Fans scram: Fireworks head into the stands at BMO

A post-game fireworks show went awry at BMO Stadium on Friday evening, when fireworks set off on the enjoying pitch despatched flares streaming into the stands, forcing followers to scatter to security.

Angel City FC performed the Orlando Pride at BMO Stadium, coming back from a month-long break to win the match 2-0. But it was the promised post-game fireworks celebration that made the greatest splash.

Videos of the pyrotechnics show show the pitch filling with tall showers of sparks and dense smoke as dozens of fireworks launched upward. At what was to be the climactic finale of the show, however, fireworks started to take off horizontally, headed into the half-filled stands.

From her membership seat with her associates, season ticket-holder Jade Greenhut captured the heart circle spectacle. She said she took out her telephone and began recording after the first errant missile from the fusillade sped straight toward the Angel City group bench.

“Oh my god!” a lady’s voice on Greenhut’s video screams as at least two fireworks launched into the stands close by, sending followers scrambling to get clear. Two more fireworks bounded across the subject and into the stands. Off-camera, a man says, “Everybody’s running!”

A spokesperson for the soccer membership said the group had no info “of any serious injury” from the wayward pyrotechnics.

“A third party vendor was hired to facilitate the pyrotechnics,” said Stephanie Rudnick, head of communications for the Angel City Football Club, from her home in Australia.

“A fireworks malfunction did occur during last night’s post-match celebration at Angel City FC’s game vs. Orlando at BMO Stadium,” the group said in a assertion to The Times. “Our medical and safety teams were on site and ready to respond. Stadium operations confirmed the venue was secure and guests, staff, players, and crew were able to depart safely.

“We are working closely with our pyrotechnics vendor to review the incident and evaluating appropriate next steps.”

Greenhut was nonplussed about the post-match mayhem. She said many followers had already left in the 20-minute interlude between the end of the sport and the fireworks show, leaving the stands comparatively empty and lowering the probability of accidents.

The air was already clearing by the time the stadium was evacuated. Her ticket ambassador approached her afterward to apologize. “He was like, ‘We did this for the [Los Angeles Football Club], and everything was fine,’” she said. “I don’t blame them at all.

“Honestly, the game was great. We played phenomenal,” Greenhut said.

But maybe next time, she said, Angel City may go with drones.

—Lila Seidman contributed to this story.