Chicago Stars Confirm 2026 Move to Northwestern Medicine Field Evanston

Chicago Stars FC will move from SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston for the 2026 NWSL season, marking a significant transition for the club. The new venue, with a capacity of about 12,000, offers a more intimate setting and better accessibility via multiple transportation modes, including public transit, compared to the previous 20,000-seat stadium. The club sees the move as an opportunity to grow its fan base by leveraging the supportive Evanston community and proximity to Northwestern University students, with a focus on increasing attendance and enhancing fan experience. The Stars will preview the new stadium during the September 7 Lakefront Faceoff match against Orlando Pride and have planned roster and coaching changes to coincide with this new era. While the deal is currently only for the 2026 season, the club continues to seek a long-term home solution, acknowledging that playing in a college stadium is a temporary and less than ideal arrangement. Concerns remain about the stadium’s exposure to Lake Michigan winds and colder conditions, which could affect fans and players during early and late-season matches.