SeatGeek Stadium (Bridgeview, Illinois)

SeatGeek Stadium is a football stadium on 71st Street and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview, Illinois, about twelve miles southwest of downtown Chicago. This is the home stadium of the Chicago Fireball Football Club of the Higher Football League (MLS), the Chicago Red Stars National Women’s Football League (NWSL) and the Chicago Bliss Football League of Legends (LFL). The stadium also hosted the Chicago Major League Car Lacrosse. Originally called Toyota Park, when it was opened on June 11, 2006, its capacity is 20,000, and the cost of its construction is about $ 100 million. The naming rights agreement with SeatGeek entered into force after the 2018 Fire season.

Basic information

Official site: https://seatgeekstadium.com/

Arena Capacity: 20,000 viewers

Address: 7000 S Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA.

GPS coordinates for navigator: 41 ° 45′53 ″ N 87 ° 48′22 ″ W.

Year of construction: June 11, 2006

Cost of construction: 122 million dollars

Field: Kentucky Bluegrass with dimensions of 120 x 75 yards

SeatGeek Stadium Seating Plan

Fire Bench and Visitor Bench

• Fire Bench — the sideline of the fire is in front of section 127;
• Bench for visitors — the side line for visitors is in front of section 129.

Shaded & Covered Seats

About 25% of all seats in the Seatgeek stadium offer some type of shade or cover. Below is a sample of the seats that are at least partially covered or shaded at different times of the day.

• Lines 22 and above in section 110 are covered;
• Lines 1 and above in section 137 are covered;
• Lines 1 and higher in Star D are covered;
• Lines 1 and higher in section 205 are covered.

Supporters

The Chicago Fire supporters section is called Harlem End. These sections are generally accepted and intended for loud, pleasing fans.

Suites & Club Seating

Premium packages at Seatgeek Stadium are the best way to experience the excitement of a sports or recreational event. Premium packages with luxurious five-star accommodations are a great way to entertain potential customers, business investors, or reward employees.

The experience begins with the best places in the house, and offers first-class treatment throughout the event. Great places, great atmosphere, great food, preferable parking and many other exclusive benefits — there is simply no better way to see the events of the Seatgeek stadium.

Executive suites

Executive suites, rented on an annual basis, are a great way to conduct various events in an exclusive setting, as well as for first-class service and first-class amenities.

Designed to provide first-class amenities, personal service and an exceptional environment, the executive suite is the perfect place to entertain customers, reward employees or hold events with friends and family. From sixteen to thirty-six people can be accommodated in each suite.

Executive suites at Seatgeek Stadium offer amenities and services that will create a luxurious suite that your customers, family and friends will never forget.

You will receive tickets and access to your suite to all social events at the stadium, including:

• All Chicago Fire Games ;
• All playoff games in Chicago;
• International football matches ;
• Concerts ;
• High school sporting events and NCAA;
• Additional community activities.

Stadium Club Membership

As the owner of the suite, you will become the exclusive member of the Stadium Club. Post-event celebrations and private autograph sessions are just some of the events that take place in this unique and hospitable area.

VIP parking and private entrance

Each suite has a VIP-parking, a private plot and the opportunity to purchase additional seats. Apartment owners also have access to a separate entrance, call and lounge.

Catering

We strive to make your suite at Seatgeek Stadium exceptional. Thanks to a wide range of high-quality food and services, our concessionaire will make the entertainment of your guests a pleasant event. Including a private host / hostess and offering standard stadium favorites with an exotic international flavor, our catering will take care of all your needs.

Access to the suite on non-event days

As the owner of the set, you will have access to your set on non-event days, for business meetings, launch events or private parties.

Event suites

If you want to have fun in the executive suite, but do not want to count on a year, renting a luxury apartment at the Seatgeek stadium is what you need. Event suites, available for each event, can accommodate up to 16 people, but can be increased up to 50 people.

