MLS Teams to Reschedule Matches for Halloween
Major League Soccer clubs will shift kickoff times to accommodate holiday celebrations on October 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Soccer
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Major League Soccer will reschedule most fixtures on October 31, 2026, to avoid conflicts with traditional Halloween activities. Thirteen clubs have opted to move their kickoff times to Saturday afternoon or Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Why it matters
The league is prioritizing in-person attendance as 74 percent of U.S. residents report plans to celebrate Halloween this year. By adjusting schedules, the league aims to minimize competition with local community costume parties and trick-or-treating.
The average age of league fans is 39.6 years, and Apple TV broadcast revenue currently accounts for 13 percent of total annual league income. These metrics underscore the importance of maintaining fan engagement during significant cultural holidays.
The players
Major League Soccer
The top-tier professional men's soccer league in the United States and Canada that operates a multi-club structure across two nations.
Colorado Rapids
A professional soccer club based in Commerce City, Colorado, that competes as a member of the Western Conference in Major League Soccer.
The details
Home clubs were given the choice to move their fixtures after the league sought to balance broadcast needs with fan convenience. The Colorado Rapids remain the exception, as the club will retain its original Saturday night kickoff time.
Timeline
2020: The league previously navigated a Saturday Halloween schedule.
October 31, 2026: Thirteen matches move to the afternoon.
November 1, 2026: Five matches move to Sunday.
Next year: The league will switch to a July-to-May schedule.
Season Trajectory
This scheduling adjustment mirrors the league's previous navigation of the 2020 Halloween season while setting the stage for a broader shift. The league intends to transition to a July-to-May calendar starting next year, which will fundamentally alter the competitive rhythm of future seasons.
Fans holding tickets for Saturday night matches should verify updated kickoff times to ensure they do not miss their team's start. This scheduling shuffle may affect attendance projections and home-field advantages for the affected clubs.
The takeaway
The league's choice highlights the tension between maximizing broadcast reach and accommodating the seasonal traditions of its fan base. Spectators should check their local team's official schedule updates to account for the shifts occurring this Halloween weekend.
Further reading
For more on the league's competitive calendar, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Forbes.
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Should professional sports leagues prioritize holiday traditions over traditional prime-time game schedules for fans?
