Chicago Red Stars to Make History with NWSL Match at Wrigley Field

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16153840/original/open-uri20240409-74-55k54d?1712689569
ICARO Media Group
News
09/04/2024 19h05

In an exciting announcement, the undefeated Chicago Red Stars revealed that they will be hosting Bay FC in a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) match at the iconic Wrigley Field on Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. CT. This historic event will mark the first time an NWSL match will be played at one of Chicago's most beloved landmarks.

The Red Stars, known for their talented roster of players, will have the opportunity to showcase their skills under the famous lights of Wrigley Field. The match is expected to draw sports fans from across the Chicagoland area, eager to witness the nation's best soccer players competing in such a historic venue.

Chicago Red Stars President, Karen Leetzow, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "Playing at Wrigley Field will be the event that fans of the Red Stars, Cubs, and Chicago sports won't want to miss. We are grateful to the Cubs for inviting us to Wrigley Field and providing these elite athletes with the spotlight they deserve. We cannot wait to represent our great city and demonstrate the immense talent and fierce competition that exists in the NWSL and right here in Chicago."

Crane Kenney, Cubs President of Business Operations, also expressed his excitement, stating, "We're thrilled to welcome the Chicago Red Stars to Wrigley Field. This is a historic first for both organizations, and we are proud to collaborate with the Red Stars to bring this unforgettable event to life for the players, fans, and our city."

Hosting the match at Wrigley Field aims to make women's professional soccer more accessible to sports fans in Chicago and further promote the team's visibility. Alyssa Naeher, the Red Stars team captain, also thrilled about playing at Wrigley Field, said, "Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic sports venues in the country. This is a unique opportunity for us to bring more visibility to our team and women's soccer. Chicago has always been an incredible sports town with such a rich history, and I can't wait to compete on the field, under the lights, in front of our dedicated fans from every part of the city!"

The highly anticipated match will see the currently undefeated Chicago Red Stars face off against Bay FC for the second time this season. This Red Stars team features four players who have recently represented their countries in international soccer competitions, including Julia Bianchi (Brazil), Nádia Gomes (Portugal), Natalia Kuikka (Finland), and U.S. National Team superstars Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson.

Bay FC, the newest women's professional soccer franchise in the Bay Area, has already made waves by selling out their inaugural home opener, setting a record for women's professional soccer in the region.

In the lead-up to the match, the Red Stars franchise will create a vibrant atmosphere that engages local businesses, community groups, and corporate sponsors, uniting Chicagoans around women's soccer.

Tickets for the match will go on sale to Red Stars season ticket members on Thursday, April 11, at 10 a.m. CT. The Cubs will hold a presale for their season ticket holders on Monday, April 15, and public ticket sales will commence on Wednesday, April 17, at 10 a.m. CT.

For those unable to attend the match in person, all the action will be broadcast live on ION, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of the historic game.

Since 2016, the Chicago Red Stars have primarily played their home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Before that, the club was based at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, from 2013 to 2015.

Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and has hosted various events, ranging from college football games to concerts. The addition of the Chicago Red Stars for the first-ever NWSL League match at the Friendly Confines adds another exciting chapter to the rich history of this iconic venue.

For more information about the match and tickets, please visit Cubs.com/Soccer.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related