Matchday Guide
A
Accessibility Accommodations
Accessible Entries
Both the North and South entries to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium are accessible entrances.
Accessible Parking, Drop Off
All parking lots for Stars matches have ADA accessible parking spots, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pre-paid ADA parking in the North Garage is recommended.
Golf carts will be available to transport ADA fans between parking lots and the stadium. Golf carts can be requested by asking a parking attendant in the lot, or at the North End Guest Services tent post-match.
Accessible Seating
Seating for guests with disabilities is available in our North, West and South seating sections. Additionally, we have accessible options in all of our premium spaces. Accessible seating can be purchased online or by calling Chicago Stars FC Box Office at 773-880-2460.
Kulture City Bags
For guests who have sensory processing needs:
Chicago Stars FC partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests during all events. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by supplying our staff with annual training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.
KultureCity® Sensory bags
KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special KCVIP ID badges, feeling thermometer, fidget tools and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout (at no additional cost for guests leaving a valid ID) at our North and South Guest Services tents.
Sensory Room
Fans in need of a sensory room can check in at the Walter Athletic Center lobby. The Sensory room is accessible on the third floor. Kulture City sensory bags will also be available for check-out at the Guest Services tents at the North and South ends of the stadium.
Alcohol Policy
Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted to be brought into Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Any person found inside the stadium with alcohol not purchased on site is subject to immediate ejection.
A person may not enter the venue in an intoxicated state. Intoxication in a public place is a criminal offense. Any person found on the property in an intoxicated state shall be removed from the premises.
Alcohol sales are offered inside Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium during Chicago Stars FC games. The following items are important to note in regard to alcohol sales:
- Guests possessing alcohol who do not have proof of being at least 21 years of age or guests passing alcohol to minors will be ejected and are subject to arrest.
- Acceptable forms of identification at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium are valid driver’s license, military identification, valid passport or government identification card.
- All alcohol sales will end at the 75th minute of each match. If deemed necessary, alcohol sales may be cut off at any time. The facility reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to any guest.
Animals and Service Animals
Animals are not permitted within the stadium, with the exception of certified service animals for guests with disabilities.
B
Baby Changing Station and Nursing Room
A nursing room with baby changing station is available in the Walter Athletic Center lobby. Entrance to the Walter Athletic Center is located on the North End of Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
Bag Policy
Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium has a Clear Bag Policy. Approved bags include: clear plastic bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”; small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”; and one-gallon clear plastic bags. Tinted plastic bags, backpacks, fanny packs, binocular cases, camera cases and any bags that exceed the outlined size limits or are not clear are not permitted in the stadium. Bags are limited to one large clear bag and one small clutch per ticket holder.
Diaper bags and bags containing medically necessary items are permitted at all gates after proper inspection at entry.
Banners, Flags and Signs
Banners, flags and signs (collectively, “Banners”) are permitted within the stadium provided they follow the requirements:
- All banners, flags and signage will be inspected before entry to the stadium to ensure there are no safety concerns and are following the below requirements.
- Banners must be event-related and may not be commercial or political in nature; Banners may not include advertisements, logos or political endorsements/slogans.
- Banners must not have images, words or other information that is (or could be construed as being) derogatory, obscene, profane, indecent, vulgar, offensive, graphic, dangerous, inappropriate, objectionable or in “poor taste”.
- Banners must not interfere with the view or enjoyment of others.
- Banners must not be attached to a pole or any other object that could cause harm to others.
- Banners must not be constructed of wood, metal or any other material that could cause harm to others.
- All banners and signs brought through security can be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches.
- Banners (or parts thereof) may not be used as projectiles.
- Banners may be hung only with the permission of stadium management.
- If approved, Banners may be hung only with rope, string or plastic ties and may not block any existing signage or vent, or damage any stadium walls, paint, railings, glass, etc.
Stadium Management and Chicago Stars staff reserves the right to remove and confiscate any Banner at any time for any reason. Guests who fail or refuse to comply with these requirements are subject to ejection.
