Reduced Concerts
Reduce the fixed number of concerts in the ordinance to six per year to balance the need to realistically operate the venue while addressing the concerns of neighbors.
Ryan Field: A New Vision
A Project of Northwestern University
The new Ryan Field will create a world-class home for Northwestern University Athletics and a best in the nation football experience for fans, players, and a year-round asset for the community.
The project will be privately funded - with no taxpayer financing and significant public benefits.
Progress toward commitments
$133 million in minority contracts to date
October 16, 2024
Northwestern is well on its way to meeting its 35% minority contracting commitments, with $133 million contract awards to date having gone to minority- and women-owned businesses. Of those funds, $27 million has gone to local businesses.
Construction Updates
Construction Update
March 6, 2025
Steel is going up on the upper concourse, and installation of metal decking continues on the north and west sides. Precast installation also is in full swing on the east, south and north sides, as concrete curbs are steadily coming together. Installation of underground utilities also continues in the loading dock area.
Construction Update
March 13, 2025
One of the most visible updates this month is the placement of steel decking, an essential step in preparing for concrete pours that will take place in the coming weeks. In addition, the first signs of seating risers are now emerging, offering an exciting preview of where fans will soon be cheering on the Wildcats.
Stay Informed
For more information on this project as it evolves, consider the following resources.
Moving Forward Together
We are moving forward in a way that we believe realizes the benefits of the stadium redevelopment, while addressing community concerns. Based on that feedback, Northwestern is willing to modify its zoning application to significantly reduce the number of events hosted at the stadium annually while still ensuring financial viability.
No More Unlimited 10K-person Events
No longer asking to modify the original text amendment request that allowed for an unlimited number of 10,000-person University events.
Limit Community-Based Activities
Limit community-based activities at the stadium and plazas to 60 days per year.
An Opportunity to Increase Equity for All of Evanston
We are excited to announce additional financial benefits tied to the Ryan Field redevelopment:
$10M
additional commitment from the Ryan Family will enable the University to create an Evanston workforce technology upskilling program.
$2M
minimum guarantee in annual tax and fee revenue to the City of Evanston tied to events at the new stadium.
$500K
annually to support Evanston Public Schools via the application of a ticket surcharge to concerts at Ryan Field.
$250K
annually to support a signature Evanston/Northwestern event that will benefit our entire community as directed by city leadership.