A Chicago Stars spokesperson clarified that the NWSL club’s planned performance center in Bannockburn will “function solely as a training center and not a stadium where games will be played,” according to Claire Murphy of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. The club has “not yet announced where it will seek to play games in 2027 and beyond,” and it is “not known whether they might request to use” Northwestern’s new Ryan Field after withdrawing plans to do so earlier this year. The Stars spokesperson said the Bannockburn facility is “very much meant to be an oasis for the players, as it’s the first time we’ll have a facility that we control for our training purposes.” The spokesperson indicated that the club does “not plan to hold any soccer clinics or play any matches in Bannockburn.” They said, “The facility is for our players to train and prepare and is not a facility where we would host large-scale events or matches.” The Stars plan to play the entirety of their 2026 season at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. As for the 2027 season, the spokesperson said, “Future plans are in the works. More on that front soon.” The Stars representative did “not clarify if the team plans to extend their stay at Martin Stadium for the upcoming 2027 season or submit a future proposal to once again petition to have Ryan Field serve as their home venue for games” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/29).
Chicago Stars say planned Bannockburn facility is for training only
