April 9, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Red Stars News Release
CHICAGO – The undefeated Chicago Red Stars announced today that they will host Bay FC at historic Wrigley Field Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. CT making it the first National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match to be played at one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks. Having the nation’s best soccer players playing under the lights of the Friendly Confines will draw sports fans from across the Chicagoland area.
“Playing at Wrigley Field will be the event that fans of the Red Stars, Cubs and Chicago sports won’t want to miss,” said Chicago Red Stars President Karen Leetzow. “On behalf of the Red Stars, I’d like to thank the Cubs for inviting us to Wrigley Field and giving these elite athletes the stage they deserve. We look forward to representing our great city and showing Chicago fans and the country how talented this club is and the intense level of competition that exists on the pitch every week in the NWSL and in Chicago’s backyard.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Chicago Red Stars to Wrigley Field,” said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. “This is a historic first for both organizations. We’re proud to join forces with the Red Stars to bring this event to life for the players, fans and our city.”
Hosting the match at Wrigley Field is an effort to make women’s professional soccer more accessible to sports fans in Chicago.
“Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic sports venues in the country. This is a unique opportunity for us to bring further visibility to our team and women’s soccer,” said Red Stars team captain, Alyssa Naeher. “Chicago has always been an incredible sports town with such a rich history; I can’t wait to compete on the field, under the lights, in front of our dedicated Chicago fans from every part of the city!”
The currently undefeated Chicago Red Stars will take on Bay FC in their second meeting of the season. The team features four players who have been called up to represent their respective countries in international soccer competitions this April, including Julia Bianchi (Brazil), Nádia Gomes (Portugal), Natalia Kuikka (Finland), and U.S. National Team superstars, Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson.
Bay FC is the Bay Area’s newest women’s professional soccer franchise in the growing NWSL and recently set a Bay Area women’s professional soccer record by selling out the team’s inaugural home opener Saturday, March 30.
Leading up to the…