Demolition work is nearing completion at Northwestern’s 97 year-old Ryan Field. The demolition began in February and is now down to the Central seating section on one side and the end-zone on the other. The total stadium rebuild is on track to finish in summer 2026.
Ryan Field, image from Evanston Roundtable, photographed by Storer H Rowley.
Ryan Field, image from Evanston Roundtable, photographed by Storer H Rowley.
The future stadium is completely privately funded by Pat and Shirley Ryan and is designed for Gold LEED certification. The stadium will have a maximum capacity of 35,000, 12,000 fewer than the previous Ryan Field.
Rendering of new Ryan Field from Northwestern University.
Rendering of new Ryan Field from Northwestern University.
The home field for the Wildcats for the next two seasons remains uncertain, with the possibility of games being held at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, and SeatGeek Stadium. On March 26, the university filed an application with the city for a zoning analysis regarding Martin Stadium at 2235 Campus Drive. The proposed adjustments aim to accommodate up to 15,000 spectators and facilitate all game-day operations. Currently, the university resides in a U3 zoning district.
Site of temporary stadium proposal
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I am disappointed Northwestern did not decide to save some part(s) of Dyche Stadium in the rebuild.
However, not knowing where you are going to play before knocking down your current home is borderline criminal. Perhaps NU should hire more graduates, as it seems their current planners aren’t nearly as smart as their student body claims to be.
They won’t be able to play in Wrigley in September or October. Soldier Field might be questionable depending on the Bears schedule. They won’t draw 5,000 at Seat Geek (depending on the opponent). They should play at Evanston Township HS or take money to play on the road.
Why the reduction in seating capacity?…Can’t the Cats fill a stadium with a consistently competitive team in the B10? Bring Fitzgerald back!!
You mean the guy that endorsed the sexual assault of his own football players? Hard pass on that one.
Wrigley will be available in November. Guaranteed Rate Field will be available in October. The September games to be played on Lakefront (particularly before school starts) could be just fine.
The G-Rate is as easy to get to for students as Wrigley. The concourses and food are great as well.