If your goal is to observe what is happening on the pitch with the best view in the house, Event Suites at the Seatgeek Stadium are what you are looking for. The permanent suites are the largest suites in the stadium and provide services that will make your event a memorable one.

Event Suites is a great place to:

• Company meetings;
• Birthday parties;
• Family reunification;
• Holiday parties;
• Anniversary celebrations;
• Corporate team building;
• Rewarding current customers.

Features and amenities of the suite:

• Exclusive entrance and convenient access to Suite Concourse zones;
• Access to the stadium club;
• Extensive food menu;
• Refrigerator, ice maker and wet bar;
• Climate control comfort;
• Indoor and outdoor seating;
• Luxury furnishings Suite;
• The possibility of buying additional tickets only standing room;
• Staff Suite ;
• Accommodates 16-50 people.

Club Seating

Ultimate VIP experience

For better comfort and convenience, as well as for the best combination of sports and special events, we invite you to become the seat holder of the Seatgeek Stadium Club. Centrally located on the east side of the field, our club chairs offer the best lines for exciting Seatgeek stadium events and are ideal for entertaining customers, making business deals, recognizing employees or simply relaxing and enjoying the show.

The package of events includes the following events:

• All Chicago Fire Games ;
• All playoff games in Chicago;
• Choose international football matches;
• Priority of the event — the owners of club seats will be given priority for acquiring the same seats for the Seatgeek stadium Special events, such as concerts, family shows or international events;
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• Restaurant service on site;
• Seats in midfield within the east side;
• VIP privileged parking — one (1) place for every two (2) places purchased;
• Full access to the stadium club;
• Private VIP entrance for premium seats;

Where to buy tickets?

The ticket office is on the east side. Seatgeek Stadium Near way out D. On non-working days, parking is available on the eastern section — enter S2 from 71st Street.

Opening hours:

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 16:00;
• Saturday, Sunday and days of the event: the ticket office opens three hours before the event.

Will call

Tickets ordered through www.seatgeek.com and intended for “Will Call” can be picked up, starting three hours before the event in box office stadium Seatgeek.  All SEATGEEK ordered tickets that need to be picked up at Will Call must be in your name and you must have the credit card used to place the order, your confirmation number and a valid photo ID to pick up the tickets.

Tickets will not be given to persons other than the name provided through SEATGEEK or Will Call without prior permission.

Payment method

Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Seatgeek Stadium the cashier does not return; All sales are final.

Children’s tickets

All children who have reached their second birthday need a ticket to get to the stadium. All children who have not reached the second birthday, a ticket is not required, but they can not take place.

Seatgeek Stadium box office reserves the right to make changes at policy in the case.

The ticket office is located on the east side of the Seatgeek stadium near exit D. On non-working days, parking is available on the eastern section — enter S2 from 71st Street.

Parking and gates:

• Parking spaces usually open 3 hours before the event (changes are possible);
• Chicago Fire Soccer: the doors open 1 hour before the start of the match;
• Other events: the doors open 1.5 hours before the event (changes are possible).

Sales procedure

The ticket office of the Seatgeek stadium will open at 10:00 for all sellers and will work in turn.

Same day ticket orders

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster phones and online up to 3 hours before the event.

Tickets can be purchased at the Seatgeek Stadium ticket office, starting at 10:00 AM from Monday to Friday and three hours before the event starts on Saturday and Sunday. The ticket office of the Seatgeek stadium will be open for buying tickets within one hour after the start of the event or a break in the games.

Planning ahead brings dividends, as more expensive ones don’t necessarily mean better in Toyota Park. Low cost places ($ 20) offer a good view of the field, and the next price level ($ 22) may be the best place in the house, if you take into account neighboring fans of Section 8. If you are looking for a pure experience of football aesthetics, on the upper floors there is a beautiful view of the whole field, especially for night games.

