The Houston Dynamo will play their first match at BBVA Stadium in more than five months when they host their in-state rivals FC Dallas on Friday, Aug. 21, the Club and Major League Soccer announced Saturday, August 8 2020.
The Dynamo vs. FC Dallas match will be closed to fans and will have limited media access. That contest, and all other locally-televised Dynamo matches this season, will be broadcast live throughout the Greater Houston area on QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 as part of the Club’s new broadcast agreement with TEGNA Inc.
MLS announcement laid out the league’s plans for its continuation of the 2020 season, which will include 18 matches from late August through Decision Day on November 8. Added to the two matches clubs played prior to the suspension of the season and three group-stage matches in the MLS Is Back Tournament, which counted toward regular-season records, clubs will each play 23 matches in the season. Houston resumes play with a cumulative record of 0-2-3 on the season.
The first phase of the return to play in home markets includes six matches for each club, three at home and three away. The return to play in home markets will feature comprehensive health and safety protocols, including regular testing of players, coaches and essential staff for COVID-19. The Dynamo continue to work with local health officials on protocols to facilitate a safe environment for fans to return to BBVA Stadium later this year.
Following the (re)opening day against FC Dallas, Houston’s schedule will include a trip to Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday, Aug. 25 followed by back-to-back home matches against Minnesota United FC on Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Sept. 5. The Dynamo wrap up the six-game opening stretch with visits to the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, Sept. 9 and FC Dallas on Monday, Sept. 14.
As with the MLS is Back Tournament, COVID-19 testing protocols will again play an important role in MLS’ competition framework. MLS continues to work closely with the league’s infectious disease advisors as well as advisors for the MLSPA on the plan for testing. All clubs are forming testing partnerships with a local certified lab, and all players, technical staff, and essential club staff will be tested every other day, including the day before each match. Also, guidelines will be provided to players, coaches and essential staff to avoid the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 during their time away from club facilities.
In addition to adhering to health, safety and medical protocols, another focus of the new schedule is efficient travel. Teams will take chartered flights, and for the majority of road trips will arrive in the host market on matchday and depart after the match later that evening.
The full Dynamo schedule for Phase 1 of the league’s continuation of play can be found below. MLS plans to announce the balance of the regular season schedule by early September as the league continues to work with infectious disease experts, league and club medical personnel, and government officials in all markets in charting a course for the completion of the 2020 season.
HOUSTON DYNAMO MLS PHASE 1 RESTART SCHEDULE
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (CT) | TELEVISION |
| Friday, Aug. 21 | vs. FC Dallas | 7:00 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Tuesday, Aug. 25 | at Sporting Kansas City | 7:30 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Wednesday, Sept. 2 | vs. Minnesota United FC | 7:00 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Saturday, Sept. 5 | vs. Sporting Kansas City | 7:00 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Wednesday, Sept. 9 | at Colorado Rapids | 8:00 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Monday, Sept. 14 | at FC Dallas | 7:30 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
