Chicago Stars FC Dropped Ryan Field Permit Request
The soccer club withdrew its bid for the site in March following local pushback from Evanston and Wilmette residents.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Soccer
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In March 2026, the Chicago Stars FC officially withdrew their permit request to host home games at Ryan Field. The decision followed opposition from residents in Evanston and the Village of Wilmette regarding the use of a tax-exempt institution for for-profit events.
Why it matters
The club seeks to establish a permanent, dedicated women's stadium rather than relying on temporary venues. Securing a long-term home is essential for the team to expand beyond their current facility and stabilize operations for the 2027 season and beyond.
The Chicago Stars currently utilize Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, which provides a temporary seating capacity of 12,000. The team continues to assess new locations to replace this temporary home after the 2027 season.
The players
Chicago Stars FC
This professional soccer club is currently seeking a permanent home stadium to replace its temporary facilities.
Parielle Davis
She serves as the alderman for the 7th Ward in Evanston.
The details
While the bid for Ryan Field was dropped, the team continues to integrate into the Evanston community through events like the Future Stars Fest and partnerships with local entities such as the Main-Dempster Mile. The club also remains involved in local initiatives, including sponsoring the Kuumba Evanston Olympic Games.
Timeline
March 2026: The club withdrew its permit request for Ryan Field.
August 2026: The team stated a goal to play at Ryan Field.
October 11, 2026: The team hosted the Future Stars Fest.
Post-2027 season: The team requires a permanent home stadium location.
Season Trajectory
This development forces the club to rethink its venue strategy for the 2027 season and beyond. The withdrawal shifts the competitive balance of their long-term planning, as the team must now secure a new permanent location to achieve its goal of building a dedicated women's stadium.
The cancellation of the Ryan Field proposal means residents will not see an increase in major event traffic near the Central Street area. The team remains committed to local community engagement while continuing its search for a permanent stadium site elsewhere.
The takeaway
The team continues to emphasize local community integration through partnerships and youth outreach programs while its search for a stadium persists. Fans and residents can expect continued community-focused event sponsorships as the organization settles into its long-term strategy.
Further reading
Learn more about local athletic developments on the Soccer page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Northwestern.
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