Music festival forces Red Stars out of SeatGeek Stadium, leaving team in ‘unfair’ situation
The Chicago Red Stars will have to move their September 21 home game against the San Diego Wave due to Riot Fest playing in SeatGeek Stadium from September 20-22. The music festival has historically taken place in Douglass Park and was originally scheduled to play there, but festival organizers announced on Wednesday morning that they would be moving to SeatGeek in Bridgeview. The Red Stars have not yet announced a replacement venue.
Red Stars president Karen Leetzow publicly expressed disappointment with the decision.
“It is unfair and unfortunate to have our club put in this situation, shining a light on the vast discrepancies in the treatment of women’s professional sports versus men’s professional sports,” she said in an official statement. “We are committed to ensuring our players and fans have a first-rate experience on and off the pitch, and we are working diligently to find a solution that will ensure our September 21st game is a success.”
A statement from Chicago Red Stars President, Karen Leetzow, regarding our September 21st match: pic.twitter.com/FHkmBbhnnB
— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) June 12, 2024
The Red Stars have been attempting to build up their fanbase this year after an offseason ownership change. Last week, the Red Stars played a one-off game at Wrigley Field that drew an attendance of 35,038, setting a new record for regular season single-game attendance.
GO DEEPER
Chicago Red Stars break NWSL attendance record at Wrigley Field
(Photo: Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
