Chicago Stars soccer team to 'test run' Evanston stadium at Northwestern as they consider move there

Chicago Tribune

22-05-2025

The Chicago Stars professional women's soccer team will depart their usual Bridgeview venue to play a 'test run' game at an Evanston lakefront stadium in September as they consider a permanent move there.
The City of Evanston has granted approval for the team, which competes in the National Women's Soccer League, to play all of its 16 home matches in 2026 at Northwestern University's Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The venue is the temporary home of the Wildcat football team, but the soccer club has not committed to playing there next year, said Emmanuel Salazar, spokesman for the Stars.
'We are exploring various options for 2026 and will make that announcement when we have the decision finalized,' Salazar said via email. 'Applying for and receiving a zoning certificate from the city of Evanston is part of the process of making and keeping Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium an option for 2026.'
In a 'test run' of the idea, Evanston also granted approval for the team to play a match against the Orlando Pride, defending champions of the National Women's Soccer League, on Sept. 7, said Cynthia Vargas, spokeswoman for the city of Evanston.
The Sept. 7 match comes the day after Northwestern football plays its home opener against Western Illinois University. The Wildcats are playing at Martin Field while Ryan Field is rebuilt. The Stars currently play their home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
Salazar declined to answer questions about the club's interest in the lakefront site, whether it is considering any other sites and when it plans to make a decision on its 2026 home games. He referred any questions to a statement released by the team on May 19.
The statement confirms the Sept. 7 match, calling it the 'Lakefront Faceoff' and suggesting the match 'demonstrates the club's ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating positive connections with local communities, including Northwestern University and the residents of the city of Evanston.'
'This match at Martin Stadium gives us the opportunity to bring our world-class athletes to the city of Evanston to showcase their abilities to (a) new and returning fanbase at a wonderful location on the lakefront,' Club President Karen Leetzow said in the release.
Leetzow thanked the city and the university for the opportunity.
'We're dedicated to creating a can't-miss event this September for new and returning fans and finding ways to work with local businesses and community organizations to integrate our club and the beautiful game with all Evanston has to offer,' she said.
Although the club has not yet committed to playing there in 2026, it will collaborate with local schools and organizations to bring events to kids and local businesses, including youth soccer clinics and a 'summit for young professionals focused on leadership in women's sports,' the release said.
'Evanston families and youth will have special opportunities to engage with the Stars throughout the season,' it said.
In the release, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said he is excited about the Sept. 7 match.
'We are excited to bring a premier women's soccer franchise to our city, and look forward to welcoming to Evanston not only the players and staff but also their fans,' Biss said.
As for 2026, Evanston has approved a zoning application to allow a temporary use of the lakefront field between March and November, Vargas said. The Stars must reapply if they want to use the field beyond 2026, she said.
If the team chooses to play at the field in 2026, Evanston will evaluate whether the temporary stadium is suitable for additional use, Vargas said.
'The city would need to assess any impacts from the 2026 season and may require modifications to the transportation management and operations plan or other conditions to grant further temporary use of the facility,' she said.
The lakefront stadium, which also hosts soccer and lacrosse matches, is closer to the Northwestern campus than Ryan Field, which is surrounded by homes.
'The lakefront stadium is more separated from residential homes, reducing the immediate disruptions to residents; however, it doesn't necessarily eliminate community concerns,' Vargas said.
'The city of Evanston is committed to working with community members and Chicago Stars to proactively address impacts before the first event in September and use that to inform a transportation management and operations plan for the 2026 season.'