Chicago Stars FC will bid farewell to the Village of Bridgeview after a decade-long stadium partnership. The team shifts from SeatGeek Stadium to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium for the 2026 NWSL season, as announced on Wednesday.
“This move to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in 2026 marks a historic step for the club and a new era for the Chicago Stars,” said Chicago Stars president Karen Leetzow. “This is just one step in a series of changes, including the recent hiring of renowned head coach, Martin Sjogren, exciting international player acquisitions and other incredible initiatives that are soon to be announced and will set the club on a new trajectory.”
The announcement comes ahead of the Stars’ lease deadline at SeatGeek Stadium, which expires by year’s end. The team will debut their new venue on Sunday against the reigning NWSL Champions, Orlando Pride, in what is branded as the “Lakefront Faceoff.”
Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium boasts views of Chicago’s skyline, and was built as an interim facility while a new stadium is under development for Northwestern Wildcats Football.
Daniel Biss, Mayor of Evanston, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Stars, stating, “The club’s commitment to our community through their youth programming and collaboration with local businesses will inspire the next generation.”
While the new stadium can accommodate just over 12,000 fans, significantly smaller than SeatGeek’s 20,000 seats, filling the stands has historically been a challenge for the franchise, with attendance peaks before the pandemic reaching up to 17,388.
A recent change in ownership, led by Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, has brought renewed optimism, as the club aims to improve attendance and connection to the community. Lead issues with the former stadium were often tied to its location and accessibility.
The move marks a significant transition in the club’s strategy, embodying hopes for more permanent solutions moving forward. The Stars emphasized that their new home at Northwestern Medicine Field is confirmed only for the 2026 NWSL season.
