The Chicago Red Stars created history at Wrigley Field with a special match against Bay FC. Despite the rain, the historic stadium was almost full, and the atmosphere was electric. The match had special touches like Maybelle Blair, an All-American Girls Professional Baseball League pitcher, delivering the game ball. Additionally, iconic MLB team flags at Wrigley Field were replaced with NWSL standings to show support for the women’s league.
In a touching gesture, Red Stars star Mallory Pugh received flowers in her locker from her husband, Chicago Cubs player Dansby Swanson. The connection between the Red Stars and Cubs went beyond this as both teams shared ownership through the Ricketts family.
The grounds crew played a significant role in preparing Wrigley Field for a soccer match by covering much of the infield and foul territory dirt with turf. A timelapse video showed the transformation from a baseball field to a soccer field the day before the game. The match at Wrigley Field was a memorable moment for the Red Stars and NWSL as a whole.
With 35,038 fans in attendance, it set a new NWSL single-game attendance record at Wrigley Field’s 110-year-old stadium.
