First Images of New Ryan Field Released: See Photos
Northwestern University Unveils First Look at New Ryan Field
Northwestern University and the family that’s supported the majority of the funding and planning for the new Ryan Field are billing it as a “sports and entertainment venue set to become a landmark for college football and Chicago.”
The public can now get its first look at the new Ryan Field, a $850 million, privately-funded venue in north suburban Evanston scheduled to open in 2026.
Intimate Setting
The new Ryan Field will carry over the small, intimate setting provided by the old Ryan Field, which was built in 1926, as well as the makeshift on-campus stadium used in 2024 and 2025. The stadium will have a seating capacity of just 35,000, making it the smallest venue for football in the Big Ten.
The release states that “by leveraging modern engineering, each level is optimized for putting it as close to the field as possible, and every seat will feature a comfortable seat back protected from the weather by a canopy” and that the “seating canopy is also specifically engineered to create a powerful homefield sound advantage at games.”
Economic Impact
The new Ryan Field is expected to have a $1.3 billion impact on the Chicago area, with a $659 million impact just on Evanston. The project will also provide $208 million in contracts for minority- and women-owned businesses, the release states.
Additionally, the Ryan Foundation is providing $10 million to fund workforce development programs for Evanston residents.
Features
- Universal handicap accessibility.
- Over 20,000 square feet of parks and plazas surrounding the stadium, which can host pregame festivities, pop-up restaurants, live music and tailgating.
- Main concourses that are open to the stadium bowl, so fans can still see the game while they’re getting concessions or walking around.
- Four premium clubs, available year-round for all types of events, meetings and private gatherings.
Photos
Photo courtesy RyanSports.com
Photo courtesy RyanSports.com
Photo courtesy RyanSports.com
Photo courtesy RyanSports.com
Photo courtesy RyanSports.com
Photo courtesy RyanSports.com
Photo courtesy RyanSports.com
Conclusion
The new Ryan Field is set to become a landmark for college football and Chicago, offering an intimate setting and state-of-the-art amenities. With a projected $1.3 billion impact on the Chicago area, the project is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region.
FAQs
* When will the new Ryan Field open?
+ The new Ryan Field is scheduled to open in 2026.
* What is the seating capacity of the new Ryan Field?
+ The new Ryan Field will have a seating capacity of 35,000.
* What are some of the features of the new Ryan Field?
+ The new Ryan Field will have universal handicap accessibility, over 20,000 square feet of parks and plazas, main concourses that are open to the stadium bowl, and four premium clubs.
* What is the economic impact of the new Ryan Field?
+ The new Ryan Field is expected to have a $1.3 billion impact on the Chicago area, with a $659 million impact just on Evanston.
