Northwestern Unveils Ryan Field Debut Against Penn State on October 2
Northwestern University is set to unveil its new $862 million Ryan Field stadium on October 2. The prime-time opening will feature the Wildcats facing Penn State in their Big Ten season opener. This date is significant as it marks exactly 100 years since the original Northwestern Stadium was inaugurated on the same site.
Home Game Schedule
The Wildcats will play their first two home games of the season at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. These matchups are against:
- South Dakota State on September 5
- Colorado on September 19
Following these games, the remaining five home contests will take place at the new Ryan Field.
Construction Timeline and Challenges
Organizers initially planned to complete Ryan Field in the fall of 2026. However, demolition began later than anticipated in February 2024, shifting completion goals to mid-September 2026. Despite facing inflation and adverse weather conditions, the project remains on track.
Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development, noted that the stadium will undergo a soft opening ahead of the Penn State game to test operations and allow the team to familiarize themselves with the facility.
Stadium Features and Significance
Ryan Field is set to become one of the largest stadiums in college football, with a capacity of 35,000 seats. The original budget was $800 million but increased to $922 million before being adjusted to $862 million due to value engineering. The Ryan family has contributed significantly to funding the project.
Team Update
The Wildcats, coming off their second bowl victory under head coach David Braun, have recently hired Chip Kelly as their new offensive coordinator. Athletic director Mark Jackson expressed his confidence in Ryan Field, believing it will provide an exceptional home-field advantage due to its intimacy and sight lines.
With this new stadium debuting, Northwestern aims to enhance the game-day experience for fans and create a vibrant atmosphere on campus.
