Chicago Fire Cement Return to Soldier Field

The club is rewarding the 68 fans who have had season tickets from the team's inception with free tickets for the 2020 season.

Kamil Krzaczynski/USA Today Sports

CHICAGO (AP) – The Chicago Fire are returning to Soldier Field.

The Major League Soccer team made the expected move from SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview official Tuesday at a news conference that included Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The Fire's first game back at Soldier Field - their home from 1998-2001 and 2003-05 before moving to Bridgeview - is scheduled for March 21 against Atlanta United.

Owner Joe Mansueto, who purchased full control of the team last month, said the club needs to be located ''centrally where all of Chicago can enjoy it.'' He calls Soldier Field the ''perfect location.''

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀.

✶ Soldier ✶ Field ✶ 2020 ✶ pic.twitter.com/HQvjnDGAPa

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) October 8, 2019

For our day ones ❤️

Joe Mansueto announced that the 68 supporters who've held #cf97 season tickets every year will receive their 2020 seats for free. pic.twitter.com/vZkefb1x3W

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) October 8, 2019

The announcement came on the 148th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire.