Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Jane M. Orient, M.D.
    No, You Do Not Own ‘Your’ Pronouns or My Language Blogger
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices Health
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 Culture
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America? Blogger
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train” Baby Boomers
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials Features
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings Government
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers elections
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans Books & Films
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law Baby Boomers
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits Business
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois Business
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
    Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit Chicago
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment Entertainment
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns Blogger

Toyota Park: Through the years

Posted on April 30, 2018April 30, 2018 By Steve Metsch 1 Comment on Toyota Park: Through the years
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

Toyota Park: Through the years

It’s hosted soccer, music legends, ethnic festivals 

By Steve Metsch

Bridgeview’s Toyota Park – which will be renamed SeatGeek Stadium starting in 2019 – has been home to some historic and memorable events since it opened in June 2006.

First and foremost, it’s been home to the Chicago Fire, a member of the Major League Soccer. Several years ago, the Chicago Red Stars, a women’s pro soccer team, began calling Bridgeview its home.

It formerly was home to the Chicago Bliss of the Legends Football League, and the Chicago Machine of Major League Lacrosse.

But its soccer that has had the largest impact in the sports world at Toyota Park, located at 71stStreet and Harlem Avenue. The Fire won 12 games, lost only two, and tied three at Toyota Park last season.

Toyota Park has hosted high school soccer games, rugby games, and several international soccer games.

In 2008, the United States team beat Trinidad and Tobago, 3-0, in a 2010 World Cup qualification game. In 2010, the US. Women beat Italy 1-0 in a qualifying game for the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

And in 2016, Mexico edged Panama, 1-0, in a “friendly” that nearly filled the stadium’s 20-000 seats.

Back in 2006, Toyota Park hosted the MLS All-Star Game, along with the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup’s finale that saw the Fire beat the LA Galaxy, 3-1.

But it’s more than soccer.

Section 8 Chicago
Toyota Park, soon to be SeatGeek Stadium, has hosted memorable soccer games, concerts and festivals over the year. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Toyota Park has quite a name in the world of live music. Many top-name entertainers have played the stage on the south side of the stadium.

The Dave Matthews Band has visited Toyota Park.

Jimmy Buffett was an annual visitor – appearing in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 – with his loyal fans, dubbed Parrotheads, famously tailgating in the parking lots.

The jam band Phish visited in 2010. The next year, Kenny Chesney, a huge star in country music, performed at Toyota Park.

The rock ‘n’ roll legend Bob Dylan played there as a part of a music festival in 2012 that included Wilco and My Morning Jacket.

One of the biggest events at Toyota Park happened twice: The Crossroads Guitar Festival hosted by Eric Clapton. He brought the star-studded, daylong event featuring some of the finest guitarists in the world to Bridgeview in 2007 and 2010.

Tickets for the 2007 show were sold out in a reported 22 minutes.  A DVD was released for each of the two shows.

Sonny Landreth, Derek Trucks, Robert Cray, Jimmy Vaughan, B.B. King, Chicago’s own Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Vince Gill, John Mayer, Albert Lee, ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, and Clapton were among those who played in one or both shows.

The three-day Chicago Open Air Festival packed in heavy metal music fans. In 2016, the lineup included Korn, Disturbed and Slipknot. KISS, Ozzy Osbourne and Slayer were in the lineup last year.

The festival’s site said it is “taking a hiatus” for 2018, but plans to return in 2019.

Toyota Park is also home to ethnic events like the Eid El-Fitir, a chance for Muslims to celebrate the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer, with mouth-watering foods.

The Viva Cinco De Mayo Festival will be held May 11-13. And Porky’s Rib Fest is set for June 15-17, attracting barbecued ribs restaurants from around the nation.

Toyota Park, which has received rave reviews from many soccer, music and festival lovers, won another honor in 2016.

That year, the Sports Turf Managers Association, a professional organization for the 2,600 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide, honored Toyota Park for having the finest professional soccer field in the nation

Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek was thrilled that they won the award, noting the many compliments he’s heard from visitors about the quality of the playing field.

“That means our grass is the greenest, softer, stronger, more beautiful and more perfect than any soccer stadium in the country. Bridgeview should be proud of this recognition and how teams throughout the world recognize the wonderful place, Bridgeview and Toyota Park,” Landek said at the time.

