The Chicago Red Stars set a new record attendance for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) game as 35,038 fans watched the team’s match against Bay FC at Wrigley Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs.
The crowd surpassed the previous record, which was set in October 2023 as Seattle Reign welcomed 34,130 fans for a match against Washington Spirit at Lumen Field. That match was Megan Rapinoe’s final home appearance for the team.
The Red Stars’ previous record attendance was 17,338, which was set in July 2019 following the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. That match took place at Soldier Field, home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
The Red Stars’ primary home venue is SeatGeek Stadium, which used to serve as the home of Major League Soccer team Chicago Fire. The game against Bay FC, which the Red Stars lost 2-1, was dubbed ‘Red Stars Take Over Wrigley Field’.
The match was also the first professional women’s sporting event at Wrigley Field in 80 years.
Red Stars president Karen Leetzow said: “On behalf of the Red Stars, I would like to thank all 35,038 fans and every person who helped us welcome this record-breaking crowd to Wrigley Field.
“Chicago has truly shown the country what’s possible when we level the playing field with a centrally located stadium that is easy to access, and give these world-class athletes the support they deserve. Our club could not be prouder to call Chicago home tonight.
“This historic match is not just momentous for the Red Stars, but for the NWSL and the future of women’s professional soccer. Tonight, Chicago proved once again that fans are hungry to witness the intense level of competition that exists on the pitch every week in the NWSL and around the world.”
