Major League Soccer and each of its Clubs are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable match-day experience for all fans visiting MLS stadiums and facilities. MLS and its Clubs are also deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment, free of discrimination and harassment. This Fan Code of Conduct addresses conduct that is inconsistent with these goals and detracts from the match-day experience.
The following conduct is prohibited in the Stadium and all parking lots, facilities and areas controlled by the Club or MLS:
- Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, threatening or violent in nature, including verbal or physical harassment of match officials, players, staff or fans
- Conduct that is illegal
- Conduct that results in damage to the Stadium or other personal property
- All flags, banners and signs:
- Must be related to the event
- May not be hung, attached, affixed, or displayed on any part of the Stadium using any item that cannot be completely removed without damaging the Stadium or personal property
- May not contain or display obscene/offensive language and/or pictures, as determined by Club management
- May not obstruct the view of other guests or any Stadium advertising signage
- May not display symbols, images, use language or make gestures that are threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identify, ability and/or sexual orientation
- May not display symbols or images for commercial purposes or for electioneering, campaigning, or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issues or government action
- Are subject to inspection upon entering the Stadium
- May not be larger than 3’ x 5’ unless pre-approved by Club management
- The foregoing rules do not apply to flags, signs, or banners brought into the Stadium by officially recognized supporter groups which are subject to separate processes
- Entering or attempting to enter the field, the field track, the tunnel or any other location other than that permitted by the fan’s ticket or credential
- Possession of any pyrotechnic device, smoke or firework or other Prohibited Items (see below)
- Throwing objects of any kind, including streamers
- Failing to follow requests from venue staff regarding stadium operations, policies and emergency response procedures
- Declining to promptly return a ball that leaves the field of play
- Irresponsible use or consumption of alcohol or other substances
- Making unauthorized transmissions or play-by-play accounts of the match
- Any behavior that targets other fans or interferes with other fans’ enjoyment of the game
Any fan who violates any of these provisions may be subject to penalty, including, but not limited to, ejection without refund, loss of ticket privileges for future games and revocation of season tickets. Any fan who (1) conducts themselves in an extremely disruptive or dangerous manner (“Level 1 Offenses”), or (2) commits multiple violations during a 12-month period, may be banned from attending future MLS matches for up to a year or longer. Level 1 Offenses include, but are not limited to, violent behavior, threatening, abusive or discriminatory conduct or language, trespassing or throwing objects onto the field, use or possession of unauthorized pyrotechnics or other dangerous Prohibited Items, or illegal conduct.
Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, individuals who violate this Fan Code of Conduct may be required to submit a written request for readmission and participate in an online Fan Code of Conduct Education Class in order to be reinstated.
Please note that MLS and its Clubs reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who has engaged in harassment of match officials, opposing team members, staff or other fans or who have otherwise violated this Code of Conduct using social or digital media or other forms of communication.
Prohibited Items
- Any bags larger than the approved 14” x 14” x 6”
- Weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, knives, pepper spray, stun guns, concealed weapons and firearms
- Fireworks of any kind including, but not limited to, flares, smoke bombs, incendiary devices and pyrotechnics
- Illegal drugs or harmful chemicals
- Any missile or object that can be used as a projectile
- Aerosol cans or pressurized containers
- Professional camera equipment, including but not limited to, tripods, battery packs, large commercial video cameras
- Noisemakers, including, but not limited to, whistles and horns
- Laser pointers
- Remote controlled aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems (drones)
- Hover-boards
- Selfie sticks
- Inflated soccer balls
- Beach balls or other inflatable items
- Animals other than certified service animals with proper documentation or those allowed in designated areas of the Stadium as provided by the Club
- Any other items deemed to be inappropriate and/or dangerous by the Stadium Security Representative