Higher price levels ($50-$70) do not give a much better view than the less expensive areas nearby. Given that cheap seats are stands, and attendance averages about 75% of capacity, you do not have to pay a lot for a lot of space and a good overview.

Having separate groups of fans in certain parts of the stadium allows you to determine exactly what kind of experience you want to gain. At Toyota Park, you know exactly what you get when you buy a ticket, whether you want to sing and shout from beginning to end, or participate in a quiet, intellectual appreciation of the Great Game.

It’s also convenient that the team doesn’t have flexible pricing schemes — the tickets are the same, whether it’s the Los Angeles Galaxy or the basement dweller from remote parts of MLS. If you buy tickets from the owner of a seasonal ticket on the resale market, please note — in each game there is a discount on one menu item for owners of seasonal tickets, for example, half-price popcorn.

How to get there?

Unfortunately, communicating with Fire fans, it becomes clear that the location of Bridgeview has become a drag on the game. This is far from almost everywhere, and even worse when this trip home is accompanied by 90 minutes of soulless football, week after week.

Bridgeview is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Chicago via I-55 to Harlem Avenue or from the western suburbs via I-294 to I-55 N or 95th Street.  Parking costs $ 15 along the Harlem Avenue. (A bus/bus parking lot costs $ 30 on section N2.) The back door is allowed on section N2, near gate C, while parking with ADA access is located on section N1, between gate C and D. There are elevators for wheelchair access. terrace level 100.,

Driving

From downtown Chicago (I-55): Take I-55 south to the Harlem Avenue exit. Turn left (south) on Harlem Avenue. Go south about 2.4 miles to the stadium.

From the three-state toll highway (I-294): Take exit for I-294 and exit 95th EAST in the direction of Harlem (IL Route 43). Continue on the block, then take the IL Route 43 (Harlem) exit North. Continue north to Harlem about 3 miles. Public Parking: Stay on the right lane, turn right on Frontage Road and under the bridge (just north of 71st Street).

From the west: Take I-55 to the north and turn off Harlem Avenue (IL Route 43) to the south. Drive south for about 2.4 miles and stay on the right lane. Public Parking: Enter straight into the “N” parcels along Harlem. Only VIP and STH parking can turn right onto 71st Street and enter lots S1 and S2.

From the South: Take 79th, 87th or 95th Street to Harlem Avenue (IL Route 43) to the north. Continue north on Harlem Avenue to the parking entrance at the 70th and Harlem. Public Parking: Stay on the right lane, turn right on Frontage Road under the bridge (just north of 71st Street). Only VIP and STH parking can turn right onto 71st Street and enter lots S1 and S2.

Public transport is cheap, but very time consuming. Express buses run from the CTA Orange Line station at Midway Airport, starting two hours before the start of the game (they leave every 20 minutes before the match time) and return 30 minutes after it ends. The bus stop is located at the corner of 71st and Harlem Avenue, the south-east side of the stadium (exit from gate F). From there, 35 minutes via CTA Orange Line (the last train leaves halfway at 1:00 am) to Loop, where you can connect with most of the CTA and Metra lines.

The team seems to be aware of the problem, but so much can be done. Pub to Pitch offers a round-trip bus ride from several bars to Chicago, encouraging drinkers to drink before and during the trip. Tickets must be purchased in advance via the Internet. if it is possible ($ 15), but if there are free places you can buy them on the day of the game in pubs ($ 20).

The toilets are large, wide and clean. There are lines in the break and after the game, but not for too long. If time is a factor, check — some latrines (especially near corners) have much longer queues than others.

Where to eat?

There are three types of concessions: standard walking stands, cooking stands to order and carts. Stands for cooking to order are usually worth the wait, but keep in mind that there is a wait. The best of them is Village Grill, behind section 134, which offers a decent view of the field while you wait. Other booths for cooking to order are in the outer hall, even without ceiling televisions, to keep you informed.

