What is the capacity of Ryan Field?

Ryan Field has a seating capacity of 35,000.

Where is Ryan Field located?

Ryan Field is located in Evanston, IL.

What team plays at Ryan Field?

Ryan Field is the home stadium of Northwestern in the Big Ten.

When does Ryan Field open?

Ryan Field is scheduled to open in 2026.

What type of surface does Ryan Field have?

Ryan Field has a fieldturf playing surface.

What stadiums are near Ryan Field?

The closest stadiums to Ryan Field are Wrigley Field (8 mi), Rate Field (16 mi), American Family Field (68 mi), Comerica Park (238 mi), Great American Ball Park (264 mi), Busch Stadium (272 mi).

Who are Northwestern's biggest rivals?

Northwestern's rivals include Illinois (Battle for the Land of Lincoln), Michigan, Notre Dame (Battle for the Shillelagh).

Ryan Field - home of Northwestern in Evanston, IL

NCAA FBS

Ryan FieldEvanston, Illinois

Northwestern

👥

Capacity

35,000

🏆

Conference

Big Ten

📅

Opened

2026

🌱

Surface

FieldTurf

Quick Actions

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📖About Ryan Field

Ryan Field is the home stadium of the Northwestern Wildcats football team at 1501 Central Street in Evanston, Illinois. The current structure opened in 2026 at a reported cost of $862 million, replacing the prior stadium on the same site. It seats 35,000 on FieldTurf — the smallest football stadium in the Big Ten Conference. A full canopy covers all seating while the playing field remains open-air. Design was led by HNTB, Perkins&Will, and Rockwell Group.

🏛️Ryan Field History

Origins

Built to replace the aging Ryan Field with a modern facility that enhances the fan experience, provides better accessibility, and serves as a premier venue for Northwestern and the Evanston community.

Major Renovations

2024Demolition of the original Ryan Field and commencement of construction on the new stadium.

Notable Moments

2026Targeted opening for the first games in the new state-of-the-art facility.

🎟️Visiting Ryan Field

Best Seats

The stadium is designed with a "vertical" bowl to bring every fan closer to the field than in any other Big Ten stadium. Premium clubs and terraces are planned for the east and west sides.

Parking Tips

The new design emphasizes public transit and sustainable travel. Dedicated shuttles and enhanced bike facilities will be integrated into the new gameday experience.

Game Day

While under construction, Northwestern plays home games at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium (Northwestern Medicine Field) on the lakefront. Experience gameday with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Bat 17

The quintessential Northwestern sports bar known for its 'big-hitting' sandwiches and lively gameday energy.

📍 0.8 miles1735 Benson Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 A must-visit for every NU fan. It gets extremely crowded on Saturdays, so arrive early for a table.

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Ten Mile House

Upscale comfort food and craft beer spot located right on the edge of the university campus.

📍 1.2 miles1700 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 Great for a post-game meal. The wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails are local favorites.

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Smylie Brothers Brewing Co.

Local brewery and BBQ joint situated in a converted warehouse with a massive taproom.

📍 0.7 miles1615 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 Excellent selection of house-made beers. Perfect for large groups and soaking in the Evanston vibe.

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🍽️Restaurants

Tomate Fresh Kitchen

Local favorite serving legendary burritos and tacos with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

📍 0.3 miles914 1/2 Noyes St, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 Known for having some of the best burritos in the Chicago area. Cash-only or small-venue feel; great for grabbing a quick bite.

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Prairie Moon

Long-standing Evanston institution known for American regional fare and a great bar scene.

📍 0.6 miles1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 Famous for their massive bar made from old bowling lanes and their regional specialties like blue crab cakes.

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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

The world-famous spot for authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

📍 0.7 miles1850 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 You can't visit the Chicago area without having deep dish. Expect a wait, but it's worth it.

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🏨Hotels

Hilton Orrington/Evanston

$$$

Historic grand hotel located in the heart of downtown Evanston overlooking Lake Michigan.

📍 0.7 miles1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 The premier hotel for visiting teams and parents. Within walking distance of the temporary stadium site.

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Graduate by Hilton Evanston

$$$

Character-filled hotel with a vintage collegiate feel, located just blocks from campus.

📍 0.6 miles1625 Hinman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 Incredible 'Wildcats' themed decor throughout. A very unique stay for any college football fan.

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🎭Attractions

Lake Michigan Shoreline

Free

The stunning lakefront path and beaches adjacent to the university campus.

📍 0.1 milesCampus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208

💡 Take a walk along the water for incredible views of the Chicago skyline. Perfect on a crisp Saturday morning.

View on map →

Grosse Point Lighthouse

Free

Historic 19th-century lighthouse situated on the shores of Lake Michigan.

📍 1.2 miles2601 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60201

💡 A beautiful architectural landmark that offers great photo opportunities near the campus.

View on map →

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Henry Crown Sports Pavilion Garage

Free-$25

Garage📍 0.1 miles

💡 The most convenient parking for games at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. Free on weekends but may require a gameday pass for football.

🏢

North Campus Parking Garage

$20

Garage📍 0.3 miles

💡 A reliable secondary option located slightly south of the stadium complex.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Ryan Field? Share it with us.

Discover More Stadiums

🏆

Big Ten

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📍

Illinois

View all state stadiums

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🔍

Browse by Conference

Explore all conferences

🔥Northwestern Rivals

→

Gies Memorial Stadium

Illinois

Battle for the Land of Lincoln

Champaign, IL

→

Michigan Stadium

Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

→

Notre Dame Stadium

Notre Dame

Battle for the Shillelagh

Notre Dame, IN

Closest Stadiums to Ryan Field

→

Wrigley Field

Chicago Cubs

Chicago, IL8 mi

→

Rate Field

Chicago White Sox

Chicago, IL16 mi

→

American Family Field

Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee, WI68 mi

→

Comerica Park

Detroit Tigers

Detroit, MI238 mi

→

Great American Ball Park

Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati, OH264 mi

→

Busch Stadium

St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis, MO272 mi

Frequently Asked Questions About Ryan Field

What is the capacity of Ryan Field?: Ryan Field has a seating capacity of 35,000.
Where is Ryan Field located?: Ryan Field is located in Evanston, IL.
What team plays at Ryan Field?: Ryan Field is the home stadium of Northwestern in the Big Ten.
When does Ryan Field open?: Ryan Field is scheduled to open in 2026.
Where are the best seats at Ryan Field?: The stadium is designed with a "vertical" bowl to bring every fan closer to the field than in any other Big Ten stadium. Premium clubs and terraces are planned for the east and west sides.
What are the best parking tips for Ryan Field?: The new design emphasizes public transit and sustainable travel. Dedicated shuttles and enhanced bike facilities will be integrated into the new gameday experience.
What type of surface does Ryan Field have?: Ryan Field has a fieldturf playing surface.
What stadiums are near Ryan Field?: The closest stadiums to Ryan Field are Wrigley Field (8 mi), Rate Field (16 mi), American Family Field (68 mi), Comerica Park (238 mi), Great American Ball Park (264 mi), Busch Stadium (272 mi).
Who are Northwestern's biggest rivals?: Northwestern's rivals include Illinois (Battle for the Land of Lincoln), Michigan, Notre Dame (Battle for the Shillelagh).

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.