Bike Racks
Bike racks are located throughout Northwestern University’s campus, including proximate to the Henry Crown Pavillion and the North gate. The Chicago Stars and Northwestern do not offer bike valet or bike locks at this time, and cannot be held responsible for the supervision of bikes parked on Northwestern’s campus & surrounding areas.
All bikes on campus must be parked at a bike rack. Locking your bike to a fence, street light pole, or street sign pole can add to sidewalk congestion and present safety issues. Similarly, locking your bike on a building ramp will constrict access, impacting the safety of those who need to use the ramp and handrails. Bikes that are not parked properly or that pose a safety issue may be removed by the University.
Bleacher Seat Backs
Fans are not permitted to bring bleacher seat backs into the stadium. Bleacher seat cushions can be purchased in-stadium at Stars merchandise tents. Season Ticket Members may rent bleacher seat backs for the season.
Box Office
A Chicago Stars Box Office is located near the North Gate inside the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion at 2311 N Campus Drive Evanston, IL 60208. A Chicago Stars Box Office is located outside the South Gate.
On event days, the Box Offices will be open three (3) hours prior to the event. The Ticket Office will remain open through the first half of each match.
The phone number for Chicago Stars FC ticket sales is 773-880-2460 and a ticketing representative can be reached Monday – Friday (9:30 am to 5:00 pm).
C
Cameras and Recording Devices
No commercial or flash photography of any kind is allowed. Camcorders or any other audio/visual equipment is prohibited unless authorized in advance by Chicago Stars FC. Specifically, the use of the following equipment is not allowed:
- Lenses or Lens Attachments over 6″
- Monopods or tripods
- Flash equipment of any sort
Stadium Management and Chicago Stars staff reserve the right to remove and confiscate any prohibited and unauthorized audio/visual equipment at any time for any reason. Guests who fail or refuse to comply with these requirements are subject to ejection.
Cell Phones
Guests can use cellular phones if they do not interfere with other guests in the seating area. If guests need to have a long cell phone conversation, it is suggested that they exit the seating bowl.
Children's Entry
All children 2 years of age and older require a ticket to gain admission to Chicago Stars events.
Contact Information
Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
2235 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208
Chicago Stars FC Ticket Office
Phone number: 773-880-2460
Email: chicagostarstickets@chicagostars.com
E
Emergencies
Chicago Stars FC and Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium are committed to providing the highest standard of safety for our visitors and employees. Should you need immediate assistance, please notify the nearest security guard, usher, or visit a Chicago Stars Guest Services tent in the North End or South End (Fan Zone). If an associate is not in your immediate area during an emergency, you are encouraged to dial 911 before seeking help.
F
Fan Code of Conduct
Chicago Stars FC is committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable soccer experience for all guests in and around our stadiums. Fans must abide by this Fan Code of Conduct as well as all stadium rules. Fans are responsible for reviewing both prior to arriving at the stadium. Fans have a right to an environment where:
- Fans are encouraged to cheer, sing and otherwise support their team while remaining respectful and courteous to their fellow patrons, referees, staff, players and other fans.
- Fans enjoy the soccer experience free from physical violence, thrown objects*, weapons of any kind, pyrotechnic devices (including but not limited to, smoke bombs, flares, and explosives), attempts to enter the playing field, field track, or any other location other than that permitted by a fan’s ticket or credential, political or inciting messages, and behavior that is disruptive, obscene, indecent, threatening, violent in nature, including, but not limited to, physical or verbal harassment of match officials, staff members, players, or other fans.
- Fans do not display symbols, signs, images, use language, or make gestures that contain commercial or political messaging or are foul, obscene, threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including, but not limited to, on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability and/or sexual orientation.
- Fans do not conduct themselves in a way that results in damage to the stadium or personal property.
- Fans consume alcoholic beverages in a reasonable manner.
- Fans sit only in their ticketed seats and show their tickets when requested by staff.
- Fans do not obstruct other fans from viewing the game or otherwise behave in a way that targets other fans or interferes with other fans’ enjoyment of the match.
