The Chicago Stars are moving venues. Starting next year, the NWSL franchise will play its home games at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston. The venue also serves as the home for Northwestern soccer and lacrosse, and also as the temporary home of the men’s football team until their new stadium opens in 2026.
A new era begins 🌟
— Chicago Stars FC (@theChicagoStars) September 3, 2025
In a historic day for our club, we’re thrilled to announce that Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium will be our home next season, making our matches more accessible than ever.
See y’all on the lakefront! 🌊 https://t.co/DIjPnh5kZo pic.twitter.com/zWTEJWmzJs
Background of move
Chicago Stars had previously signed a 10-year lease at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, a little over 15 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, which was due to expire at the end of this season. As Stars fans in the Windy City know, getting to and from SeatGeek Stadium can be difficult, and the stadium has not been maintained well. The Chicago Fire played there from 2006-2019, but relocated to Soldier Field in 2020, both because venue maintenance had become an issue with the city of Bridgeview (which owns the stadium), as well as problems attracting fans to the stadium.
Martin Stadium opened in 1997, underwent a renovation in 2016, and was expanded in 2024 to temporarily accommodate the football team during the renovation of Ryan Field.
What the move means for fans
Relocating to Martin Stadium is a huge boost to the Stars in several ways. First and foremost, the stadium is closer to Evanston and the rest of the North Shore, where a lot of the Stars’ fanbase is located.
The stadium is also somewhat adjacent to public transportation, just under a mile away from the Noyes stop on the CTA. That’s not ideal, but it’s about the same distance that many Bears fans walk to Soldier Field from the closest subway station.
But finally, most venue changes give teams an opportunity to rebrand and re-pitch themselves to the community, and that will likely be an opportunity that the Stars will look to take full advantage of. Emails for season ticket deposits were sent right after the announcement was made. To sign up, click here
For the moment, the Chicago Stars will wrap up the 2025 season at SeatGeek Stadium, so if you happen to live nearby, or have enjoyed seeing them play there, you still have three opportunities between now and November 2 to go.
The Chicago Stars are home. 🏡
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 3, 2025
In 2026, the Stars will play at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, offering greater accessibility than ever and a lakefront matchday experience. pic.twitter.com/KsP1h3dwRq
