Chicago Fire Offers Fan-First Credit Guarantee for Messi-less Match
The Chicago Fire are pulling out all the stops to ensure a packed house for their August 31st match against Inter Miami, even if the team’s star attraction, Lionel Messi, is unable to take the field. In a bold move, the Fire are offering a "Fan-First Credit Guarantee" to fans who buy tickets for the match, regardless of whether Messi plays or not.
According to the team’s press release, fans who purchase tickets will receive one of three benefits if Messi is unable to play: credit towards a season-ticket membership, complimentary tickets to the Fire’s fan appreciation match in October, or single-match tickets to next year’s matchup against Inter Miami. The perks are dependent on the date of purchase, so fans who buy early will receive the best deal.
This move is a smart one for the Fire, considering the massive interest in Messi’s first season with Inter Miami. Last year, over 61,000 fans bought tickets to see Messi play at Soldier Field, only to be disappointed when he missed the match due to injury. The Fire attempted to make up for it by offering fans a $250 account credit towards a membership for the 2024 season, but this year they’re going above and beyond.
The move is also a nod to the changing landscape of MLS ticket sales. With Messi’s popularity on the rise, teams are having to get creative to fill seats. The New York Red Bulls, for example, offered a special ticket pack last year that included a clause for a Messi-less match, although it didn’t come into effect in the end.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, is taking a more laid-back approach. After Messi sustained a nasty ankle injury during the Copa América Final, the team announced that he would be out for at least the next two games. While the team’s fans are no doubt disappointed, they’re still expected to pack the stands for the match against Chicago.
So what does this mean for fans? If you’re planning on attending the match, make sure to buy your tickets early to get the best deal. And who knows, you might even get to see Messi take the field after all.
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