- Fans comply with requests from stadium staff and local authorities regarding stadium policies and emergency response procedures.
- Fans promptly and carefully return the ball to a stadium staff member or the ball kid in the event that a soccer ball enters the stands.
- Fans conduct themselves in a lawful manner.
* THROWN OBJECTS: The use of streamers and confetti as an expression of fan enthusiasm is not prohibited but will be kept under review and should not enter the field of play. Streamers are not to be used to impact the competition and/or thrown at or toward a player, match officials, staff members or in the field of play.
Failure to abide by this code of conduct is subject to sanctions, including, but not limited to, ejection without refund, banishment from future Chicago Stars matches, revocation of ticket privileges for future games, revocation of season tickets and/or arrest. Fans are encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior to any Chicago Stars associate or stadium staff member.
Chicago Stars FC and the stadium reserve the right to determine what unruly or unacceptable behavior is and to take all actions permitted by applicable law. Chicago Stars FC reserve the right to change or modify this Fan Code of Conduct in its sole discretion.
Chicago Stars FC thank you for your cooperation. Enjoy the game and your experience.
First Aid Stations
A first aid station is located in the South End (Fan Zone). If you require medical attention, please go to the first aid station, or notify the nearest Chicago Stars associate.
Food Allergens
Guests can find concessions information at Guests Services booths. Please be aware that our food may come into contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish or wheat during preparation.
If you have severe food allergies, contact the Chicago Stars Ticketing Department at ChicagoStarsTickets@chicagostars.com, and we will work with you to find a suitable accommodation.
Food and Beverage Policy and Locations
Concessions and beer tents will be available in the South Fan Zone and the North End of the stadium. All food and beverage services will stop 75 minutes into the match.
G
Gate Info
Gates open 90 minutes prior to match start time on weekends, and 60 minutes prior to match start time on weekdays. All guests may enter the stadium through the North or South Gates.
In addition, Season Ticket Members and VIPs may enter via dedicated entry lanes at the North and South entry gates.
Guest Services
Chicago Stars FC staff are available to help you with any questions, issues or concerns during your visit. Guest Services tents can be found in both the North End and South End (Fan Zone), and Guest Services Associates can be found throughout the stadium.
L
Lost Children
Lost children will be escorted to the Guest Services tent at the North End of the venue. Separated parties should seek the assistance of any stadium employee, security personnel or usher.
Lost and Found
All lost-and-found items will be turned into the Guest Services tents located behind in the North End and South End (Fan Zone). Guests claiming lost items should be prepared to positively identify the item, present a valid photo identification card and sign a receipt. After 30 days, all unclaimed lost-and-found items will be released to charitable organizations.
M
Merchandise
Chicago Stars merchandise can be purchased at tents in the South End (Fan Zone) and North End of the stadium. On matchdays, the merchandise will be available for sale upon gates opening and will remain open until the match concludes.
Media
Media must check in at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, located at 2311 N Campus Drive, to receive their credentials. Media check-in opens two hours prior to kickoff. All media for Chicago Stars FC matches must have proper facility credentials, which may be collected at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion.
P
Parking
Parking for Chicago Stars FC fans is available at several lots near Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium for $25/car. Pre-purchasing parking is strongly recommended, as spaces are limited. Parking can be purchased on-site with credit card only, not cash payments.
Additional information can be found on our Parking Information webpage.
Pledge to Fans
Chicago Stars FC, the National Women’s Soccer League, and Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium pledge to protect a fan’s right to:
- Enjoy the match in a safe, clean and healthy environment
- Cheer, sing and otherwise support their team
- Be treated in a courteous and professional manner
Premium Check-In Locations
Premium ticket holders and Season Ticket Members may enter through dedicated fast entry lanes at the North and South gates. Premium check-in tents, including wristband pickup locations, are located in the South End (Fan Zone) and North End of the stadium.
