Official: Fire Will Play 2020 Season At Soldier Field [UPDATING]

Over the weekend, the Chicago Fire communications office sent out an announcement for an announcement, saying that the club would be holding a press conference two days later on October 8th to discuss “the world’s best worst-kept secret.”

Indeed.

During that press conference today, new club owner Joe Mansueto will join Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, and Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly to announce what we all knew already: the Fire are returning to Soldier Field for the 2020 MLS season.

The press conference was precluded by a full-page ad in today’s edition of the Chicago Sun-Times, in which Mansueto pledged to “deliver a world-class club worthy of our city and one that represents all of Chicago— our neighborhoods, our people and our spirit.”

Per the club website, renewing season ticket holders who place a $20 deposit by November 1st will get dibs on seat selection. Priority will be determined by “tenure as a ticket package buyer with the Club.” Renewing STHs putting down a deposit after November 1st will then be sorted in priority based on when they order. New season ticket orders will also be taken after 11/1.

The Fire will play their first home game at Soldier Field on March 21st, 2020, against Atlanta United.

We’ll update this post throughout the morning as the press conference begins and more details emerge.

UPDATES:

Joe Mansueto confirms that ticket prices will not increase next year.

The club released this excellent hype video:

From Mayor Lightfoot:

Mansueto says they’re working to keep Bastian Schweinsteiger involved with the club in some capacity. (ICYMI)

68 supporters have had season tickets since day one. Per Mansueto, those fans will get 2020 season tickets for no charge.