxy. Neither may play, but they’ll be there.

For a full schedule, click here: Chicago Fire 2016 Schedule

Any game you are looking forward to? I personally am terrified of what July could bring by just glancing at that schedule.