firework show – Angel City FC’s 2-0 win over Orlando Pride on Friday ended with a terrifying post-match firework malfunction at BMO Stadium, with pyrotechnics misfiring into the stands and fans rushing for cover as injured reports were unclear.
The fireworks were meant to close out a night at BMO Stadium. Instead, the post-match show after Angel City FC’s 2-0 victory over the Orlando Pride on Friday night turned into a sudden scramble for safety.
On the 4th of July weekend, hundreds of spectators were still waiting behind to watch the display when the pyrotechnics began going wrong. Fans watched the initial fireworks launch into the sky, but they were forced to run for cover when flames started misfiring into the stands.
Footage of the chaos spread quickly on social media. One fan wrote alongside a clip: “Marked safe from Angel City’s firework show.” Another user. posting on Reddit. said: “The end is actually the worst. I saw several flames go into the crowd. It was terrifying!” A separate post described ongoing shock long after the match: “2 hours later and I’m still shaking. The dad next to me dove to cover his kids. Super scary and will have PTSD hearing fireworks in the future.”.
The reports of where the misfires landed varied in detail. but the accounts shared a common theme—people in the stadium suddenly had to protect themselves from something they thought was under control. The California Post said a stray firework shot toward the section where Angel City co-founder Julie Uhrman was seated with team staff and family guests. It also reported that another firework struck a stadium security guard on the pitch. though it was suggested that no major injuries were reported.
Angel City’s NWSL team acknowledged the incident. A spokesperson said: “A fireworks malfunction did occur during last night’s post-match celebration at Angel City FC’s game vs. Orlando at BMO Stadium. Our medical and safety teams were on site and ready to respond.”
The same statement added that stadium staff acted immediately to control the situation and that there was a safe exit afterward: “Stadium operations confirmed the venue was secure and guests, staff, players, and crew were able to depart safely.”
The team said it is now looking into what went wrong. “We are working closely with our pyrotechnics vendor to review the incident and evaluating appropriate next steps,” the spokesperson said.
For a night meant to celebrate, the sound and sight of fireworks became something else for the people at BMO Stadium—an abrupt reminder that even planned entertainment can turn dangerous in seconds.
Angel City FC Orlando Pride BMO Stadium NWSL July 4 fireworks firework malfunction fans rush for cover Julie Uhrman
Why do they always mess up fireworks stuff… like can’t someone check it first?
If flames were going into the stands then that’s not “no major injuries,” that’s still injuries. Also how is this even allowed during a game celebration?
Wait I thought it was just normal fireworks at the end? Sounds like it malfunctioned and somehow hit people and the security guard?? Julie Uhrman in the stands too?? I’m confused because they said venue was secure after but people were still running.
This is why I don’t like fireworks near crowds, even on July 4 weekend. Next thing you know someone’s gonna say it was the wind or the “vendor” but it’s still their show. Reminds me of when they said the fireworks are safe and then everybody’s scrambling anyway. Hope they figure out what went wrong fast, because PTSD from fireworks is wild.