In a disappointing turn of events for the Chicago Red Stars, the team announced on Wednesday that they will have to move a game to accommodate the relocation of Riot Fest. The popular music festival will be held at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview from September 20-22, directly clashing with the Red Stars-San Diego Wave match scheduled for September 21.

The Red Stars expressed their frustration with the decision in a statement released shortly after Riot Fest's announcement. Team President Karen Leetzow voiced her concerns regarding the discrepancies in the treatment of women's professional sports, highlighting the unfairness of the situation. The club is committed to finding a solution that will ensure a successful game for both the players and fans.

This conflict comes at a crucial juncture for the Red Stars, who recently broke the National Women's Soccer League attendance record. Their match against Bay FC drew a record-breaking 35,038 fans at Wrigley Field, showcasing the growing popularity and support for women's professional soccer.

SeatGeek Stadium, the Red Stars' current home venue since 2016, has faced criticism due to its distance from the city center and lack of convenient transit access. As a result, attendance has been affected, causing the franchise to lag behind its competitors. In 2019, the Chicago Fire paid a hefty sum of over $60 million to leave SeatGeek and relocate to Soldier Field.

Under new ownership led by Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts, the Red Stars have made it clear that they are determined to move the franchise to a stadium within the city limits. This goal reflects their commitment to providing a better experience for players and fans alike.

Riot Fest, which will feature headliners such as Beck, Public Enemy, the Marley Brothers, and Fall Out Boy, has been a source of contention in various Chicago neighborhoods. Since its relocation to Douglass Park in 2015, and prior to that, in Humboldt Park since 2012, local residents have expressed concerns about the festival's impact.

With the game relocation, the Red Stars will now focus on finding an alternate venue for their September 21st match. While the circumstances are unfortunate, the team remains determined to overcome this obstacle and continue their pursuit of success in the National Women's Soccer League.