Chicago Stars choose lakefront certainty while stadium options evolve

Chicago Stars will play all 15 of their 2027 NWSL home matches at Martin Stadium, extending their stay at Northwestern University while longer-term options around Ryan Field and other Chicago venues remain unresolved.The decision keeps the Stars at the approximately 12,000-seat lakefront stadium after moving there full-time this season, with 2027 season-ticket deposits already on sale.Chicago Stars president Karen Leetzow said: “We’re grateful to Northwestern University for their continued partnership and support as we build on our club’s momentum at our newfound home on the lakefront.”The venue has improved public-transport accessibility compared with SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, where the Stars had played since 2016.The commercial picture is nevertheless mixed. Average home attendance this season stands at 4,316, currently the lowest in the NWSL, despite the more accessible location.Season-ticket sales are up 31%, suggesting stronger commitment among part of the club’s supporter base even as match-by-match attendance remains challenging.Financial terms for 2027 have not been disclosed, although the Stars are expected to pay more as they become Martin Stadium’s primary tenant once Northwestern football move to the new Ryan Field. That change could also give the club greater influence over how the venue is used and presented.The Stars had hoped to follow Northwestern into the new 35,000-seat Ryan Field but halted their permit effort after opposition from local residents concerned about additional private events.They have not abandoned that possibility permanently and are expected to reassess the option after Ryan Field opens in October.The club are also developing a dedicated training facility in Bannockburn, while longer-term discussion has included the possibility of eventually securing a stadium of their own.Chicago’s venue landscape is changing elsewhere too, with the Chicago Fire developing a new privately funded stadium scheduled to open in 2028.Martin Stadium therefore provides the Stars with short-term certainty rather than necessarily settling the club’s long-term venue strategy.The 2027 season will provide another year of evidence on whether improved accessibility, stronger membership sales and a more intimate setting can compensate commercially for lower capacity and current attendance levels.