The Chicago Fire (15-11-3, 48 pts.) will return to its home of Soldier Field for the first time in 56 days on Wednesday, Oct. 5, when it plays host to the MetroStars (10-9-10, 40 pts.) for a 7:30 p.m. CT kick-off on "Fan Appreciation Night" at the lakefront venue. The final of this season's four games between the Fire and MetroStars carries huge postseason implications for both sides, as Chicago can clinch the Eastern Conference's third postseason bid with a win or a draw, while a MetroStars victory will pull them even with the fourth-place Kansas City Wizards in the race for the last spot in the East. The match will not be televised, but fans can follow the action live on www.Chicago-Fire.com (English) and via WNVR 1030 AM (Polish), while WRTO AM 1200 (Spanish) will also air a delayed broadcast beginning at 9:00 p.m. CT. Fans will not leave Soldier Field empty handed tomorrow night, as 5,000 spectators will be issued free Chicago Fire Waste Bins from Kraft following the contest.
The Fire's "Fan Appreciation Night" festivities during Wednesday's match includes a special ticket offer for season ticket holders, who will receive up to four complimentary tickets for friends for the match, with additional tickets costing only $10 each. In addition, groups of four or more fans will also receive the $10 price for admission. The Fire has also changed day of game prices for the match in honor of "Fan Appreciation Night." Firehouse, Corner Kick and Reserve seats, normally $20-25, will be available at a special price of $15, while Premier and VIP seats, normally $30-40, will be available for $25. Discounted tickets are now available and can be purchased by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE, or by visiting the Fire's official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com. The Fire would like to remind both season ticket holders and media members to use Ticket and Parking Pass #14 for tomorrow night's Fire-MetroStars match. Soldier Field will be honoring tickets marked with the match's original date of Aug. 28.
Chicago Fire vs. MetroStars
Wednesday, Oct. 5 @ 7:30 p.m. CT: Soldier Field - Chicago, IL
TV/Satellite: None
Audio: WNVR 1030 AM (Polish), www.Chicago-Fire.com (English);
Delayed Broadcast on WRTO 1200 AM (Spanish) at 9 p.m. CT
MLS Game Guide:
Series History vs. MetroStars
The Fire will be looking to even up the season series against the rival MetroStars when they meet on Wednesday, with the Metros carrying a 2-1-0 record in 2005 against the "Men in Red" into Soldier Field. The Fire's 13-7-3 all-time regular season record against the MetroStars includes a 1-0 win at Giants Stadium in this year's series opener on Apr. 22. The Metros followed that up by coming into Chicago on May 14 and dominating in a 3-0 victory before squeaking out a 2-1 result in East Rutherford, NJ on May 31 on the strength of an Amado Guevara goal in second half stoppage time. The Fire has notched a 6-3-2 mark in home contests against the MetroStars, including a 4-2-1 record at Soldier Field.
Razov's First Visit to Chicago Comes Wednesday With MetroStars
Forward Ante Razov will finally make his return to Chicago on Wednesday as a member of the rival MetroStars. Razov spent seven seasons with the "Men in Red" during which he was the lynchpin of the Fire attack, putting up team career records in virtually every offensive category: goals (76), shots (617), shots on goal (312), game-winning goals (23), game-winning assists (15) and multiple-goal games (16). Razov continues to produce, scoring seven goals and adding six assists in 23 games this season with the Columbus Crew and the MetroStars. In one of the biggest deals in team history, the Fire traded Razov to the Crew on Jan. 30, 2005 in exchange for defender Tony Sanneh.
Fire Business Alliance Networking Event
The Fire has announced the organization will host the first-ever Fire Business Alliance Networking event prior to tomorrow's contest at Soldier Field against the MetroStars. The event will be held on the Colonnades level on the east side of Soldier Field and will begin at 5:30 p.m. CT. The event will feature food/beverages, raffle prizes and an opportunity to network with some of Chicago's top business leaders. Admission to the event is $35 for members and $55 for non-members, a price that includes a ticket to the Fire-Metros match. For more information on the Chicago Fire's Business Alliance or to purchase tickets to the event, please contact Andrew Stengren at 312-705-7235 or via email at Astengren@Chicago-Fire.com.
Quick Kicks vs. MetroStars
