FRISCO - There have been two soft-openings of the new-and-improved Toyota Stadium, but Saturday things get started for real as FC Dallas hosts the New England Revolution in the 2017 MLS Home Opener, presented by Toyota. Here are some things to keep in mind:
On-Field
Championship Re-Match
Saturday will be the first meeting between the two sides since the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, which Dallas took in come-from-behind fashion, 4-2.
Opening with Success
FCD has not lost a home opener since 2009 and has won every opening game since 2012, outscoring opponents 9-3 in that span with three clean sheets.
Ride the Wave
The Revs have played just one match in 2017, an opening-day loss to Colorado two weeks ago, with their home opener last week vs. Orlando postponed due to weather. Dallas will play their fifth competitive match in just over three weeks between CCL and MLS play.
Chasing 100
FC Dallas striker Maxi Urruti is in line to make his 99th MLS appearance on Saturday with 25 goals and nine assists under his belt. He has two goals in four starts across all competitions this season.
Hey, I Know You
New England boasts two former FC Dallas players, London Woodberry and Je-Vaughn Watson, on their roster, while FCD head coach Oscar Pareja played his first MLS season with the Revs in 1998 and Technical Director Fernando Clavijo was their head coach from 2000-2002 (21-31-12 overall).
In-Stadium
New-and-Improved
Saturday will be the official unveiling of a slew of offseason upgrades at Toyota Stadium, including two, brand new video boards, a new audio system, a completely renovated Winners Club, pres. by WinStar World Casino and Resort and an expanded suite level.
The club will also unveil banners commemorating the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship and 2016 Supporters' Shield.
The Magician Scarfs
Midfielder Mauro Diaz may not be available to pull the strings on the field, but he's going to be pulling some off it as he scarfs the Lamar Hunt statue on the North Concourse at 6:30 PM.
Seeing Green
Fans can celebrate St. Paddy's Day with themed FC Dallas tees and scarves available at the FC Dallas Team Store and green beer for sale in the Budweiser Beer Garden and the Winners Club, pres. by WinStar World Casino and Resort.
Drive Away with a New Car (Flag)
The first 5,000 fans at the game will receive a free FC Dallas car flag, courtesy of our friends at Toyota. If you visit the Toyota tent on the North Concourse, you can also enter to win team-autographed merchandise, $50 in Toyota Stadium cash and a spot in Toyota's Play Like the Pros Ultimate VIP Fantasy Camp with FCD players and coaches.
Chase-ing a Win
Chase cardholders will have an upgraded Toyota Stadium experience, with the ability to use "Fast Pass" entry at the East Gate or with a $5 popcorn and soda combo (normally $10) at concession stands 1, 3 and 9. Both are available by simply showing your Chase card at the gate or counter.
