Chicago Stars FC is no longer pursuing an application to play professional women’s soccer at Northwestern’s newly-constructed stadium, the club announced in a Wednesday news release.
“After thoughtful consideration with Northwestern University and their desire to open the new Ryan Field in a phased approach out of consideration for its neighbors, at this time we will not be proceeding with our application for a unique use permit to play in Ryan Field,” the release read.
The National Women’s Soccer League team filed for a unique-use permit in January to host home games at the stadium for five years starting in 2027 while building their permanent stadium.
In the release, the Stars said the club has garnered community support for bringing professional women’s sports to Evanston but acknowledged the application has also drawn scrutiny.
“Based on the overwhelming support we’ve received, we believe that this is what Evanston residents seek as well but have also heard a call for more dialogue and understanding about who we are and the impact our presence will have on the community,” the release read.
After more than two years of construction, the remodeled Ryan Field is set to open its doors for Northwestern football’s October home opener. The venue cannot host professional sports under current zoning regulations.
Some local residents and officials objected to the Stars’ proposed move to Ryan Field at City Council and ward meetings, citing concerns over congestion, noise and other impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.
Ald. Parielle Davis (7th) wrote in an early February ward newsletter that she would not support a Stars move.
“My opposition is not about women’s soccer: it is about whether a tax-exempt educational institution engaging in for-profit activity should continue to add new impacts to a neighborhood that has already absorbed years of construction and expanded stadium use,” Davis wrote.
A few weeks later, Wilmette announced its formal opposition to Ryan Field hosting more for-profit events.
Since 2016, the Stars have played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The team has cited low turnout and inconvenient public transport as causes for relocation. Its attendance rate was the league’s second-worst in 2025, averaging just 5,574 fans per game.
The club will host its 15 home games during the ongoing 2026 season at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium as planned, beginning with its home opener on Sunday.
In Wednesday’s release, the Stars said the organization will continue “to connect with the community through additional conversations, town halls, and civic engagement.”
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— Wilmette opposes Chicago Stars’ proposed move to Ryan Field
— Community scrutinizes potential Chicago Stars move to Ryan Field
— Chicago Stars indicate plans to file for unique-use permit at Ryan Field
