Chicago, IL – Following a historic turnout at a recent National Women’s Soccer League game, the Chicago Red Stars faced a challenging decision as they navigated a scheduling conflict with Riot Fest, a popular music festival in the city. The team announced that they would need to relocate a game to accommodate Riot Fest’s move to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, running from Sept. 20-22, directly clashing with the Red Stars’ scheduled match against the San Diego Wave on Sept. 21.
In response to Riot Fest’s announcement, the Red Stars expressed frustration and outlined potential plans to relocate the game in order to ensure a successful event for players and fans. Team President Karen Leetzow highlighted the disparities between the treatment of women’s professional sports and men’s professional sports, emphasizing the club’s commitment to providing a top-notch experience both on and off the field.
The scheduling conflict comes at a pivotal moment for the Red Stars, who recently set a league attendance record with over 35,000 fans at a match against Bay FC at Wrigley Field. The team has been based at SeatGeek Stadium since 2016, but criticism over the stadium’s location and lack of transit access has posed challenges for the franchise in attracting fans. Ownership under Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts has expressed a desire to relocate the team to a stadium within the city limits, aiming to enhance the overall fan experience.
The impending relocation of the Red Stars’ game underscores the ongoing debate surrounding Riot Fest, which has faced opposition from local residents in various Chicago neighborhoods where the festival has been held in the past. The festival, headlined by artists such as Beck, Public Enemy, the Marley Brothers, and Fall Out Boy, has historically sparked tensions within the community, suggesting a need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between event organizers and residents.
As the Red Stars navigate the challenges of venue relocation and scheduling conflicts, the team remains focused on delivering quality experiences for both players and fans. The upcoming game relocation presents an opportunity for the organization to showcase its resilience and commitment to providing a dynamic sporting experience for all involved.