MLS Adjusts Kickoff Times for Halloween Matches

Flexible Kickoff Times

Major League Soccer usually sticks to a standard timetable on weekends. Almost every Saturday during the regular season, matches kick off at 7:30 p.m. local time.

When creating the regular season schedule, league officials went to the clubs with a question. On Halloween, would teams prefer playing earlier in the day or moving their games to Sunday to free up their evening for other plans?

The response changed the look of the weekend schedule. Eight games on Saturday will start at 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. local time. Another six games are scheduled for Sunday instead.

Night Game in Colorado

Only one match remains in the standard Saturday evening slot. The Colorado Rapids will host the Chicago Fire in Denver during prime trick-or-treating hours.

Supporters attending the match might miss out on gathering candy. However, the Rapids are sending fans home with a five pound bag of potatoes as part of Fan Appreciation Night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

NYCFC Player Prepares Costume

The earlier kickoffs give players time to enjoy the holiday. New York City FC is one of seven clubs hosting a 2:00 p.m. game on Saturday.

That afternoon start gives Keaton Parks extra time to get ready. The 29 year old Texas native is affectionately known as "Big Bird," which is what he dressed up as for last year's festivities. Now he has extra hours to prepare his feathers for Halloween.

Sunday Kickoff Frees Saturday Evening

Nashville SC cleared its entire Saturday by choosing to host Red Bull New York in a Sunday matinee match.

That choice frees up Saturday for United States goalkeeper Brian Schwake. He plans on taking his young son out for an early evening of trick-or-treating.