The Red Stars made history by playing a special game at Wrigley Field, the iconic 110-year-old stadium in Chicago. They faced off against Bay F.C. in a match that broke the NWSL single-game attendance record with 35,038 fans in the stands.
Despite Wrigley Field’s usual capacity of 41,649, adjustments had to be made to accommodate the soccer field, resulting in a slightly lower capacity. However, the stadium was still filled with enthusiastic fans, even as rain fell during the game. The atmosphere was electric, with many fans witnessing a historical moment in women’s soccer.
The match was full of memorable moments, such as Maybelle Blair, a former pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, delivering the match ball. The attention to detail was evident, with the NWSL standings replacing the usual MLB flags in the stadium. Additionally, Mallory Pugh, a star player for the Red Stars, received a heartwarming surprise from her husband, Dansby Swanson, a Chicago Cubs player.
Preparing Wrigley Field for soccer was no easy task