Due to poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke from Canada, Thursday’s Major League Soccer match between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Fire at Soldier Field in Chicago has been postponed, along with a scheduled postgame concert.
The match is now set to take place on October 6, with an expected attendance of 40,000.
Intense wildfire smoke has darkened skies across the U.S., from the Great Lakes to parts of the East Coast, significantly reducing visibility and leading to warnings about the dangers of breathing the outdoor air.
Officials in numerous cities have advised residents to remain indoors or wear masks when outside, as air quality deteriorated to unhealthy and hazardous levels, making it risky for everyone, regardless of pre-existing health conditions. The National Weather Service attributed the situation to a persistent high-pressure system that has trapped the smoke near ground level.
Trinity Rodman, a player for the United States women’s national team, expressed that the smoky conditions were challenging during Wednesday night’s NWSL game between the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC at Citi Field in New York.
Rodman mentioned that she was not in favor of the hydration breaks every 15 minutes as the temperature soared into the 90s.
“Air quality was rough,” Rodman told The Athletic. “Not to make excuses, but I think both teams felt it with all the breaks.”
More than 42,000 fans attended the rematch of last season’s NWSL championship, marking a new attendance record for a women’s sporting event in New York City.
“If we have to take a hydration break every 15 minutes, then we shouldn’t be playing,” Rodman stated. “But considering there’s 40,000 people, it’s an entire event, so it’s a tough situation for everyone involved.”
This report includes contributions from The Associated Press.