Question: For ardent fans who head to the stadium to watch games, what do they usually look for? A great atmosphere, a clear view from the stands, comfortable seating, and quick bites — that seems just about enough, right? Well, we’re not sure if this fits the usual checklist, but how about watching a soccer match by the lakefront? If that sounds like your ideal way to enjoy the beautiful game, then you have the Chicago Stars to thank for it!

Well, it all starts with the unfortunate situation concerning their venue plans. The Stars’ lease of SeatGeek Stadium is set to expire at the end of this year. Now apparently, many sources, as well as ESPN journalist Jeff Kassouf reported on X that even though the deal is coming to an end, the NWSL side isn’t keen to extend their stay at the Bridgeview, Illinois-based venue.

Rather, the team is in search of their new home and is looking for a “better” stadium. And what good there can be than Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston? Well, mark your calendars as the Chicago Stars seems to have booked its slot to play not all but at least one game there.

It would be the NWSL Matchday 19 against Orlando Pride on September 7. The defending champions will be flying to enjoy their regular season match where they will be able to enjoy the lakefront views as well. So will the fans, which makes us more concerned about whether they’ll be concentrating on the game or get busy taking clicks of the scenic lakefront.

Well, we won’t blame any of them if they do end up missing half of the game. After all, that’s the main highlight of the Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, right? Also, don’t be surprised if the venue is fully packed or if the tickets are sold out within hours.

Notably, this isn’t the first time the Chicago Stars have changed their venue for the 2025 campaign. The lakefront marks the second time they have relocated a home match from SeatGeek Stadium. The first time will be their upcoming Matchday 12 clash against Seattle Reign, which is set to be played at Soldier Field on June 14.

Then again, it’s the Lakefront Faceoff that will certainly catch everyone off guard. So overall, it does sound exciting right? Well, before you end up hyping up your expectations, hear out some drawbacks of this decision from the Stars.

The downside of Chicago Stars’ Lakefront Faceoff!

One shall know that the Martin Stadium is merely a trial that the Chicago Stars are conducting as a part of their hunt for a place they can call home. Currently, they share the 28,000-capacity SeatGeek Stadium, which is also a home to Chicago Fire FC II of MLS Next Pro and the Chicago Hounds of Major League Rugby. Now, since they don’t have enough funds to build one of their women’s dedicated stadiums, exploring a new one is a concrete option.

But Joe Chatz of On Tap Sports Net thinks opting for Martin Stadium might not be ideal to be called as a permanent home. For starters, the winds from Lake Michigan often becomes brutal, making the conditions of the game quite difficult. The next concern is that even though Chicago is in dire need of a much more accessible venue than SeatGeek Stadium—where parking remains a major issue—will hosting a global icon like Marta at a college stadium in 2025 reflect well on the NWSL?

The answer is maybe yes, maybe not. But overall, it will underscore the league’s ongoing facility challenges despite its growing profile on a global stage. So for now, consider it a one-time thing. In the meantime, we wish Chicago Stars the best of luck in their hunt for a new stadium.