Chicago gears up as it plays host to the 2017 MLS All-Star game vs. Spanish super club Real Madrid at Soldier Field on Wednesday, Aug. 2, with a plethora of city-wide events.
From the main event to blockbuster concerts, live events, and beach tournaments on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago’s All-Star week will showcase the best of North America’s exploding soccer culture. Here’s a look at some of the can’t-miss events taking place around town.
Sunday, July 30
Beach Soccer
From 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, head to North Avenue Beach to play or spectate various soccer matches during an all-day, DJ-hosted beach party featuring appearances from MLS All-Stars and celebrities, classic beach games, specialty swap, prizes, and refreshments.
MLS Skills Challenge Presented by FIFA 18
MLS All-Stars and MLS legends will compete in a head-to-head “Real-Life Skills Games” from the FIFA video game from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Private Bank Fire Pitch (3626 N. Talman Ave.). During the event, players will be divided into two teams as they test their technique, accuracy, and soccer skill level. The team with the most points will be dubbed the winner of the MLS Skills Challenge.
Monday, July 31
MLS Works/Chicago Fire All-Star Community Day
Held in Gage Park (411 W. 55th St.), the All-Star Community Day features the unveiling of two new mini-pitches, plus area youth can enjoy a free play zone that will be open to the public and will include soccer skills challenges, inflatables, games, music, food, and more. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MLS All-Star Concert Presented by Coca-Cola
X Ambassadors, whose hit songs include “Unsteady” and “Renegades”, will host a free, live concert at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island at 8 p.m. Fans can gain free entry by registering for a Fan Pass here.
Tuesday, Aug. 1
Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer Match
Cheer on players from the U.S. and Canada at the Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Soccer Match presented by MLS Works and ESPN. Held at Toyota Park (7000 S. Harlem Ave.) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the match will feature athletes representing all 22 MLS clubs, as the two Unified teams (comprised of players with and without intellectual disabilities) will compete in an East v. West, 11 . 11 match, consisting of two, 25-minute halves.
Wednesday, Aug. 2
Target MLS All-Star Game
The MLS All-Star Team (four players are from the Chicago Fire) will take on two-time reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid at 7:30 p.m. at Soldier Field.