The mayor noted that “soccer teams from throughout the world have played in Bridgeview and brought millions of dollars in revenue and guests to Bridgeview.”

Soon, they will be visiting SeatGeek Stadium.

Desplaines Valley News

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township student - May 11, 2023
  • James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA - November 26, 2022
  • “It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich - November 26, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:Bridgeview, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Mayor Steve Landek, Porky's Rib Fest, SeatGeek Stadium, Toyota Park

Post navigation

Previous Post: Hello, SeatGeek Stadium 
Next Post: New book released, “100 Things to do on Route 66 before You Die”

Related Posts

  • COVID-19 vaccination chart for Illinois
    Pritzker Announces the Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan, Lowers Vaccine Age to 65 coronavirus
  • Northwestern Medicine Opens Multi-Specialty Clinic in Orland Park Neurology, esophageal and hepatology services in one convenient location
    Northwestern Medicine Opens Multi-Specialty Clinic in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Bingo with Santa at Orland Township
    Orland Township offers Bingo with Santa Entertainment
  • Moraine Valley Community College’s Fire Academy wins award. Photo courtesy of Bryan Lowery
    Moraine Valley Fire Academy graduate earns state medal of valor Education
  • Lyons Township High school
    New treasurer appointed to Lyons School District Education
  • J.B. Pritzker receives endorsement from UFCW. Pritzker's Facebook Page
    Pritzker announces more appointments Government

More Related Articles

Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place. Area indicated by green border in bottom left of map taken by the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of NASA and the Cook County Forest Preserve District Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place Cook County
Illinois Tollway. Courtesy of the Illinois Tollway Authority Illinois Tollway prepared for changing winter conditions General Topics
U.S. Rep. Newman (Il-03) Secures Inclusion Of $17.8 Million In Funding For Six Transportation Projects Across IL-03 In House Transportation Bill. Photo courtesy of Congresswoman Newman Newman secures inclusion of $17.8 million for six district transportation projects Cook County
Celebrating the Thanksgiving and the Holidays. Photo courtesy of Krakenimages on Unsplash Make It to the Table This Thanksgiving with Safe Driving Features
Seniors enjoy Halloween entertainment hosted by Orland Township and Supervisor Paul O'Grady. A Spooktacular Celebration for Orland Township Seniors Baby Boomers
William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Former Congressman Bill Lipinski joins Suburban Chicagoland as columnist Bill Lipinski

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Jane M. Orient, M.D.
    No, You Do Not Own ‘Your’ Pronouns or My Language
    June 6, 2023
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America?
    June 3, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train”
    June 2, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns
    May 22, 2023
  • The Berlin Cleopatra, a Roman sculpture of Cleopatra wearing a royal diadem, mid-1st century BC (around the time of her visits to Rome in 46–44 BC), discovered in an Italian villa along the Via Appia and now located in the Altes Museum in Germany. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Was Cleopatra Black or White and why it matters
    April 29, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau wears a "Police" badge on his shirt during his political attacks made from his taxpayer funded village pulpit.
    Orland Park Mayor Pekau’s lies cost him the election, again
    April 12, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023 Orland Park Mayor Keith P... Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is "off the rails on a crazy train" Orland Pa... posted on June 2, 2023
  • Youth charged with attemp... Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township s... posted on May 11, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia National Association for... National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies... posted on May 10, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss Crystal Tree homeowner fr... Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won't address his concerns Dr. Robe... posted on May 22, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Senator Michael Hasting e... Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health C... posted on May 24, 2023
  • NEWS
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices
    June 6, 2023
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7
    June 3, 2023
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials
    May 27, 2023
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings
    May 26, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges
    March 18, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Ziyad Brothers Ad Taste of Middle East

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • Chicago Fire FC will continue its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 32 at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
    Chicago Fire FC to Face St. Louis CITY SC in 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 at SeatGeek Stadium
    April 29, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices
    June 6, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Terrorist Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin who is guilty of massacring civilians in his war against Ukraine. Photo credit Wikipedia
    International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers
    May 10, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois
    May 23, 2023
  • Craft Fair photo courtesy of Emily Webster and Unsplash.com
    Artisan and craft vendor’s wanted for Cicero Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair in June
    May 5, 2023
  • Hyundai Sonata. Photo courtesy of Hyundai
    Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Insurance Options for Customers Affected by Method of Theft Popularized on TikTok
    April 14, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme