Palace in Chicago – Everything you need to know

Pre-season

20 Jul 2023

Crystal Palace’s pre-season trip to Chicago is now just days away – but it’s not just an exciting match-up against Millonarios FC that supporters have to look forward to.

The Eagles will be touring Stateside for the first time since the summer of 2016, and a range of events will take place across Chicago for supporters and players alike to enjoy before an onwards journey to Detroit.

Palace’s match-up with Millonarios kicks off at 19:00 CDT local time on Wednesday, 26th July at SeatGeek Stadium, with tickets available to purchase here. The game will also be streamed live worldwide on Palace TV+.

But before then, get the full run-down on everything you need to know about Palace in Chicago below…

Sunday, 23rd July

The Eagles arrive

Palace’s players touch down in Chicago late on Sunday (23rd July) and will spend the following day acclimatising and recovering ahead of an action-packed tour programme.

Tuesday, 25th July

Open Training – 09:00 CDT local time

With their match against Millonarios set for the following day, Palace supporters in Chicago can get a unique insight into the team’s pre-game preparations by attending Open Training.

The session will take place at Lake Forest Academy (1500 Kennedy Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045, United States) on Tuesday, 25th July between 09:00 and approximately 11:00 CDT local time, a day prior to the big match.

Fans are advised to arrive from 09:00 CDT to ensure they don’t miss a moment of the action. Supporters should arrive at Lake Forest Academy and follow signage towards available parking and the pitch.

Supporters will also have the opportunity to meet ‘Challenger’, the legendary American bald eagle, who is regarded as the most famous of his kind. Challenger went on to became the first bald eagle in U.S. history, trained to free-fly into major sports stadiums, and flew at hundreds of events between 1995-2017.

The event is FREE to attend, but spaces are extremely limited and you will need to sign up to attend in advance by clicking here.

Please note that as part of the booking process you will be required to enter your card details to claim tickets, but you will not be charged.

Supporters should note that filming and photography will take place during Open Training. Any supporters not wishing to be captured should make themselves known to a member of staff on the day.

Fan Question & Answer event – 19:00 CDT

Once you’ve enjoyed Open Training and an afternoon in the ‘Windy City’, it’s time to meet up with your fellow Palace supporters – and maybe ask a question of a player or two!

Head down to H.O.M.E. Bar (House of Music and Entertainment) (1227 N Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004) from 19:00 CDT on Tuesday to meet fellow Eagles supporters and purchase some refreshments.

You’ll be joined not long after by members of the first-team squad for a Q&A session with those in attendance.

Admission to this event is free – but make sure you turn up in plenty of time to avoid disappointment.

Wednesday, 26th July

Chicago river cruise – 13:00 CDT

Organised by our fantastic Stateside supporters, you can book your spot to both see the sites and rep the Palace with other fans on a river cruise at 13:00 CDT on Wednesday, 26th July.

Wednesday, 26th July

Pre-match party – 15:00 CDT

Organised by the club’s supporters groups, join fellow Palace fans at the Branding Iron Bar & Grill (7036 S Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455) from 15:00 to 19:00 CDT on Wednesday for a pre-match party.

Expect music, celebration – and some more special guests!

The Branding Iron is located just on the other side of the parking lot from the SeatGeek Stadium, and will also be open after the game – the ideal place to meet up before and after the match.

Matchday: Palace v Millonarios – 19:00 CDT

Then, of course, it’s onto the main event: matchday.

The Eagles’ first match in their pre-season tour to the States sees them take on Colombia’s 16-time league champions, and recent Categoría Primera A winners, on Wednesday, 26th July (kick-off 19:00 CDT local time / 01:00 BST Thursday UK time).

In a collaboration with Elite Promotions Group, Palace’s first-ever meeting with Colombian opposition will see both teams vie for The Chicago Nations Cup, previously contested by the likes of Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

Please click here to view tickets. Crystal Palace fans will be sat in section 113, 114, 155 and 116 (as marked on the ticketing link). Prices range from $45 USD to $185 USD.

Please note that the stadium box office will open for sales at 15:00 CDT and will take cash and card, but to avoid lines, supporters are advised to purchase in advance.

For those viewing at home, the match will also be broadcast LIVE on Palace TV+.

And then...

Following the match, Palace will journey to Detroit for a first-ever match against reigning Europa League champions Sevilla at the 41,000-capacity Comerica Park – with a full accompanying programme to be revealed shortly.

Keep an eye on cpfc.co.uk, social media and the Official Crystal Palace App for all the latest updates from Palace’s 2023/24 pre-season tour.

Club
First-team
Pre-season

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