How MLS ensures fans, players don't have horror Halloween

Whether you're mapping out your neighborhood's notorious king-size candy hot spots for an epic evening of trick-or-treating, painstakingly sewing and gluing every last minute detail of your Jedi garb to win the night's costume competition, or simply need any excuse to dress up for a late night on the town, Halloween is the one night of the year when you can count on folks having plans. And that includes MLS players. Almost without fail, every Saturday of the league seasons, games kick off at 7:30 p.m. local. But, MLS confirmed to ESPN, when the 2026 regular-season schedule was being created, it went to its clubs with a question: On Halloween, would you rather play earlier in the day, or even on Sunday, to free up your evening for other plans? As a result, there's just one game beginning at MLS' standard start time: the Colorado Rapids will host the Chicago Fire in Denver's prime-time trick-or-treating window. And while supporters may forgo pillowcases full of candy to attend, the Rapids are sending fans home with a five-pound bag of potatoes as part of Fan Appreciation Night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The other eight games taking place Saturday will begin at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. local, with another six games slated for Sunday. New York City FC is one of the seven clubs to host a 2 p.m. kickoff, which means Keaton Parks will have plenty of time to get into costume. The 29-year-old Texas native is affectionately known as "Big Bird," which is what he dressed up as for last year's festivities. Now he'll have a few extra hours to make sure his feathers look fabulous this Halloween. Nashville SC cleared its whole day, electing to welcome Red Bull New York for a Sunday matinee. That frees up the afternoon of United States goalkeeper Brian Schwake, who's planning on an early evening of trick-or-treating with his young son.