Coach and Players React to Move to Grass at Toyota Park

Chicago, Ill. – The Chicago Red Stars recently announced that the team will be playing at Toyota Park for the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League season. With excitement running through the players, coaches and front office, the Red Stars could not think of a better way to end the 2015 year.

“This shows the commitment of both our Owner and General Manager to provide the players, coaches, and fans with the best game day environment possible,” said head coach Rory Dames. “The facility at Toyota Park was fantastic last year and having our home games on a top level grass field is a win/win for everyone.”

Alyssa Mautz, entering her fifth season donning the Red Stars jersey, agreed with Dames. “I couldn’t be any happier to be playing next season at Toyota Park! To be able to play on grass makes such a big difference. We perform well at Toyota Park and it is a world class stadium,” said Mautz.

In 2015, the Red Stars saw the team finish the best in Red Stars history, win another NWSL Rookie of the Year award, four Red Stars players win the FIFA Women’s World Cup and watch as the overall excitement of women’s soccer grew. With such an exciting 2015 year, plus many issues arising for women’s sports in general, the Red Stars are focused on giving both the players and their fans the best environment possible.

“I appreciated Benedictine University and the facilities that they provided,” said forward Jen Hoy, speaking of the past three seasons at the Village of Lisle – Benedictine University Sports Complex. “I’m looking forward to playing on grass and continuing to grow the game at Toyota Park.”

Toyota Park is a soccer specific stadium, which allows the players and fans to experience a true professional game and environment. As women’s soccer continues to grow, so will the Red Stars.

Four-year veteran Vanessa DiBernardo could not be happier about the transition.  “I’m really excited to be playing at Toyota Park next year,” DiBernardo expressed. “It’s great for our club, and shows that we are growing both as a team and as a league. Having played two games there last year, it will be an easy transition for us, and we are really excited to call the stadium our home field!”

A member of the 2009 Chicago Red Stars that played at Toyota Park in the Women’s Professional Soccer days, Michelle Lomnicki could not agree more with DiBernardo. “It’s very exciting that the Red Stars have the opportunity to call Toyota Park home again,” explained Lomnicki. “It’s a huge step in the right direction for the club and I know we had a blast playing there last year. In 2016, it will be an exciting season, especially with the league entering into the fourth year.”

The Chicago Red Stars want to continue to provide the best value major league sports tickets in Chicagoland with over 25% of the available seats being priced at $25 or less, along with free parking. The Red Stars will continue to offer the previously announced season ticket pricing through Sunday, January 10, 2016.  For 2016 Season Ticket information click here or to learn about special 10-ticket ‘Flex Packs’ click here.  To contact us directly, call the Red Stars Ticket Office at 773-697-8699.