Northwestern unveils new Ryan Field renderings
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Rendering of the new Ryan Field. Photo: Courtesy of Northwestern University
Northwestern on Monday unveiled renderings of what the new $850 million stadium will look like in Evanston.
Why it matters: The university is moving forward with the state-of-the-art Ryan Field to compete with other Big Ten football programs.
The big picture: With the contentious battle with nearby residents in the rearview mirror, Northwestern looks to have the venue ready in time for the 2026 season.
- In addition to football, it's also going to be used for big concerts, other national sporting events and youth sports championships.
- The university has spent the last few months razing the old stadium.
What they're saying: "With the new Ryan Field, we are introducing a bold new vision for the future of college sports," said Pat Ryan Jr. in a statement. The Ryan family is providing a majority of the stadium funding.
- "We're committed to creating spaces that embody the best of what the modern fan experience can be, while building a legacy of economic empowerment and cultural benefits for our community."
By the numbers: Once built, Northwestern says the new Ryan Field is expected to have over $1 billion economic impact on the Chicago area, with most of it in Evanston near the campus.
Here's what to expect:
- It will hold 35,000 fans. The university promises "better-than-TV" sightlines."
- The seating canopy is engineered to be louder, to give an extra home-field advantage to the Wildcats.
- Parks and plazas will surround the stadium, which will include spaces for pregame activities, pop-up restaurants, live music and tailgating.
What's next: The Wildcats will continue to play at the makeshift stadium in the center of campus until the new stadium is ready.
More renderings:
