Chicago Stars To Keep Playing Home Matches At Northwestern In 2027

BANNOCKBURN, IL — Chicago Stars FC will keep Martin Stadium at Northwestern University as its home field for the 2027 season, extending a partnership the club says has boosted attendance and strengthened its ties to Evanston.

The club announced Tuesday that all 15 of its 2027 NWSL home matches will be played at the lakefront stadium on Northwestern's campus.

"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," Chicago Stars FC President Karen Leetzow said.

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Leetzow said remaining at Martin Stadium will allow the club to continue improving the fan experience while giving North Shore residents access to professional women’s soccer.

The decision follows what the club described as a successful partnership with Northwestern, a warm reception from the Evanston community and increased fan attendance during the first half of the 2026 season.

Club Deepens Evanston Ties

The Stars have also expanded their presence beyond match days, participating in Evanston Night Markets, Unity Fest and World Cup watch parties while sponsoring local events and hosting youth soccer clinics.

The club said it has worked with groups including Main-Dempster Mile, Downtown Evanston and Central Street Evanston.

"Martin Stadium is more than just a place for us to play," Chicago Stars Director of Community and Government Relations Noelle Schmitt said.

Schmitt said the club is building relationships with Evanston organizations and developing programming intended to have an impact beyond the soccer field.

The Stars are also scheduled to host their next Future Stars Fest, a girls-focused soccer program, Oct. 11 at Evanston Township High School.

Club Looking Ahead To 2027

The decision to remain in Evanston comes as the Stars are also reshaping their soccer operations following a difficult 2026 season.

Earlier this month, the club fired head coach Marin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson with Chicago sitting last in the NWSL standings at 4-13-1.

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Assistant coach Karina Báez was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season, while former Stars coach Lorne Donaldson returned as interim director of coaching. Read Patch's earlier coverage

At the time, Leetzow said the club was determined to become “a serious contender in the NWSL” and had a plan extending into the 2027 season.

2027 Season Tickets Available

The club has opened deposits for 2027 season ticket memberships.

Memberships include tickets to all 15 home matches at Martin Stadium, along with benefits including the same seat for every match, ticket exchanges, member events, priority access to playoff tickets and merchandise and parking discounts.

New benefits for 2027 include access to an open practice, discounts on concessions excluding alcohol and a post-match autograph area for season ticket holders.

Martin Stadium sits along Lake Michigan with views of the Chicago skyline and access to public transportation, features the club has highlighted as part of its push to make matches more accessible to fans across the region.

The Stars have several home dates remaining in the 2026 season. After traveling to face Denver Summit FC on Aug. 29, Chicago will return home Sept. 6 to face the North Carolina Courage at 3 p.m. during a Hello Kitty-themed match.