The Village Grill restaurant has pork sandwiches ($ 9.50), veggie hamburgers ($ 9.75) and other good sandwiches, all served with french fries. For dessert, the best thing in the stadium is the elevated nachos ice cream ($ 8) from a stand in the outer hall behind section 106.

For walking concessions, the easiest way is to find stands at the Harlem End, but lines can be reserved, and some options are Corner Kickin ‘Chicken? — too smart for their own good.

Ultimately, in this Chicago area, the stadium will rise or fall depending on the quality of what comes out of its grills. Polish sausages are delivered well and with a minimum of fuss ($ 7.25). Do not forget about Italian beef sandwiches ($ 9.50), which are littered with jardiniers.

Basics, such as popcorn, ice cream and giant pretzels, cost about 4 dollars and are processed quite well. Pieces of pizza cost 5.25 dollars.

Pepsi products cost $ 5.25 in 20 ounces. bottles or cups. Home-brewed beer costs $ 7.75, while import and premium checkers (Heineken & Amstel Light, Newcastle and microvity such as Goose Island 312 and Lagunitas IPA) cost $ 9.75. And higher. Drink carts on the outside lounge offer a variety of beers, including Blue Moon, Dos Equis, Killian’s Irish Stout, Leinenkugel’s, and Modelo. They are scattered throughout the stadium, so keep going if you don’t see what you want.

The lines on the carts vary greatly in length. Hot dogs ($ 5.25) from Red Hot Chicago, by the standards of Chicago, are insignificant — not at all bad, but smaller than their counterparts elsewhere.

Overall, the quality of the food at Toyota Park is pretty good, but organization is a mess. Tell me you want a pork sandwich There is only one place that serves him, the Village Grill, and that’s good if you’re on the wrong side of the stadium. But if you are sitting on the other side (like many people), you need to go through the whole horseshoe-shaped stadium to get there. And if you did not have time to explore the entire stadium (thus skipping part of the game), or you read this review, you probably do not know that it exists at all. So some kind of repetition will help.

Atmosphere

One fine Saturday evening in the northern parking lot there may be about a dozen groups of hunters behind the tail — there is enough space to expand, but still lively.  In fact, the atmosphere is an idyllic border: the children roam freely, and the fans show off their soccer balls. It is worth to park there to soak up the atmosphere before the game.

Toyota Park is a football stadium in which sport is clearly visible. The lines of sight were clearly designed with football in mind, and the natural grass field seems to be in great shape, in a beautiful shade of green. For night games, every inch of the field is perfectly lit.

The team relies on their fans to create most of the atmosphere, and the fans definitely pass — no stadium production is needed to make them make noise. Sound effects and music signals are minimized during game actions, with the exception of a round of fireworks for each goal, which is a nice touch. Announcements for public speaking are unique in Chicago in two languages ​​in English and Spanish.

The seats are a mixture of metal stands and molded plastic seats with cup holders — quite comfortable, although the stands can be quite cold. Disabled seats offer a good, clear overview of events. The video screen is on the small side and has some digital artifacts during replays; it is also located at the far south end of the field, so many fans do not have a great view, but they hardly need to enjoy the game.

Regardless of where your place is located, it’s worth going to Harlem End at some point during the first half. The air is full of the aroma of good grilled food — no other place in Chicago can match it. Please note that the Harlem End is packed during the break.

Neighborhood

Bridgeview is a working class suburb that fits perfectly into the neighboring southwestern part of Chicago. To the west of the stadium, there are acres of single-family houses, while freight trains occasionally rumble north. There is not much in the way of local nightlife; if the area is known for something, it is hot dogs and sausages.

For food before or after the game, try Portillo’s.

Harlem Ave.), an Illinois network that serves good hot dogs, hamburgers and pasta, or grabs Italian beef from Beefy’s (5749 S. Harlem Ave.), a friendly retro diner a few minutes from the stadium. If you need back door supplies, go to Joe and Frank at 7147 W. Archer Ave. or venture a little further north to the famous Bobak Sausage Company at 5275 S. Archer Ave.

