Red Stars set to welcome fans back to SeatGeek Stadium at home opener May 22

The National Women’s Soccer League announced its ninth season will kick off May 15 with three matches.

The first match of the regular season pits Louisville against Kansas City with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. followed by OL Reign vs. the North Carolina Courage and Gotham FC vs. the Houston Dash.

The Red Stars open their season on the road against the Portland Thorns at Providence Park on May 16 at 6 p.m. giving them over two weeks to recover after their Challenge Cup finale against OL Reign tonight.

All kickoff times are subject to change because the league doesn’t have its official broadcast schedule yet.

Fans will be in attendance at SeatGeek Stadium in a limited capacity for the Red Stars’ home opener May 22 against Gotham FC at 7 p.m. The team will only be selling single-game tickets through July due to the fluidity of the pandemic.

The Red Stars COVID-19 protocol includes disinfecting all areas prior to games, required face coverings at all times except when eating and drinking and all fans will be strongly encouraged to use mobile ticketing through the team’s new app.

The 2021 season features all 10 clubs in 24 matches. The Red Stars will play 12 home matches and 12 away. The regular season begins on the road and finishes on the road for the Red Stars on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. against the Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium.

Coming off five consecutive league appearances, the Red Stars will look to make it six and play in their third straight championship match. The league’s expanded playoff pool will include six teams, with the top two seeds receiving a first-round bye and is set to begin in November.

The NWSL Championship is set to be played on Nov. 20.