Could Tonight’s Philadelphia Union Game vs Chicago Be Played?

Chester, PA: As most of the East Coast has been experiencing record heat this week, it could have an impact on all sports. There are questions about tonight’s Philadelphia Union game against Chicago Fire at Talen Energy Stadium. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM, but the temperature during the day will be at 100 degrees.

The Speculation was first reported about the game below:

According to league guidelines, there's a chance the #PHIvCHI match Saturday could be postponed. Next free weekend for both clubs is Sep 7th. TBD#DOOP,#MLS,#Union,#Fire,#cf97,@PhilaUnionUK,@MLSFemale,@SoBEspanol,@SonsofBen,@Tim_Lovenguthhttps://t.co/OrbKPMV1k3

— Jeff Green PSN (@JeffGreen75) July 18, 2019

On the MLS website, they explain how they determine how they measure the temperature on the field.

How is the temperature measured?

“It’s measured by Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), and not ‘regular’ temperature or heat index,” Major League Soccer states. “The WBGT is a more involved measurement, which takes into account how stressful the heat would actually be for a player. It includes temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover (solar radiation).”

Could the match be delayed or postponed???? Here’s what MLS says on their official website:

“The WGBT is usually measured twice during the match; in extreme heat, the referee will add a third measurement. The first measurement will occur approximately 60 minutes prior to the start of the match.

• If the WBGT temperature reads less than 92.3 F, there will be no change to the current scheduled timeline.

• If the WBGT temperature reads at or above 92.3 F, the match will go into a delay. Similar to a severe weather delay, the match will not start or resume until it is safe to do so. During a delay, the referees will periodically take measurements until the temperature is safe.

• If the WBGT taken 60 minutes before the game is less than 92.3 F, then everything will continue as normal. Referees will take the second WBGT reading immediately after the conclusion of pre-match warm-ups. If that reading meets or exceed 92.3 F, then the game will be delayed as above.

• If the WGBT is safe after pre-game warm-ups, the game will kick off as scheduled. The referees will then take the third WBGT reading immediately following the referee’s whistle to end the first half of play. If the WBGT reading meets or exceeds 92.3 F, then the same delay procedures will go ahead.”

You can also expect to get some stoppages for water breaks, as well.

The threshold for mandatory hydration breaks occurs at 82 F on the WBGT and will take place at approximately the 30th and 75th minute of the match. The referee can also call extra breaks whenever he deems appropriate.

The Union announced that fans attending the game can bring up to one liter of water in either a sealed bottle or container in order to battle the excessive heat.

Water bottles? No dogs? Get the important deets for tomorrow's match in this week's #DOOP Download presented by @VSPC! pic.twitter.com/Jg8CwcZRCy

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 19, 2019

According to Weather Channel, the Weather down in Chester  for the next couple of hours and during the match which is set for 7:30 PM

Photo Credit: Weather Channel

Stay tuned for more updates as they come along.