As for drinks, the grand duke’s restaurant, Lithuanian power station, S. Harlem Ave., 6312 across the street from the stadium is the king of perches. The bar menu specializes in Lithuanian and Estonian beers and liquors, but there are also many other European and domestic drinks. Dinner more or less guarantees food coma.

Otherwise, if you are tired of meat in the shell, Vito and Nick (8433 S. Pulaski Rd.) Is just 15 minutes away and is served — hands down, do not argue about it — the best thin-crust pizza in Chicago, along with some vintage atmosphere of the South side.

If you want to do something else in the area, have a look at the world famous Brookfield Zoo or the “Galloping Arcade of Ghosts”, which are located near the I-55 highway in Brookfield.

The fans

Toyota Park has sections designed for hardcore fans (section 8, 116-119), hardcore fans who prefer to sit during the game (Firehouse, 115 and 120), Hispanic fans (Sector Latino, 101) visiting fans (134 ), and several other fan classes. Fans of the stadium may tell you where to sit, to show your interest in House Lannister, knitting or supply economics.

The most famous group of fans is Section 8, and they deserve a reputation. The songs begin about ten minutes before the start of the match and do not stop until the game ends. There is no sense of exclusivity — anyone who wishes to comply with the zeal of Section 8 can join or sit on the periphery and enjoy the excitement they create.

Despite the fact that Sector Latino is much smaller than Section 8, it demonstrates equally impressive performance, supports singing and good rhythm throughout the game. Sometimes fans in the next sections choose a rhythm from the Latin American sector and start dancing on their own.

Fans throughout the stadium are attentive to the game. Everyone stops what he is doing to celebrate goals, and there is applause to recognize good defensive games, without the need for a signal from sound effects or musical signals.

Additionally

One bonus point for the elegant Illinois Football History exhibition at Gate F, which includes a chronology dating back to the late 1800s, and a beautifully presented set of artifacts, such as used shoes, a 1920s soccer ball, and intense, elaborate trophies for long-forgotten cups,

Another extra moment for the diversity and enthusiasm of Toyota Park fans. These supporters really make the atmosphere and overall impression enjoyable.

Stadium

SeatGeek Stadium, which includes traditional stadium elements from American and European objects, includes mostly covered chairs, a brick facade and a stone entrance arch, and the first rows are located less than three yards from the field. It includes forty-two executive suites, six large party suites, the Illinois Football Club Hall of Fame and fire club offices, as well as a large stadium club / banquet hall of more than 9,000 square feet (840 m2).

Next to the stadium there is a training facility with two fields (one of the natural grasses; the other from artificial turf) for the Fire Club and its youth programs. The design of the stadium allows you to increase the number of seats by 50% at minimal cost. His grass management system covers an area of ​​120 by 75 yards (110 by 69 m), which includes $ 1.7 million. USA includes the possibility of full heating, drainage and aeration.

Permanent stage allows the stadium to take concerts and quickly change the configuration. A typical transition from football to the scene takes no more than eighteen hours. The field accommodates 8,000 extra seats for concerts and other stage events.

SeatGeek Stadium is currently run by Spectra.

Naming rights

Toyota entered into a ten-year naming rights agreement and renamed the new Toyota Park Stadium. However, it was reported that Toyota decided not to renew its rights to the name. Despite this, the stadium continued to be called Toyota Park. After that, the new sponsor SeatGeek received the rights to the name of the stadium, starting with the 2019 fire season.

The signed naming rights agreement is the first such agreement in which SeatGeek ever concluded. It was reported that, as part of the deal, SeatGeek will also serve as the primary ticket sales service. SeatGeek reportedly promised that they would work to “bring more live programming, including premiere concerts, music festivals and international sporting events” to the stadium.