Chicago Stars Lock In Martin Stadium for 2027 Season Amidst Future Home Search

FolioPitch.com – 27 August 2026 | The Chicago Stars announce Martin Stadium as 2027 home venue, confirming that the National Women’s Soccer League club will continue to play at Northwestern University’s lakefront stadium for another season. The decision, revealed on Tuesday, provides a sense of continuity for the team and its growing fan base, even as the organization explores long-term stadium options elsewhere on the North Shore.

The Stars have called Martin Stadium home for the 2026 season after relocating from their previous venue. The stadium, which holds approximately 12,000 fans, has seen increased attendance during the first half of 2026, according to club officials. By returning for 2027, Chicago Stars announce Martin Stadium as 2027 home venue, giving fans and players alike a familiar and spirited atmosphere.

Earlier reports suggested the Stars were eyeing a move to Northwestern’s newly constructed Ryan Stadium, which sits just down the road. However, the club has opted to remain at Martin Stadium for the immediate future, with a potential switch to Ryan Stadium still on the table as the long-term plan. This latest announcement suggests that the Chicago Stars announce Martin Stadium as 2027 home venue, but the door remains open for a relocation down the line.

Club president Karen Leetzow expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with Northwestern University. “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,” Leetzow said in a press release. “Playing another season at Martin Stadium will allow us to continue to enhance the fan experience while providing the north shore with access to amazing athletes and the highest level of women’s professional soccer to serve as inspiration and entertainment for people of all ages.”

The announcement comes at a critical time for the Stars, who currently sit at the bottom of the NWSL table with just 16 points from 21 matches. The club recently made a coaching change, parting ways with head coach Martin Sjögren and assistant Anders Jacobson after a difficult 5-1-15 start to the season. Despite the on-field struggles, the team’s off-field momentum has been bolstered by the intimate atmosphere at Martin Stadium and the strong connection forming with the Evanston community.

Noelle Schmitt, the Stars’ director of community and government relations, highlighted the broader impact of the club’s presence in the area. “Martin Stadium is more than just a place for us to play,” Schmitt said. “We’ve begun building meaningful relationships and connections with people and organizations in Evanston and the surrounding communities. Through these ongoing partnerships, we can have an impact that goes far beyond just the 90 minutes of play. Together, we’ve begun to develop coordinated programming and are setting the groundwork that will have tangible and visible effects on girls’ lives.”

The decision to keep the Chicago Stars at Martin Stadium for another year gives the organization a chance to stabilize its operations while addressing on-field issues. The stadium’s lakefront location has become a rallying point for supporters, and the increased attendance figures suggest that the team is building a stronger local following. With the 2027 season now secured, the Stars can focus on improving their performance and continuing to grow their community initiatives.

While the search for a permanent home continues, the Chicago Stars announce Martin Stadium as 2027 home venue to provide certainty for players and staff. The temporary arrangement has proven beneficial in several ways, from fan engagement to community outreach. The club’s leadership clearly values the partnership with Northwestern University, and the extended stay allows for further development of programming that benefits local residents, particularly young girls who look up to the professional athletes on the pitch.

As the Stars navigate the remainder of the 2026 season, the announcement offers a glimmer of positivity amid a challenging campaign. The coaching change signaled a desire to turn things around, and having a secure home venue for 2027 removes one potential distraction. The focus can now shift to building a competitive roster and improving results while enjoying the support of a loyal fan base at Martin Stadium.

The Chicago Stars’ connection to Evanston and the North Shore has deepened over the past year, and the extended commitment to Martin Stadium strengthens those ties. Community leaders and local organizations have welcomed the team, and the collaborative efforts are expected to continue and expand in the coming years. The club hopes that the positive atmosphere at the stadium will translate into better performances on the field, inspiring the next generation of soccer players in the region.

In the end, the Chicago Stars announce Martin Stadium as 2027 home venue is a decision rooted in practicality and a desire to maintain momentum. While the ultimate goal of a permanent, state-of-the-art facility remains, the club recognizes the value of its current surroundings. By staying put for another season, the Stars are making a statement of commitment to their fans and the community, even as they keep an eye on the future. The coming months will be crucial for the team’s rebuild, and having a familiar home turf could provide the stability needed to spark a turnaround.

As the 2026 season winds down, the Stars will look to close the year on a positive note and build toward a brighter 2027. With the venue question settled for now, all energies can be directed toward improving results and nurturing the relationships that have made Martin Stadium a special place for women’s soccer. The announcement is more than just a logistical update; it is a reaffirmation of the team’s roots in the community and a promise to keep growing together.