Toyota Park is sold out for its Sunday grand opening, the Chicago Fire announced Friday. Only a limited number of standing room tickets remaining available for the clash between the Fire and the New York Red Bulls.
"We are extremely pleased to announce our first sell-out," said Chicago Fire President/CEO John Guppy. "Sunday's game will be a very special day as it has been a long time coming for thousands of our fans, our team and our entire organization. We can now celebrate the beginning of a new era at our world-class home. We're confident that everyone in attendance will take back a very memorable experience."
The Fire has plenty in store for the more than 20,000 fans who will attend the Toyota Park celebration.
The festivities start at 4:30 p.m. local time with "FireFest," which will include a performance by the band Infinity. The Windy City group is known for covering popular 1980s rock bands like Bon Jovi, Journey, Boston and REO Speedwagon. After the game, Infinity will return to the stage for another set.
Fans will be invited to take a hands-on role in the celebration just before kickoff. A red or white sheet of paper will be placed on every seat in the stadium, and when each fan holds up his or her piece, the crowd will display an image.
There will also be a ceremonial first kick to officially inaugurate the stadium, and all fans in attendance will receive a Chicago Fire magnet schedule and a commemorative game program.
A $98 million facility, Toyota Park is located in Bridgeview, Ill., about 15 minutes southwest of Chicago. It is the fourth soccer-specific stadium to be built in the United States, following Columbus Crew Stadium, The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., and Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
