MLS Moves Most Halloween Fixtures to Earlier Kickoff Times
Major League Soccer has shifted most of its Halloween fixtures away from the usual evening slot, leaving only Colorado Rapids versus Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, October 31.
MLS moves Halloween matches earlier
When drawing up the 2026 regular-season calendar, MLS asked its clubs whether they preferred an earlier Halloween kickoff or a move to Sunday, allowing players, staff and supporters to keep their Saturday night free.
- Colorado’s home game against Chicago is the only match retaining MLS’s standard 7:30 p.m. local kickoff.
- Eight other Saturday fixtures will start at either 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. local time.
- Six matches have been moved to Sunday.
The Rapids will stage the lone prime-time game at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, where Fan Appreciation Night will include a five-pound bag of potatoes for supporters.
NYCFC players gain extra costume time
New York City FC are among seven teams hosting a match at 2 p.m., giving midfielder Keaton Parks several additional hours before Halloween evening.
The 29-year-old Texan is widely known as “Big Bird” and marked last year’s festivities by dressing as the Sesame Street character. The earlier kickoff gives him time to prepare another costume after the match.
Nashville’s Sunday switch helps Schwake
Nashville SC opted to move its meeting with Red Bull New York to a Sunday matinee rather than play on Halloween itself.
The decision leaves the day open for United States goalkeeper Brian Schwake, who is planning an early-evening trick-or-treat outing with his young son.
