Wilmette officials are objecting to a proposal that would permit the Chicago Stars soccer team to play home matches at the new Ryan Field following the expected stadium opening later this year.
The Chicago Stars, a member of the National Women’s Soccer League, have filed an application with Evanston seeking permission to play 15 to 17 home matches annually at Ryan Field over a five-year period, with an option to extend after the third year, according to city documents. The matches would be played between March and November.
Because the stadium at 1501 Central Street sits along the Evanston-Wilmette border, Wilmette officials say the additional events could negatively affect village residents.
Village President Senta Plunkett read a letter she sent to Evanston officials at Wilmette’s Feb. 24 village board meeting protesting what she described as 17 additional 10,000-person events annually at the athletic campus.
“This increase to the already controversial and impactful use requires the village be steadfast in its opposition to the increasing number of permitted events at the athletic campus, particularly before the new stadium is even operating,” Plunkett wrote.
“Northwestern has asked a lot from its neighbors in Wilmette and Evanston, and to ask for more while the extent of the adverse impacts of the already approved events remains unknown is unfortunate timing.”
In addition to Northwestern University football games, the stadium is expected to host six outdoor concerts annually with a capacity of 28,500, along with other athletic and community events.
Plunkett’s letter also referenced Wilmette’s objections in 2023 before the Evanston City Council voted to permit construction of the new stadium on the site of the previous Ryan Field.
She noted that when Evanston approved construction of the new stadium in 2023 — including the 28,500-seat outdoor concert venue — residents in both communities expressed concern that additional events would follow.
“Before Ryan Field has even opened its doors, this proposal clearly validated that concern,” she wrote. “To now add more uncertainty and potential impact to the already impacted area is imprudent at best, and unneighborly at worst.”
In February 2024, Evanston and Wilmette entered into an intergovernmental agreement governing concerts and other non-football events at the stadium.
For now, Wilmette is asking Evanston to deny the Stars’ application or amend its zoning code to reduce the number of permitted events.
Evanston spokeswoman Cynthia Vargas declined to comment.
The Stars played last season at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. The team is scheduled to play its 2026 season at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, the lakefront facility where Northwestern played during construction of the new stadium. The long-term plan is to move into Ryan Field in 2027 if the city approves the request.
Stars spokesman Luis Leyva said the team averaged 5,574 fans per match in 2025, with the one match played at Martin Stadium drawing 10,127.
“We recognize there are differing perspectives, and we firmly believe our presence in Evanston will be additive — driving positive economic impact and delivering meaningful social benefit to the community,” Leyva wrote.
Northwestern spokesman Jon Yates said the matter is being handled between the team and the city.
“Northwestern is supportive of organizations exploring opportunities at Ryan Field and would be glad to work with the Stars if the city ultimately approves their request,” Yates said.
The first event scheduled at the new Ryan Field is an Oct. 2 football game between Northwestern and Penn State.
