Chicago Stars ask Evanston to back five-year permit for Ryan Field, cite jobs and revenue

Chicago Stars representatives appealed to Evanston officials on Wednesday for support as they seek a unique-use permit to play home matches at Ryan Field while they pursue a permanent stadium.

A Chicago Stars representative, speaking to city staff and residents, said the club — a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League — would seek permission to play at Ryan Field for five years starting in 2027, then continue work to secure a dedicated venue. “We’re asking for five years to play it at Ryan Field starting in 2027,” the representative said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The Stars said moving closer to downtown Evanston would increase accessibility for families and youth, expand local entertainment options and bring economic activity to downtown businesses. The presenter estimated the team could generate about $550,000 in tax revenue to the city in the first year and said half of their out-of-town ticket revenue comes from Evanston residents, while they would also use local vendors and hire part‑time workers on match days.

City process and zoning: Residents asked why the team needed council action. A questioner noted a zoning ordinance that prohibits professional sports in the district, and staff said the unique-use permit is the path to override that restriction if the council approves. City staff described the anticipated review path as hearings at land-use and planning-and-development committees followed by a full council vote.

Public-safety and financing concerns: Several residents raised whether the city would bear policing and traffic-management costs for large events and whether those costs would be covered by the team. The Stars’ representative said the team would be a Northwestern tenant and that Northwestern’s agreements with the city provide for invoiced compensation for police and traffic management that would be passed to the Stars, and that the tenancy is contingent on council and land-use approvals. “That will be invoiced to us,” the representative said when asked about compensation for police and traffic management.

Tax implications and equity questions: Commenters asked whether the amusement tax or other new event revenue could displace or disadvantage existing entertainment options. The Stars replied that amusement-tax receipts are one revenue stream connected to ticket sales and emphasized that they intend to spotlight local restaurants and vendors on match days. The presenter also cited a community poll conducted across Evanston that reported 82% support for the team playing at Ryan Field and said they had modeled parking demand and shuttle operations to Northwestern and nearby transit.

Alternatives and timeline: Residents asked whether the club had explored other sites (including an indoor venue called the Quad, which the team said was purchased recently by a buyer called Toca). The Stars said they were exploring options but preferred Evanston for its proximity to the team’s planned performance center in Bannockburn. City staff said more detailed lease terms and the team’s full application packet would be available as the matter proceeds through land-use and planning-and-development review.

Quotes and exchange: A resident asked how the city could avoid becoming dependent on a single event for amusement-tax receipts; the Stars acknowledged the concern and reiterated their plans to use local vendors and manage parking and shuttles. On zoning and the lease, the Stars’ representative said their agreement with Northwestern is contingent on municipal approvals and that they have discussed logistics with corporate counsel.

What’s next: The team’s unique-use application will proceed to land-use and planning-and-development hearings and, if recommended, return to the full council for a decision. City staff described the hearing schedule as tentative and said residents would have additional opportunities to review the application packet and testify at committee meetings.