Prohibited Items
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the following items are not permitted inside the venue:
- Aerosol cans
- Any item that may be used as a projectile
- Bags that do not comply with Northwestern’s Clear Bag Policy
- Banners, flags or signs that have not been pre-approved by Northwestern
- Chairs, booster seats, stools or other seating devices
- Containers or items such as water bottles, glass bottles, thermoses, picnic baskets, ice chests or coolers
- Devices deemed suspicious by venue or campus security. Guests may be asked to demonstrate how the device operates
- Laser pens or pointers
- Masks that cover or conceal identity (health-related masks are permitted)
- Noisemakers, including cowbells, musical instruments, horns and boom sticks (unless approved in advance by Northwestern)
- Outside food or beverages, including alcoholic drinks
- Professional or large recording equipment, such as video cameras, televisions, cameras with large lenses, tripods or large radios (unless you are a designated media member)
- Pyrotechnics or fireworks of any kind, including flares and smoke bombs
- Selfie sticks
- Umbrellas
- Weapons
Public Transportation
Fan can enjoy multiple options of public transportation to attend Chicago Stars matches!
Via "L" Train
- Take the Purple Line CTA to Noyes Station. From downtown Chicago, you may need to connect to the Purple Line at Howard Station via the Red Line. Walk 15 minutes to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
OR
- Take the Purple Line CTA to Central St Station. From downtown Chicago, you may need to connect to the Purple Line at Howard Station via the Red Line. Board the complimentary shuttle providing roundtrip transportation to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Shuttles service will begin three (3) hours prior to kickoff on weekends and two (2) hours prior to kickoff on weekdays.
Via Metra Train
- Take the Metra train to Central St. Station.
- Depart station and walk East along Central Street to the Ryan Field West Parking lot.
- Board the complimentary shuttle providing roundtrip transportation to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Shuttles service will begin three (3) hours prior to kickoff on weekends and two (2) hours prior to kickoff on weekdays.
Via Bus
- CTA Bus Route 201 connects southern Evanston parking lots with Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
- Take the 201 Bus to Sheridan & Lincoln or Sheridan & Haven. From there, it is a short walk to the stadium.
R
Re-Entry Policy
Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium has a strict “no re-entry” policy during events, with the following limited exceptions:
- Guests who wish to return a prohibited item to their vehicle or need to exit and re-enter due to a personal emergency (i.e., to retrieve medicine from their vehicle) must first contact a Chicago Stars or stadium Security associate to arrange.
- Guests who need to escort a service animal to an animal relief area are allowed re-entry to the facility. All such guests should notify a Chicago Stars Associate prior to exiting the facility to ensure reentry.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located in the South End (Fan Zone), South End of the West Stand and at the North End of the stadium.
Family restrooms and a public nursing room are located in the Walter Athletic Center lobby near the North End.
All-gender inclusive restrooms are located at both the North and South End restroom locations in addition to ADA accessible stalls.
S
Seating Sections Map
Security
During the event, Luna Security representatives can be found throughout the stadium and Chicago Stars representatives can be found at Guest Services located in the South End (Fan Zone). If you are experiencing a problem with another patron or have a safety concern, please do not take matters into your own hands; instead, bring the situation to the attention of the nearest Luna Security associate. If a Luna Security associate is not in your immediate area during an emergency, you are encouraged to dial 911 before seeking help.
Shuttle Service
To ensure convenient access to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, complimentary shuttle service will be provided on a continuous loop three (3) hours prior to kickoff on weekends and two (2) hours prior to kickoff on weekdays. Shuttle service will stop two (2) hours after the match ends. Shuttles will arrive at each stop approximately every 20 minutes.
Pick Up Location
- Via Central St. Metra Station: walk to the Ryan Field West Parking (Entrance adjacent to Mustard's Last Stand)
- Via Central St. Purple Line Station: exit the station for pickup
Drop Off Location
- Corner of Lincoln & Sheridan
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping is NOT permitted anywhere at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Guests who choose to leave Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium to smoke will not be allowed to re-enter. We ask for your cooperation in enforcing this policy.
Storm Plans and Evacuation
In the event of inclement weather, information about match delays or safety protocols will be communicated on the videoboard and over the PA. In the event of severe weather or an emergency, please follow the evacuation instructions of Chicago Stars FC staff.
