Robert Lewandowski’s Chicago Fire debut put on hold

Chicago Fire fans will have to wait a little longer for international star Robert Lewandowski’s debut. Thursday’s game scheduled against the Vancouver Whitecaps has officially been postponed due to air quality issues in Chicago.

With the Canada wildfires raging on, spoke is moving down into the Unite States and impacting the Midwest, including Chicago. The air quality index has been over 300 for most of Thursday. That forced the MLS to postpone the game scheduled at Soldier Field.

The decision was made with the health and safety of fans, players, staff, and all event personnel as the top priority. The Club reached the decision in close consultation with local health experts, Major League Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and the City of Chicago.

“We share our fans’ disappointment, especially given the excitement surrounding our first match back following the FIFA World Cup break and the anticipation of welcoming more than 40,000 fans to Soldier Field,” said Dave Baldwin, President of Business Operations for Chicago Fire FC. “With a marquee matchup against Vancouver, the anticipated home debut of Robert Lewandowski, and the Two Friends post-match concert, tonight was expected to be a special evening at Soldier Field. While we know this decision is disappointing, health and safety must come first. We appreciate our fans’ understanding and look forward to welcoming them back soon.”

The match has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Soldier Field. The Fire announced that tickets for Thursday’s match will be good for the Oct. 6th match.

As for Lewandowski’s debut, the Fire are heading to Miami to face off against Inter Miami on Wednesday. His home debut will be against Charlotte on August 1st.