Fire open 2008 season vs. Real Salt Lake

Chicago Fire's Cuauhtemoc Blanco, left, and Chad Barrett look to cruise back into the MLS playoffs in 2008.

BRIDGEVIEW - Chicago Fire Soccer has announced that the club will begin its 11th season of play in Major League Soccer against Real Salt Lake at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 29, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. CT. The Fire return to play in Bridgeview's TOYOTA PARK on Thursday, April 3, 2008, when the squad will welcome 2007 MLS Cup finalist New England Revolution for a 7:00 p.m. CT kick-off. The broadcast schedule for all 30 of the Fire's regular season match-ups will be announced at a later date.


The Fire will announce individual game ticket information in the coming months, but fans can secure their seats for the home opening match against the Revolution today by purchasing a 2008 Season Full Ticket Package, available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE or clicking on the TICKETS link on the club's official website, www.chicago-fire.com. Chicago Fire Holiday Packs are also on sale starting at $89 and include four tickets to the home opener as well as a hat and glove set.


Chicago is 4-3-3 all-time in season openers and 5-2-3 all-time in home openers, with the club having played just two season openers at home (2003, 2007).


The full schedule for the 2008 MLS regular season, including the remaining 28 games in the Fire's season slate, will be announced in February.