Strollers
Strollers are allowed inside Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Guests may leave their strollers at Guest Services tents in the South End (Fan Zone) and North End of the stadium. The Chicago Stars and Northwestern cannot be held responsible for the supervision of strollers left at Guest Services tents and cannot be held liable for damages to strollers left at Guest Services tents.
T
Tailgating
Tailgating is permitted on the top deck of the Lakeside Structure or surface lots West of Sheridan Road. All parking lots open three hours before each home match. Tailgating is not allowed on lakefront beaches or lawns on Northwestern’s campus.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxi cabs and rideshares will drop off and pick up at 629 Colfax Street, West of the stadium. Guests should enter “Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium” for the drop off/pick up location. Expect delays due to heavy event day traffic.
Ticket Access
For detailed instructions on how to access your Chicago Stars FC tickets, please visit our Digital Ticketing Instructions webpage.
Ticket Event Package Policies
Ticket purchases that include bus transportation to and from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium and/or participation in other events not at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium include the following additional terms.
If your ticket purchase also includes transportation to and from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, please carefully review all pick-up and drop off locations and times. The Chicago Stars will not provide and is not responsible for providing any additional transportation needed to travel to and from the stadium if you miss any transportation pick-up, are refused service, or ejected for any reason. As there may be traffic to and from the stadium, the Chicago Stars cannot guarantee that you will arrive to the stadium or return destination by any particular time. Further, the Chicago Stars and/or the transportation provider reserves all rights to eject, deny entry, and/or refuse service to anyone who, without limitation, displays signs of intoxication, disruptive behavior, and to those harassing any staff or fellow patrons in their sole discretion.
If your ticket purchase also includes entry into a venue and/or business establishment that is not Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, that venue and/or business establishment and the Chicago Stars reserve all rights to eject, deny entry, and/or refuse service to anyone who, without limitation, displays signs of intoxication, disruptive behavior, and to those harassing any staff or fellow patrons in their sole discretion. If that venue and/or business establishment serves alcohol, they reserve all rights to eject, deny entry, and/or refuse service to anyone under the legal drinking age.
If your ticket purchase also includes any food or beverage at a venue and/or business establishment that is not Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, such available food or beverage, unless specifically stated otherwise in writing, is subject to availability and in the sole discretion of such venue and/or business establishment (not Chicago Stars FC).
Ticket Policies
Tickets purchased through our partner, Paciolan, or any other secondary source are non-refundable. All sales are final.
During any event, every person in the facility (except for children under the age of 2 years old sitting in a lap) must be in possession of one of the following:
- A valid event ticket
- A valid team/event/league credential
- A valid Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium ID for on-duty working staff
Any person discovered inside the stadium without one of the above-mentioned items will be asked to leave the facility. Those who refuse to leave may be considered trespassing and may be subject to arrest.
Persons found to have counterfeited, voided or stolen tickets and/or credentials will be asked to leave the facility. Persons who refuse to comply will be considered trespassing and are subject to arrest. Persons found in possession of counterfeit, voided or stolen tickets may be given the choice of purchasing valid tickets, when available, from the Chicago Stars Ticket Office. We encourage guests to only purchase from authorized outlets to avoid problems with counterfeit, stolen, void or other invalid tickets. The resale of tickets (“scalping”) is against the law and will not be permitted in and around the property of Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Violators will be reported to the Evanston Police Department.
All guests must produce a valid event ticket or credential to the Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium event staff. Guests who refuse to show their tickets or credentials are subject to ejection.
Guests may not change their seat/suite at any time during any event. Guests who are discovered to have changed their seat/suite are subject to ejection.
W
Will Call
Will-call is located at the Chicago Stars Ticket Office located inside the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion at 2311 N Campus Drive Evanston, IL 60208.
Will-call is open on match days three (3) hours prior to kickoff. Only the person whose name appears on the ticket order may pick up the ticket(s) and you must produce a valid photo identification to pick up the ticket(s).