What's the meaning of "take the pitch" in soccer
Egypt's football season kicks off Saturday to heavy anticipation -- but without any fans in the stands.
Instead of the roars of raucous crowds, players take the pitch to the relative silence of secure military stadiums.

Question

What's the meaning of "take the pitch" in soccer 
Egypt's football season kicks off Saturday to heavy anticipation -- but without any fans in the stands.
Instead of the roars of raucous crowds, players take the pitch to the relative silence of secure military stadiums.

Answer

"The Pitch" is another term for field, commonly used in football (or soccer as Americans call it.)

In other words: "...players will take the field"