My Trip to The Yoda

The Fire could have gotten crushed last Thursday and I still would have enjoyed my first visit to Toyota Park, a.k.a. The Yoda. Oh wait, they did. Indeed, Houston took advantage of a change of systems in Chicago and took it to the Boys in Red. The final score was 4-0 and the Dynamo deserved everything they got. Individually, the lads played well, but it was obvious that most were unsure of their role in Osorio’s new system. No matter, I was really there for the experience more than anything. Bobbie S. and Wyatt lifted me at Midway and before I knew it we had passed Mr. Shrimp’s and Escapades and I was enjoying a Bari Sub and an Old Style in the parking lot. Good times. As we watched the flow of Fire fans in Blanco shirts stream by, we reminisced about the good old days at Soldier Field.

Now that was some good tailgating. But we’ve graduated to the land of soccer-specific, and the Fire’s Toyota Park sits on a rise off of Harlem Avenue. You can see the skyline, but it looks pretty far away. The facade of the Park oddly incorporates the style of Chicago’s Southwest side, which is a gross-colored yellowish brick. But some of the exterior features are nice. There is some grass and bricks and whatnot. But I don’t care about the exterior, really. I just care about the pitch and the view of the pitch.

Since Bobbie S. is a charter season ticket holder, he’s got some sweet seats. Check us out in the accompanying photo. Not too shabby, I’d say, with only some minimal obstruction when the play shifts to the far corner. One great plus is that when the subs are called into the match, they run by the seats and you can give them a high-five. Or a low-five, should you desire.

And there was a pretty strong crowd, which was cool. It was the ESPN2 Thursday night broadcast, and for some reason if a game is on TV a lot of folks are more inclined to try to see it live. A bit odd, but true.

So, yeah, the match itself was poor but the experience was lovely. Thanks to Bobbie S. and Wyatt for being such gracious hosts. Next time, a victory!!