Construction update from the Central Street Consortium

Bowl seating brackets and anchors, as well as student bleacher standing handrail installation continues this week. Also inside, light gauge metal framing partitions proceed throughout the stadium and concrete masonry work continues on the field level, main concourse, upper concourse and elevator shafts.

Overhead mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) carries on throughout the stadium. Overhead MEP pipe insulation continues. Fire protection overhead work is ongoing throughout the field level. Meanwhile, MEP in-wall rough in continues at all levels. Also ongoing are the metal decking operations for the markets and concessions located throughout the concourses.

Ribbon board enclosure and railing system erection is complete on the upper bowl, while crews have begun installation of the mid-bowl railing.

Exterior framing and sheathing at upper levels on the west side elevation continues. The facade framing system continues on the north side heading to the west. On the east side, site utility storm trap excavation and trucking work proceeds.

Finally, additional areas are being enclosed and heated to support work activity amid cold temperatures.

Questions or concerns?

Northwestern and the Central Street Consortium, in coordination with the City of Evanston, are committed to maintaining a responsive and robust channel of communication with the community throughout the process to Rebuild Ryan Field. Visit the Ryan Field website to ask questions and stay informed about upcoming milestones, including weekly construction updates. Visit the City of Evanston website to stay up to date on all Evanston construction projects and events.

An aerial shot looking south shows the Chicago skyline. Photo courtesy of the Central Street Consortium

Ryan Field to open Oct. 2

Northwestern football will begin its 2026 home schedule with two non-conference games at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Then on Friday, Oct. 2, the Wildcats will open the new Ryan Field against Penn State. The new stadium opener marks exactly 100 years to the day that the original stadium hosted its first football game in 1926.

Northwestern also announced plans to host its initial two community events in the Ryan Field plazas, marking an important step in delivering on its commitment to make the new stadium a year-round community hub.

• Related coverage on ESPN: Northwestern to debut Ryan Field vs. Penn State on Oct. 2

Northwestern students can leave their creative design on the stadium

The University and the Ryan Family have launched a mural contest to find a unique piece of artwork that showcases students’ creativity and Purple Pride. Through March 1, all students are invited to submit an original design to enhance the student plaza outside of Ryan Field. Learn more.

Upcoming events

The Central Street Consortium regularly hosts events to engage the Evanston community in the project to rebuild Ryan Field and to learn more about careers in construction.

Stop by for office hours
A Central Street Consortium team member will be at the will-call office in Welsh-Ryan Arena at 2705 Ashland Ave., each Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. Neighbors are welcome to visit and chat about special programs, construction career opportunities and local businesses. CSC representatives also will be available each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CSC Resource Center at 1910 Greenwood Ave.