A pyrotechnic malfunction during a post-game celebration at BMO Stadium sent fireworks into the stands following Angel City FC’s 2-0 victory over the Orlando Pride on Friday. According to Angel City FC (ACFC), the club is reviewing the incident with its pyrotechnics vendor, while the Los Angeles Fire Department reported no injuries treated at the venue.
What happened during the Angel City FC fireworks show?
Projectiles flew into spectator areas after a pre-Independence Day fireworks display malfunctioned on the pitch at BMO Stadium. Fans captured video on social media showing fireworks firing sideways rather than overhead, ricocheting off the field and into the stands. A thick haze of smoke enveloped the pitch during the climax of the show, which was set to a remix of Kanye West’s “All of the Lights.”
The incident occurred after an announced crowd of 13,900 watched ACFC defeat the Orlando Pride. This marked the team’s first game under interim head coach Leif Gunnar Smerud.
Were there any injuries at BMO Stadium?
No serious injuries have been reported. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department told The Athletic that the department did not respond to any calls or treat any injuries at the stadium on Friday night.
In an official statement, Angel City FC confirmed that “guests, staff, players, and crew were able to depart safely.” A team spokesperson further clarified to The Athletic that as of Saturday night, the club remained unaware of any serious injuries resulting from the misfired pyrotechnics.
How is Angel City FC responding to the malfunction?
The club has launched a review of the event. According to a statement from ACFC, the organization is “working closely with our pyrotechnics vendor to review the incident and evaluating appropriate next steps.”
The team noted that medical and safety teams were on-site and ready to respond when the malfunction occurred, and stadium operations confirmed the venue was secure during the evacuation of the fans.
How does this compare to other NWSL pyrotechnic displays?
While the BMO Stadium incident involved projectiles entering the stands, other league events have faced smoke-related issues. During the same Friday schedule, the Washington Spirit held a large fireworks show at halftime of their game against the Houston Dash. According to reports, that display also produced substantial smoke, though it cleared before play resumed, contrasting with the ACFC event where smoke accumulated during the post-match climax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did anyone get hurt during the ACFC fireworks malfunction?
No. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported no injuries treated at the stadium, and ACFC stated they are unaware of any serious injuries.
Where were the fireworks launched from?
The fireworks were launched from center pitch on the grass field at BMO Stadium.
What is Angel City FC doing to prevent this from happening again?
The club is currently reviewing the incident with their pyrotechnics vendor to determine the cause and evaluate next steps.
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